Arms Quote by Friedrich Engels
“A revolution is certainly the most authoritarian thing there is; it is the act whereby one part of the population imposes its will upon the other part by means of rifles, bayonets and cannon - authoritarian means, if such there be at all; and if the victorious party does not want to have fought in vain, it must maintain this rule by means of the terror which its arms inspire...”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Condition of the Working Class in England, 1845
Authoritarian revolutions impose one group’s will on another through force, sustained by terror if the victors seek lasting power.
In simple terms: Revolutions use violence and fear to enforce dominance.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the link between authoritarianism and violent coercion.
Themes
authoritarianism
revolution
violence
power
terror
political theory
Mood
critical
analytical
serious
Type
political
historical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- political coups
- military dictatorships
- colonial conquests
- civil wars
Key Concepts
statecraft
social control
historical analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- Can a revolution be truly authoritarian without violence?
- What alternatives exist to achieve political change without terror?
A Different Perspective
The analysis may overlook non‑violent revolutionary movements.
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![“...it was always our view that in order to attain this [proletarian revolution] and the other far more important aims of the future social revolution, the working class must first take possession of the organised political power of the state and by its aid crush the resistance of the capitalist…” quote by Friedrich Engels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/458/friedrich-engels-8301_aids_it-was-always-our-view-that-in-order-to_258810.jpg)
