Books aren’t just unforgettable stories; sometimes they can help spur the course of future literature and history. Bringing forth new ideas, breaking conventions, and reshaping the way we see the world, these pieces of literature have held their weight in the world for decades after publication. While not all of these have spurred a world revolution, they have all played a part in changing the world for the better. Keep reading to learn about six pieces of literature that influenced revolutions.
6. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Starting our list of literature that influenced revolutions is The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. While it made people furious when the book was first published, a change was made. Steinbeck described the suffering migrant workers during the Great Depression with such detail that it influenced more people to advocate for government intervention. Finally, Congress passed legislation to protect migrant farmers and call for improved living conditions.
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5. The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin
Fifth on our list of literature that influenced revolutions is The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin. While not fictional, Darwin’s findings about animals and how they evolve challenged everything humans thought they knew about the world. It redefined humans in the world and became a scientific stepping stone to new research, discoveries, and beliefs. The discovery continues to impact the world around us.
4. Common Sense by Thomas Paine
Next on our list of literature that influenced revolutions is Common Sense by Thomas Paine. The book was first published anonymously, but was later attributed to Paine. While it wasn’t the only reason for starting the Revolutionary War in 1776, Paine’s piece was the first to speak directly to the American people, advocating for personal freedom and social equality. The words spurred many to support the revolution, and the fight for freedom and equality is still too relevant today.
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3. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass
Rounding out the top three pieces of literature that influenced revolutions is Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass. While Uncle Tom’s Cabin is a quintessential book when it comes to revealing the tragedies of slaves in America, there is something especially compelling about Douglass’s autobiography. It forced white Americans to face how evil slavery was and join the abolitionist movement.
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2. The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx & Friedrich Engels
Second on our list of literature that influenced revolutions is The Communist Manifesto by Karl Max and Frederick Engels. Now a stepping stone when it comes to reading critical and political texts, the Manifesto used bold prose to show how writers approached themes of class, labor, and societal transformation. The book spurred a wave of revolutionary thought across literature and philosophy, centering around the ideas of power, justice, and human equality.
1. The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Last but not least on our list of literature that influenced revolutions is The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. One of the many texts that inspired the American Revolution, Rousseau’s piece highlighted the importance of modern democracy and civil rights. Within the text, he mentions “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains,” signaling a change that has reverberated in literature in every genre for decades afterwards.
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