Rebellion is a mass popular movement against the authorities, which, as a rule, is spontaneous and therefore does not lead to a change in the political regime or any significant changes in society. The experience of history shows that such uprisings were quickly suppressed, and severe punishment awaited their organizers and participants. The main cause of these riots was most often some kind of natural disaster (hunger, crop failure). However, one cannot discount the socioeconomic prerequisites of the common people's discontent with the conditions of their existence. In this case, some insignificant excuse could lead to armed clashes with the government guard.
Comparison with other forms of protest
Rebellion is one of the ways of expressing popular opinion, which is manifested in illegal actions, clashes and pogroms. Despite the repressions, the government has always paid attention to these speeches at all times as an important indicator of social discontent among the lower classes of society.
Unlike revolution, rebellion is an unexpected, spontaneous movement, which, if it has at least some semblance of a program, does not have the ability to implement it. In addition, it is less widespread and covers only certain segments of the population. It should also be distinguished from riot, which is broader in nature. Participants in the latter are the broad masses of the population, and, as a rule, it takes on a wider scope.
Meaning in history
Rebellion is a symptom of social problems in society. After its suppression, the authorities are undertaking serious reforms in order to prevent further dissatisfaction.
Moreover, the government was always more concerned about these movements, which were political in nature and were directed against the existing system. Therefore, when analyzing the problem (what a rebellion is, we have already described), it is necessary to take into account the general political situation in the country and the attitude of the population to the existing system.