The Pressure Cooker Theory of Revolution
The Pressure Cooker Theory of Revolution
Students should explain the theory as described in unit 1, and provide further explanation and understanding by using the case study of the French Revolution or Russian revolution. Students are also allowed to use an example of a revolution that may not be covered in this course as long as it is appropriate and the details support the theory. Be sure to include details from your examples, as well as references and citations.
These were my teachers notes on The Pressure Cooker Theory of Revolution:
Pressure Cooker Theory of Revolution The three classes (upper, middle, and lower) have different goals and aspirations peculiar to their position in the social pyramid. Friction among the classes may ignite a fire under the pressure cooker. At that point change must come in one of two ways:
1) Change from the top only results from a long period of evolution toward the establishment of democracy or socialism.
2) Change from the bottom only results in a violent revolution leading to the establishment of a new government, usually a communist state.
The middle and upper classes can keep the lid on if they will carefully watch the pressure gauge. It is their responsibility to open the safety valve in order to allow some of the steam to escape. Passing laws to eliminate grievances of the lower classes can serves this function. If this is done, a long period of evolutionary change will lead the state toward democracy or socialism. If they ignore the gauge and plug up the safety valve the lid may be blown off in a revolution or class war. There is much flammable material underneath the pressure cooker that consists of the grievances of the lower classes. This material may just smolder for years before bursting into flames. Middle or upper class intellectuals almost always ignite the material because only they have the education necessary to devise and carry out a program of revolution. The leaders of a true revolution are almost always traitors to their own class. They lead revolutions for only one reason, to gain power for themselves.
