Appendix 8- Wars Both Foreign and Domestic

What It Covers

Revolutionary wars follow predictable patterns: civil conflicts between revolutionary factions and restorationist forces occur simultaneously, while foreign powers intervene based on strategic interests rather than ideological opposition to revolution itself.

Key Questions Answered

• •Civil War Typology: All revolutions involve two types of domestic conflict—wars between revolutionary factions after unity collapses, and battles against restorationist groups seeking to restore the old regime. These conflicts typically occur simultaneously and feed into each other.
• •Foreign Intervention Motives: Neighboring powers rarely invade to restore ousted monarchs; instead they pursue strategic interests in resources, trade relationships, and regional influence. The United States shifted support between Mexican revolutionary leaders based on commercial and political interests, not ideology.
• •Revolutionary Expansionism: Revolutionaries often initiate foreign wars themselves rather than defending against invasion. French Jacobins pushed for war in 1791-1792 to spread their empire of liberty, while the Red Army marched west to expand communist revolution toward Germany.
• •Military Mobilization Effects: Revolutionary epochs dramatically increase the number of people under arms compared to old regimes, creating upward mobility opportunities for talented soldiers. This produces new leaders like Napoleon and Washington while generating resentment over conscription and requisitions among common people.