Possibility of revolution in the UK?

Question

My sociology lecturer said I was barmy when I thought that there could be a revolution in England before too long.

My reasons for thinking so are the erosion of free speech, the continuing membership of the common market and the affects of its laws on our way of life and the growing number of immigrants allowed into a country that is already over crowded.

Revolution seems a big word but surley somthing has got to give?

Answer 1

To tell the truth I'd quite like to see the people make this and future governments to actually take us into account and not for granted.

And the only way seems to be some sort of action.

Answer 2

First off, revolution by whom? against whom? Democracies tend not to be overthrown except by the military, and I think that is unlikely.
Revolutions occur when the people have an overarching desire for change, and there is no outlet for that change to be realised. And what would replace the status quo? What do the majority want to replace Democracy with exactly?
The common market? eh? If the majority in the UK wanted out, then the UK Independence party would be in power, what was their percentage of the popular vote last time? As for immigration, ditto the last statement for the BNP.
The erosion of free speech is something which worried me, but it appears that the majority will accept this as long as they have the illusion of safety. So I live in New Zea land.
Take a look out the window at the people going to work. Does that lot look like revolutionaries?
It's sad but true, most people do not desire freedom, just good masters. As we can chuck out the government every 4 years, I can't see the pressure for change ever building up to a critical mass where the people will endure hardship and death for the promise of a better (whatever that means) government.
Just because you and your mates hate the common market and immigrants, it doesn't mean that everyone else does, or if they do, it doesn't mean it's that big deal for them.
So I think your Sociology lecturer is right in his/her assessment. Sorry

Answer 3

There SHOULD be a revolution, but there will not be one. Revolutions do not happen because you deny people freedoms that don't affect them on a daily basis, or affect the majority of the population. Nazism may have been distasteful to many Germans (who were not really Nazis themselves) but they went along with it because it was easier than to stand up to it - and after all, they weren't the ones suffering like the "inferior races".

The right to free speech may have been denied TOTALLY (as in you can say what you want unless it denies others free speech or causes panic - like shouting fire in a theatre) - but on an everyday basis you can still pretty much say what you like. So long as you don't plan on bothering politicians in Whitehall with your protests (which they will ignore, no matter how well attended) you will get along fine.

In short, people will put up with a LOT before getting angry enough to overthrow the government - look at Iran, the Mullahs are hated by a large section of the population, but their lives are easier living under them than in starting a revolution. Plus the fact that the British are a largely peaceful nation, there are relatively few riots, there was only a brief spell of republicanism, there was no uprising against the government in the mid 19th century (like much of europe) and there was no fascist/communist revolution in the 30's, unlike almost all of europe.

Answer 4

Most likely it shall be a revolution with in the Labour Party; for a labour party they really screwed labour. A general revolution? The population is too diverse for that in class and race division. An extraordinary amount of work needs to be done to organize an armed and willing revolutionary militia. To be revolutionary itself, however, is a different goal completely. In the Marxist sense to be revolutionary is to a practical critical thinker. I am certain many people are able to do that, but to be that in the Marxist sense is not very likely; most people are mistaught the science and most are driven either in revenge or they only have the materialistic goals in mind and both motives fail the student.


http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1844/manuscripts/comm.htm

Answer 5

I believe it's easier to forsee a revolution happening than not happening. However, seeing how much of the western world is very intertwined these days due to the huge network and influence of global capitalism, I think it is actually more likely for the entire global system to fall apart rather than merely one country. Nation states just aren't what they used to be, and the (multi-national) corporation is mostly where this power has gone.

Answer 6

I do think that revolution is a strong word,but i do believe there is going to be a lot of racial tension and bloodshed between different ethnic groups, something is definitely going to give and before too long.I think if there is one more attack on british soil the balloon will go up,there will be a donnybrook to beat all donnybrooks the whole nation will be up in arms.

Answer 7

Eventually, there will be a collapse somewhere. The continuing growth of the super-rich, with the erosion of the middle class, and the depth of poverty EVERYWHERE will reach a point where there has to be a reaction. It HAS happened before -- it's likely to happen again...

You're right, something has to give.

Answer 8

Get serious... the English? Never! They are so tied up in their damn traditions they're still wasting money supporting the Queen and her ilk. NO WAY!!! The English have suffered some really tough times and always manage to tough it out with grace and humility. I'd bet a dollar (American) that all the French together couldn't never come close to the bravery and loyalty of one Englishman. F the royal family, but God save the English!!!

Answer 9

Very good but have you studied the history of the UK and It's people.
I don't think so. We had a very bloody revolution some years ago and that has made use such a desirable country to come to because we are fare. You sound like a NAZI to me pal.

Answer 10

Civil unrest is on the cards that's for sure!! The way things are going in this country,thanks to Mr Blair and co,and of course Europe,its inevitable. Its a case of when,not if!!