Summary

In this conversation, Cole Strawn and Jason Bolt discuss Crane Brinton's book on revolutions and Neil Gordon's analysis of it. They explore the stages of a revolution, including the preliminary signs, the increase in protests and propaganda against the old regime, and the response from the old regime. They also discuss the importance of the old regime's response in determining the success of the revolution. The conversation touches on the American Revolution and the Civil War as examples. They emphasize the significance of self-censorship and the need for truth in society. In this conversation, JB and Cole discuss the stages of a revolution as outlined by Neil Gordon in his essay 'The American Revolution as a Model for the Modern American Revolution.' They identify six stages: the old regime, the moderate wing of the revolution, the extremists, the reign of terror, the new normal, and the new regime. They discuss how these stages play out in historical revolutions and draw parallels to current events. They emphasize the importance of studying history to understand the present and make informed decisions.

Takeaways

Understanding the stages of a revolution can provide insights into the current state of affairs in society.

Preliminary signs, such as structural, economic, political, and social weaknesses, may indicate the possibility of a revolution.

The response from the old regime, either with sufficient or insufficient force, plays a crucial role in the success of the revolution.

Self-censorship is a prevalent issue in society and can hinder the pursuit of truth.

The American Revolution and the Civil War serve as examples of revolutions with different outcomes. Revolutionary movements go through distinct stages, including the old regime, the rise of moderates, the emergence of extremists, the reign of terror, the establishment of a new normal, and the rise of a new regime.

The moderates in a revolution are often displaced by extremists who criticize their progress and demand more radical change.

The reign of terror is a stage in which the third regime of extremists systematically eliminates anything associated with the old regime.

Eventually, the extreme measures of the third regime become unsustainable, leading to a desire for change and the rise of a fourth regime of moderates.

Studying history is crucial to understanding the present and making informed decisions about the future.

The current state of the modern American revolution is discussed in the next part of Neil Gordon's essay.