Review of Russian Revolution. History Movie Review

Review of Russian Revolution
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Review of Russian Revolution
The Russian Revolution in 1917 became a landmark event; this revolution gave birth to the definition of terrorism. Terrorist ideologies can be traced as early as the 18th century, making it an old phenomenon. Today, terrorism ideologies still remain the same among revolutionary movements; however, the 21st-century terrorism has become more complex to define. The documentary titled “A Legacy of Violence - 100 Years of Terror” produced by Nick Deocampo reveals the unfolding terrorist – like events in Europe in the 18th and 19th century.
The documentary compares two definitions of terrorism, from the simple definition by Lenin, who perceived the act of terrorism as the creation of terror, and complex meaning of terrorism as defined by the US Department of Defense. Nick Deocampo documentary presents the modern view of terrorism that includes forceful or violent activities against individuals or the process and intimidating governments and other individuals to achieve political, religious and ideological objectives (Deocampo, 2000).
The producer vividly unearths how terrorism has been used to bring about desirable changes in many parts of the world, more so in the 18th to early 19th centuries. The video proves that over the course of history, terrorism has existed and is a preferred weapon of choice for many leaders to consolidate power and eliminate opposition. The producer highlights specific activities by various movements ranging from revolutionary movements fighting for their rights and liberties of their homeland to religious fanatics whom all have one mission, which is to change the society.
From the documentary, it is evident that terrorism is not a new phenomenon; terrorism existed as early as 66 AD when a religious Jewish sect resisted the Roman Empire's occupation of Israel. In retaliation, this sect selectively executed many Romans rulers using Masika, a primitive dagger. Similarly, the assassin was an ancient Muslim sect known to have practiced terrorism-like activities. The assassins massacred Christians in the Middle East. According to the producer, from a religious perspective, violence has always been hailed; therefore, terrorism is often viewed as a divine duty. Religious believers encourage terrorism because they believe in self sacrifice and martyrdom.
Based on this ideology, the documentary explains why the concept of terrorism cannot easily die because terrorism is perceived as a divine duty. These religions believe that anyone who died as a martyr during any terrorist act would ascend to a glorious heaven (Deocampo, 2000).This same ideology of self-sacrifice and martyrdom is visible in the 21st century; revolutionary groups are motivated by religion to engage in terrorist-like activities. The only challenge is that these groups of fanatics can access advanced mass weapon of destruction. The fact that in the 21st century, terrorism is about fanaticism, making terrorism a dangerous venture because a few individuals can easily eliminate many people.
Some of the fundamental questions are: where did the terrorist ideologies and activities start from and how did we arrive at this frightening juncture in history? Revolutionary terrorism was a concept used to bring about political change in many parts of Europe in the 18th century, more so during the Russian revolution. Although the France revolution was the beginning of revolutionary terrorism, the Russian revolution revealed the nature of the semi-medieval autocracy that ruled Russia (Deocampo, 2000). The People's Will, a revolutionary movement founded in Russia and its activities reveals the true definition of revolutionary terrorism.
The People's Will in Russia used the concept of terrorism to overthrow the Tsar rule when they succeeded in assassinating Tsar Alexander the II (Deocampo, 2000). This movement was not powerful until Lenin picked up the idea actively. Lenin advocated for self-sacrifice and martyrdom, making this movement the first revolutionary terrorist movement to bring about political change in Russia. Before the Russian revolution, leaders like Sergei Nechayev and Maximilien Robespierre and used revolutionary terrorism to eliminate opposition and bring about political changes.
Russian leader, Nuchaya became a Russian disciple of the revolutionary terrorist, who influenced terrorist activities in Russia. Nechayev’s legacy and his catechism of revolutionary became the bible of the 20th-century terroris...