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The Second English Civil War
Extracts from English Parliamentarian's Edmund Ludlows' memoir (p. 210), first published in 1698, details several key moments in the English Civil War. Namely, the events of Pride's Purge, which is a significant event as the use of armed conflict by the Parliamentarians swayed political power in their favor. Thus, facilitating Charles I's execution and paving the way for the institution of a constitutional monarchy in England, ending the rise of an absolute monarchy. -
The War of Spanish Succession
This manifesto, written by the Lords States General of the United Netherlands, details why they declared war against the kings of France and Spain. Published in 1702, it's significant as it supports the notion that armed conflict is key in achieving political objectives as seen by the French and Spanish empires waging war to unite their crowns. Furthermore, it reflects the power that the victors have in shaping the socio-political landscape as seen by the subsequent Treaty of Utrecht. -
The Battle of Waterloo
Extracts from the memoir of Rees Howell Gronow, a British army captain, details his firsthand accounts of the battle and its effects on Paris. Published in 1892, it's significant as it crucially highlights how the Concert of Europe wanted to maintain conservative order at a time when liberalism was on the rise. Hence, why a conservative government, the Bourbon monarchy, was restored in France after their defeat. Thus, reflecting socio-political change influenced by the victor of the conflict. -
The October Revolution
Joseph Stalin's book, "Works", published in 1953, brings forth key details about the revolution. Namely how the Bolsheviks leveraged armed conflict to forcibly eject representatives of the Provisional Government from political institutions and storm the Winter Palace. Thus, it's significance lies in its display of how Bolshevik victory in armed conflict altered the socio-political landscape of Russia with the installation of a communist government.