The systems of governance have an imperative impact on economic, social, and political aspects in every nation. During the colonial era, colonists had an upper hand in the way political processes were carried out in their respective colonies. As a result, the colonists introduced systems of power and governance characterized with policies and regulations that were revolted by the colonies. Colonies were against westernization by colonists as they desired to maintain their culture and beliefs. In an economic outlook, colonists exploited their colonies through mineral resources and raw materials. In India, British colonialism had an imperious role in the rise of revolts and nationalism that resulted from resentment of British colonialism. The emergence of nationalism against the British rule in India led to the end of colonialism in the country .
The rise of colonialism in India can be attributed to the strong economic ties India had with Britain over a long period of trade. Large Britain corporations played a significant role on British control and rule over India. The move was precipitated by the presence of numerous resources that existed in India. The rise of the industrial revolution pushed European countries to look for raw material, and resources for their industries. As a result, colonialism was necessary in order to gain control of available resources in foreign countries. The British government, ultimately, took control of Indian resources. Control over India was an easy move by the British colony as Indians were divided leading to a weak sense of nationalism. British colonialism in India was an imperative move as a result of the existing trade activities between the two countries .
British control over India elicited mixed reactions due to exploitation of resources and raw materials in the region. Indian economic wealth was transferred to Britain in the aim of facilitating industrialization and improving their economy. Economic exploitation by the British rule resulted into resentment by the Indian community. Cultural fragmentation of Indians allowed the British government to take over control with ease even. There was less resistance as a result of the absence of nationalism among Indians. The British rule had an imperative control over Indian economy, and socio-cultural aspects. All the economic revenue from Indian companies was deemed as rightful profit for the Britain government. Exploitation of British rule over India, and exportation of raw material and resources from India to Britain contributed to drain of economic wealth in India. The British rule ensured that Indian markets depended on Britain supplies for their prolonged control over India. The aforementioned practices led to resentment and rejection of British rule by Indians .
On the contrary, British control over India had some positive effects in social and economic perspectives that led to acceptance and accommodation by a proportion of Indians. For instance, Indian infrastructure was restructured and improved in order to allow quick and efficient movement of goods and services. British rule in India brought about the development and modernization to the marginalized and underdeveloped areas. Establishment of schools, hospitals, and roads helped India improve its global status. By contrast, an attempt to unify Indians through the establishment of the English language was the significant cause of the end of British rule over India. The move by British government to introduce English language in order to ease communication among various Indian communities was met with rejection and resistance by Indian elites. The few Indian elites mobilized and facilitated the rise of nationalism in India that led to gain of independence and the end of 190 years British rule over India .
The American government has been involved in some incidences that are against the citizens will and liberty. Political governance has sometimes been associated with tyranny and other cruel activities that impede violent demonstration by Americans with the aim of bringing change to the American governance. Individuals’ rights and freedoms have also been oppressed by political governance and leadership leading to dictatorial forms of leadership. Individual oppression in the form of increased taxation has resulted into chains of violent revolution in America as a means to oppose the harsh government regulations. Violent revolutions in America have been precipitated by harsh and tyrannical leadership that does not consider the individuals’ interests and freedoms. In 1763, the violent revolution in America was meant to put to an end increased tax that saw hiking of prices of goods and services. Increased taxation was a means of financing America’s colonies in foreign countries. America was, heavily, spending on their colonies in terms of military personnel and weaponry used to conquer colonies. As a result, Americans opposed to move by the government to increase taxes through violent demonstrations and subsequent revolution .
Orange revolution in Ukraine took place from late 2004 to early 2005 after a run-off of the presidential election. Presidential candidates, Victor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Victor Yanukovych, took part in a highly competitive election poll. The opposition party led by Yushchenko lost the election in a controversial election results. As a result, the orange revolution was ignited by malpractices that were carried out during election resulting into voter intimidation, and electoral fraud. As a result, civil resistance emerged with the aim of ensuring justice and democracy in the electoral process. Daily demonstrations among Protestants were evident across the capital characterized by strikes, and sit-ins. The goals of the orange revolution were free and non-biased presidential elections .
The American Revolution was mainly as a result of intolerable government policies and regulations that adversely affected citizens in general. Americans opposed to the implemented regulations through violent demonstrations that led to a revolution. The imposition of heavy taxes between 1764 and 1766 was put to end by violent Protestants opposing the implementation of such taxes on citizens. The Townshend Acts and Tea Act of 1767-1773 also were met by opposition by violent demonstrators across the streets. The American revolutions were accompanied by exchanges of fire between soldiers and Protestants, leading to loss of lives. The American government can be held accountable for the consistent violent revolution experienced in the history of America .
On the contrary, the orange revolution in Ukraine was a non-violent revolution that accomplished its goals and objectives. The opposition party and ruling party sympathizers held non-violent protests and demonstrations across the capital with the aim of a free and democratic re-election process. According to the opposition party, the presidential elections were biased and rigged by the ruling party. As a result, the orange revolution attracted millions of party Protestants across the country against malpractices experienced during the election. The opposition sympathizers, ultimately, achieved their desired goals after a fair election process where Victor Yushchenko won the election by a majority vote of 52 percent against Victor Yanukovych’s 44 percent . The difference between the two revolutions, therefore, lies at the basis of approaches and tactics used to solve the emerging issues.
References
Cohn, B. S. (1996). Colonialism and Its Forms of Knowledge: The British in India. New Jersey: Princeton University Press.
Dirks, N. B. (2001). Castes of Mind: Colonialism and the Making of Modern India. New Jersey: Princeton University Press.
Raphael, R. (2012). A People's History of the American Revolution: How Common People Shaped the Fight for Independence. New York: New Press.
Wilson, A. (2005). Ukraine's Orange Revolution. London: Yale University Press.
