"Revolutions have been a part of politics for centuries. Their ideologies, their leaders, and their successes or failures have shaped the history of nations worldwide. This comparative survey focuses on five major case studies." "Revolutions in World History traces the origins, developments, and outcomes of the revolutions, providing an understanding of the revolutionary tradition in a global context. The study raises questions about motivations and ideologies. In particular, it examines the effectiveness of these revolutions - and revolution as a concept - in bringing about lasting political changes."--BOOK JACKET.