What is the difference between Revolution and Terrorism?

Answer 1

That is a very good question. I'm not even sure there is any difference at all...

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Revolution and terrorism are not related at all. It's like people and computers. A person can use a computer, but they refer to very different things. A revolutionary can use terrorism to achieve his goals. But terrorism and revolution is in no way the same thing.

Terrorism generally refers to the use of "terror." The goals can be freedom, liberty, and justice or for popularity and influence. It generally involves extreme violence such as mutilation, assassination, and so on to gain attention and force authorities to concede / come to the bargaining table.

Ex. capturing and mutilating government officials on television. Generally makes other officials vary afraid for their lives and families and therefore very willing to appease the terrorists.

Revolution however refers to the complete overthrow of a government by citizens. Generally invokes the ideas of social contract. A revolution can be bloodless as in The Glorious Revolution (UK) or it can be extremely gruesome with mass murders and prolonged warfare.

Also, generally implies successful overthrow of the government. The winners write histroy. So when the gov wins, they get labeled as rebels / criminals. When the revolutionaries win, they call themselves revolutionaries.

People generally have a beautiful view of revolutions as great moments where people strives to achieve magnificent goals such as liberty in face of extreme hardship. Revolutions tend to be the most gruesome and bloody types of violence. Sides are not clearly defined. Powerful individuals who don't chose a side or are unsure generally end up dead. Rarely do revolutions have amazing leaders as was the case in America where we had a whole set of similarly minded and very gifted individuals who followed their beliefs. Even when successful, most leaders who were excellent at gaining popular support and etc. turned out to be terrible governors afterwards which lead to long periods of instability and a general break down of law.

-AshLikeSnow

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Answer 2

terrorism uses violence unlike activism which is more peaceful