Power to the people: an investigation into Democratic revolutions of the 20th century

Revolution is the basis of many beginnings of new nations. Modern revolutions work to create an entirely new system of government for a society and usually with the moral force of working for a people as opposed to individuals in power. This thesis seeks to understand the causal factors that spark democratic revolutions using a most-different-systems theory. By examining case studies of the 1952 Egyptian Revolution, 1918-1919 German Revolution, and 1910 Monégasque Revolution, patterns are drawn to reveal similarities that are markedly interrelated. What has been found is that precursors involving authoritarian monarchies, domestic dominance by international powers, and individual leaders or small groups supported by the masses can result in a revolution that ends in democracy. Utilizing existing literature, this thesis first examines the theory behind such study, then describes the methods used to complete this piece, before launching into the historical contexts, revolutions, and aftermaths of each case study, discussing the results and greater implications of what has been learned, and ultimately concluding with some final remarks.