Do Revolutions End?
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of a Revolution is as follows:
: the usually violent attempt by many people to end the rule of one government and start a new one
: a sudden, extreme, or complete change in the way people live, work, etc.
: the action of moving around something in a path that is similar to a circle
The Mexican Revolution is directly related to the first definition. It was an attempt to overthrow the government and start a new one, violently. We've seen this in the movie Viva Zapata and in Professor Stark's lectures. It was violent, bloody, a success and a failure at various points throughout the revolution. In Viva Zapata, it ends with the quote: "If we ever need him again, he'll be back." This is talking, literally, about Zapata's horse, Blanco. But how would Blanco help them? Blanco is symbolic of Zapata and what he fought for. Blanco is the living symbol of the revolution.
Earlier on, as the president was discussing what to do with Zapata, Fernando says "Cut of the head and the snake will die." Although Zapata is the leader, he isn't the complete driving force behind the revolution, so this won't work. Cutting of Zapata would simply be giving the people a martyr to revenge and to fight for.
The ideology of the Mexican Revolution is passed down from generation to generation. The history is never forgotten, and so the revolution never dies. When something as significant as the Mexican Revolution happens, it is not just thrown away and forgotten. It is learned from, taught to the next generations, and used as the force to drive new ideas, and new revolutions.
In our own country, take 9/11 for example. We learned from the terrorist attack. It has been 12 years, and we haven't forgotten. We still fight terrorism. Whenever there are martyrs or an event that sweeps and impacts everyone in a country, it is not easily forgotten. It is our history, who we are. We learn from our mistakes so we don't make them again, because history repeats itself.
I instantly think of the Industrial Revolution in the early 1900's when I read the second definition. Drastic changes to the workplace and living conditions. Did this ever end? I believe the Industrial Revolution is still happening today. Changes are still being made, it just isn't as significant today as it was during this time period. We never stopped industrializing, it continues still today.
Finally, going down to the root of the word, a revolution is a circle. A circle never ends. So, a revolution never ends. The path a revolution takes may vary slightly, but it still keeps going. Revolutions as ideas continue as long as there are people who know and believe in the idea. They may eventually fizzle out, but because we are taught history they can always be resurrected.
Have a great weekend everyone! 2 more weeks until Spring Break! :)
I love how included every definition of a revolution, very interesting. I thought it was interesting how you brought up the fact that revolutions do not end. I never thought of this and I suppose the societies we are living in are always evolving and people are always fighting for new reforms to amend their countries. Even today in America, I feel as if we are still fighting for freedom for all, which we were fighting for in the American Revolution. I really loved the concept of this entry, good job leah :)
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