Revolutions Eat Their Children: Learning from 5 of History’s Revolutionary Betrayals
“Revolutions eat their children” largely captures the tragic irony that often follows revolutionary upheavals. The phrase, coined by French revolutionary Georges Danton, carries with it an ever-present relevance.
The phrase emphasises a recurrent historical theme: revolutions, born of the desire for change and justice often consume their most ardent supporters. This leads to internal purges, betrayals, and executions.
This phenomenon has echoed through various historical revolutions, illustrating the cyclical and often self-destructive nature of revolutionary movements. Here is a peek into some of history’s best-known revolutions.
The French Revolution
The French Revolution (1789-1799) is perhaps the most representative example of this dynamic. It was ignited by the populace’s demand for liberty, equality and fraternity. Soon, the revolution devolved into a period of intense political strife and bloodshed.
Key figures such as Maximilien Robespierre and Georges Danton who played pivotal roles in overthrowing the ancient regime ultimately became victims of the very forces they unleashed. Robespierre, a leader during the Reign of Terror, orchestrated mass executions of those deemed enemies of the revolution.
However, his radical measures and growing paranoia led to his downfall. He was arrested and executed by the same revolutionary tribunal he once controlled. Similarly, Danton who was once a leading voice for revolutionary justice fell out of favour and was guillotined in 1794.
The Russian Revolution
The Russian Revolution of 1917 is another example. The Bolsheviks, under Vladimir Lenin, successfully overthrew the provisional government and established a socialist state. However, the consolidation of power led to severe internal conflicts.
Leon Trotsky, a key revolutionary leader and founder of the Red Army, was expelled from the Communist Party and later assassinated on Stalin’s orders. Stalin’s regime was marked by widespread terror.
These were targeted at former comrades, military leaders, and ordinary citizens accused of counter-revolutionary activities. The Great Terror (1936-1938) epitomized this trend, with hundreds of thousands executed or sent to labour camps. As such, the original revolutionary cohort was killed.
The Chinese Cultural Revolution
In China, the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) initiated by Mao Zedong aimed to preserve communist ideology by getting rid of the remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society. Mao mobilized the youth and formed the Red Guards to attack the “Four Olds” (old customs, culture, habits, and ideas).
However, the movement spiralled out of control. This led to widespread chaos, persecution, and the destruction of cultural heritage. Key leaders, such as Liu Shaoqi, once Mao’s heir apparent, and Deng Xiaoping, faced brutal persecution.
Liu died under harsh conditions, while Deng was expelled twice before eventually returning to power and initiating major economic reforms that moved China away from Maoist principles.
The Iranian Revolution
The Iranian Revolution of 1979 saw the overthrow of the Shah and the establishment of an Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini. Initially supported by a diverse coalition, including secular liberals, communists, and religious groups, the revolution soon turned inward.
The new regime systematically eliminated opposition. Prominent figures who had fought against the Shah, such as the socialist Mujahideen and various leftist factions, were imprisoned, executed, or forced into exile. The revolution’s early supporters found themselves victims of the new order they helped to create. All these happened as the clerical establishment consolidated power.
The Cuban Revolution
In Cuba, the 1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara overthrew the Batista regime. It promised a new era of social justice and equality. However, as Castro’s government consolidated its hold, it moved against perceived internal enemies.
Prominent revolutionaries like Huber Matos who criticized the direction of the government were imprisoned. Camilo Cienfuegos, another key figure, died under mysterious circumstances. The revolutionary drive that had united diverse groups against Batista fractured as dissent was met with harsh reprisals.
Lessons and Reflections
These few historical examples reveal a pattern where revolutionary movements turn on their own. In the quest for ideological purity and consolidation of power, people turn against each other. The initial unity and idealism give way to suspicion, disagreements, and often brutal repression.
Revolutions always promise radical change and the eradication of oppression. Conversely, they frequently replicate the very dynamics of power and violence they sought to overthrow.
Several factors contribute to this tragic cycle. Revolutionary movements often lack clear mechanisms for orderly political succession which leads to power struggles. The zeal for ideological purity creates an atmosphere of mistrust and former allies become suspected enemies.
Additionally, the initial upheaval and violence of revolutions set a precedence that makes it easier for new regimes to justify the continued use of terror and repression.
The fact that revolutions eat their children should serve as a sobering reminder of the inherent dangers of revolutionary movements. While revolutions can lead to significant societal changes and the overthrow of oppressive regimes, they also harbour the potential for internal destruction and the perpetuation of violence.
Understanding this pattern is crucial for informed strategy formulation during revolutionary undertakings. For those who seek to learn from history and pursue social change through more sustainable and inclusive means, always remember this phrase by heart.
