Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Practice Essay #7: Violent Revolution

Question: No matter how oppressive a government, violent revolution is never justified. Describe a specific situation in which violent revolution might be justified. Discuss what you think determines whether or not violent revolution is justified.

Answer:
The statement suggests that a violent revolution is never the answer to bringing about the end of a government no matter how oppressive that government may be. After the collapse of a government, a state of anarchy often times ensue which leaves the country in worst shape than it was under the oppressive government. Another possible outcome is that the government that is established right after the collapse of the first one is sometimes equal to or even more oppressive in nature than the one before it.

Not every violent revolution have a bleak outcome likes those mentioned earlier. There have been various examples throughout history where a violent revolution was a stepping stone that was necessary for the establishment of a better government. A good example that comes to mind is the American Revolution which freed America from the oppressive rules of Britain. Over taxation and under representation in the running of the government were two reasons, amongst a few other reasons, why Americans wanted to break away from British control. The American Revolution did not start out as a violent revolution, however, but ended up as such. Other means were sought first to bring about changes in the ways in which the British govern America such as voicing their opinions in Parliament and through boycotts of various items such as tea.

There is various times where violent revolution is not justified no matter how oppressive the government may be. A violent revolution often will leave the country in a more chaotic and a worst state than when it was under the oppressive government. There are certain situations, however, where a violent revolution is justified. This could be seen by just looking at the history of our own country. What seems to determine whether or not a violent revolution is justified then is if the revolution is a way to permanently end an oppressive government and to bring about the establishment of a better government. While it is not necessary to consider, looking at whether or not other means (not through the use of violence) to bring about a revolution were sought after first before resorting to the use of violence might help in the determination of whether the revolution is justified or not.

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