Two Sides of the Coin: Seven Fundamental Lessons from the Three Great Revolutions of the World (The French, Russian, and Iranian Constitutional Revolutions)
Keywords:
French Revolution, Russian Revolution, Iranian Constitutional Revolution,, Social Transformations, Historical LessonsAbstract
This study conducts a comparative analysis of three major world revolutions: the French Revolution (1789–1799), the Russian Revolution (1917), and the Iranian Constitutional Revolution (1905–1911), and identifies seven fundamental lessons derived from these historical events. Using a comparative-analytical method and drawing on credible historical sources, the study demonstrates that despite their differences in time and geography, these revolutions follow common patterns rooted in social, economic, and political discontent. The findings indicate that superficial reforms within authoritarian regimes are ineffective and incapable of preventing deep transformations. Furthermore, the threat of a return to despotism after a revolution—particularly in the absence of democratic institution-building—constitutes a serious risk. Institutionalizing revolutionary goals, as occurred in France, is essential for preserving revolutionary achievements. The role of religious institutions in these events has been dual-faceted, and managing the religion-politics relationship remains a central challenge. A rational approach to religion, active participation of the marginalized classes, and emphasis on the people's role as the true protagonists of revolution are additional lessons highlighted in this study. These results offer a framework for understanding the dynamics of revolutionary movements and provide practical guidance for societies in transition to avoid post-revolutionary failures.
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