Podcast Summary: Revolutions – Appendix 12: Coming Full Circle One Last Time

Host: Mike Duncan
Episode Title: Appendix 12 - Coming Full Circle One Last Time
Release Date: December 19, 2022

Introduction

In the penultimate episode of the Revolutions podcast, host Mike Duncan reflects on the journey of the series, which has meticulously chronicled various historical revolutions over ten seasons. This episode serves as a comprehensive appendix, delving into the nuances of defining the beginnings and endings of revolutions, comparing different revolutionary movements, and pondering the efficacy and necessity of such upheavals.

Reflecting on the Revolutions Podcast

Mike Duncan opens the episode with heartfelt gratitude towards his listeners, expressing how producing the show has been an honor and how he hopes it has positively impacted their daily lives. He hints at a final farewell episode in the following week, marking the conclusion of nearly a decade-long exploration of revolutions.

"It has been an incredible honor to produce this show... Thanks for letting me spend that time with you. I'll miss you too."
— [00:30]

Defining the Endpoints of Historical Revolutions

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing when various historical revolutions truly concluded—a topic often subject to debate among historians. Duncan examines several key revolutions, outlining their starting and ending points:

• British and Irish Revolution (1639-1660): Marked by the collapse of the Commonwealth and the restoration of the Stuart monarchy.

• American Revolution (1764-1789): Begins with the Stamp Act and concludes with the implementation of the Constitution.

• French Revolution (1789-1815): While debates exist, Duncan suggests ending it with the restoration of the Bourbons.

• Haitian Revolution (1799-1804): Ends with Haiti's Declaration of Independence.

• Spanish American Independence (1808-1833): Ends with the death of King Charles VII, though recognition varied over the years.

• French Revolution of 1830: A brief period lasting about two years.

• Revolutions of 1848: An 18-month upheaval leading to the establishment of neo-absolutist regimes in several European states.

• Mexican Revolution (1910-1920): Concludes with significant constitutional changes under President Cardenas.

• Russian Revolution (1904-1922): Extends through the civil war, solidifying the communist regime with the formation of the USSR.

Duncan emphasizes the complexity in pinpointing exact end dates, as revolutions often leave lingering effects that transcend their active periods.

Political vs. Social Revolutions

Duncan differentiates between political and social revolutions, explaining that while all the revolutions discussed were political in nature—overhauling the structures of power—not all led to profound social transformations. Approximately half of the revolutions examined did not fundamentally alter economic relations or cultural hierarchies.

For instance:

• American Revolution: Largely maintained existing economic structures without drastically changing social hierarchies.

• Russian Revolution: Led to a complete reorganization of the economy and society, epitomizing a social revolution.

He further discusses how revolutions often result in the establishment of parliamentary structures, shifting the locus of sovereignty and altering governance models.

Costs and Benefits of Revolutions

One of the most thought-provoking sections of the episode centers on evaluating whether revolutions were worth their immense costs, such as loss of life, societal trauma, and economic disruption. Duncan poses several critical questions:

• Necessity: Were these revolutions essential to achieve their outcomes, or could reforms have sufficed?

• Moral Justifications: Particularly in cases like the Haitian Revolution, Duncan argues that morally reprehensible systems (e.g., slavery) necessitated radical means for their abolition.

• Hypotheticals: He explores scenarios where better leadership and compromises might have averted revolutions, though he acknowledges the improbability of such outcomes in certain contexts.

Duncan concludes that while some revolutions may have inflicted unnecessary suffering, others were indispensable for dismantling oppressive systems and advancing societal progress.

"The crime of enslavement is so morally intolerable... you can't morally rule out any tool a slave might use to free themselves."
— [35:20]

Final Thoughts and Farewell

As the episode draws to a close, Duncan contemplates the possibility of exploring non-violent societal transformations in a potential future podcast titled "Reforms." He contrasts the tumultuous paths of nations like Britain and France, suggesting that gradual reforms can sometimes achieve similar ends with less chaos.

He humbly admits that definitive answers to the questions posed about the value and necessity of revolutions remain elusive, leaving listeners to form their own opinions based on historical evidence and moral considerations.

"I do not ultimately have great answers to these great questions... I just think it's my job to present you with all the information..."
— [50:45]

Conclusion

Appendix 12 of the Revolutions podcast serves as a reflective analysis of the series' exploration into historical revolutions. Mike Duncan meticulously breaks down the complexities of defining revolutionary periods, distinguishes between political and social revolutions, and engages with the profound question of their overall worth. As the podcast approaches its finale, listeners are left with a rich tapestry of historical insights and philosophical ponderings on the nature of societal change.

Note: Advertisements and promotional segments present in the original transcript have been intentionally excluded from this summary.