Revolutions?

[Lizard]

What has been the most influential armed revolution or civil war in world history? I'm catagorically ruling out such things as the "Industrial Revolution" or the "Electronics revolution" by using the term "armed revolution." Only armed insurrections or civil wars qualify.

So which is it? English? American? French? Russian? Chinese?

I've heard that the French Rev. changed Europe. But I've also heard that the French Rev. was definitely influenced by the American Rev. But when you think about it, the American reolutionaries' philosophy ("no taxation without representation") was based on a concept that was affirmed by the English Civil Wat in the 1600's. Now I'm just confused as hell.

[JBENZ]

I'd have to go with the Roman Social Wars, a series of insurrections and civil wars that took place between 100 and 44 BC, ending with the defeat of Pompey and the death of Caesar. The Social Wars marked the end of the Roman Republic and set the stage for the Empire which charted the course of Western Civilization for the next 2000 years (so far).

[friedo]

Originally posted by JBENZ
I'd have to go with the Roman Social Wars, a series of insurrections and civil wars that took place between 100 and 44 BC, ending with the defeat of Pompey and the death of Caesar. The Social Wars marked the end of the Roman Republic and set the stage for the Empire which charted the course of Western Civilization for the next 2000 years (so far).



I'd agree with that - it pretty much set the stage for the development of European (and hence American) culture.

Also, the American Revolution was about a LOT MORE than just taxes.