Civil War vs. Revolution: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 30, 2023

A Civil War is a conflict between factions within a single country, while a Revolution aims to overthrow or bring about drastic change in a political system or government.

Key Differences

A Civil War involves a conflict between groups, factions, or regions within the same country. Often, it's about who should control the government or a particular region. In contrast, a Revolution refers to a forceful overthrow of a government or social order in favor of a new system. It can be both internal or external but is mainly about changing the system itself.

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Civil Wars are typically confined within the borders of a single nation, where groups challenge each other for control or dominance. Revolutions, on the other hand, might inspire or involve international actors, but their primary focus is on systemic change which can have broader implications beyond borders.

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While the outcome of a Civil War often results in one faction gaining control over the country or a specific region, the outcome of a Revolution typically establishes a completely new order or system, which can be political, economic, or social.

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Civil Wars are often triggered by political, ethnic, religious, or territorial disputes within a country. Revolutions, however, are usually driven by widespread discontent with the existing system and a desire for fundamental change.

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In a Civil War, the main participants are typically factions from the same nation. In a Revolution, it's generally the masses, sometimes supported by external forces, rising against the ruling class or establishment.

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Comparison Chart

Definition

Conflict within a country

Overthrow of a system

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Scope

Confined within one country

Can influence beyond borders

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Outcome

One faction gains control

Establishment of a new order

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Causes

Political, ethnic, religious, territorial disputes

Widespread discontent with the system

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Participants

Factions from the same country

Masses, often against the ruling class or establishment

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Civil War and Revolution Definitions

Civil War

A conflict between different groups within the same country.

The American Civil War was between the North and the South.

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Revolution

A radical change in societal structures.

The Digital Revolution transformed communication and business practices.

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Civil War

A war resulting from a large-scale uprising within a country.

Syria's Civil War began as a response to oppressive government actions.

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Revolution

A drastic and wide-reaching change in ways of thinking or behaving.

The Industrial Revolution changed the way goods were produced.

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Civil War

An internal battle over control or dominance.

The Civil War in Spain had deep political and social roots.

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Revolution

A forceful overthrow of a government or existing system.

The French Revolution led to the fall of the Bourbon monarchy.

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Civil War

A fight between factions within a nation's boundaries.

The English Civil War was a series of battles between Parliamentarians and Royalists.

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Revolution

An uprising by the masses against the ruling class or establishment.

The Cuban Revolution brought Fidel Castro to power.

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Civil War

An internal struggle often for political power.

The Lebanese Civil War lasted for 15 years, devastating the country.

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Revolution

A complete turn in a new direction or order.

The Green Revolution increased agricultural production worldwide.

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Revolution

Orbital motion about a point, especially as distinguished from axial rotation

The planetary revolution about the sun.

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Revolution

A turning or rotational motion about an axis.

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Revolution

A single complete cycle of such orbital or axial motion.

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Revolution

The overthrow of one government and its replacement with another.

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Revolution

A sudden or momentous change in a situation

The revolution in computer technology.

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Revolution

(Geology) A time of major crustal deformation, when folds and faults are formed.

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Revolution

A political upheaval in a government or state characterized by great change.

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Revolution

The removal and replacement of a government, especially by sudden violent action.

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Revolution

Rotation: the turning of an object around an axis, one complete turn of an object during rotation.

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Revolution

In the case of celestial bodies, the traversal of one body along an orbit around another body.

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Revolution

A sudden, vast change in a situation, a discipline, or the way of thinking and behaving.

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Revolution

A round of periodic changes, such as between the seasons of the year.

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Revolution

Consideration of an idea; the act of revolving something in the mind.

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Revolution

The act of revolving, or turning round on an axis or a center; the motion of a body round a fixed point or line; rotation; as, the revolution of a wheel, of a top, of the earth on its axis, etc.

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Revolution

Return to a point before occupied, or to a point relatively the same; a rolling back; return; as, revolution in an ellipse or spiral.

That fearComes thundering back, with dreadful revolution,On my defenseless head.

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Revolution

The space measured by the regular return of a revolving body; the period made by the regular recurrence of a measure of time, or by a succession of similar events.

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Revolution

The motion of any body, as a planet or satellite, in a curved line or orbit, until it returns to the same point again, or to a point relatively the same; - designated as the annual, anomalistic, nodical, sidereal, or tropical revolution, according as the point of return or completion has a fixed relation to the year, the anomaly, the nodes, the stars, or the tropics; as, the revolution of the earth about the sun; the revolution of the moon about the earth.

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Revolution

The motion of a point, line, or surface about a point or line as its center or axis, in such a manner that a moving point generates a curve, a moving line a surface (called a surface of revolution), and a moving surface a solid (called a solid of revolution); as, the revolution of a right-angled triangle about one of its sides generates a cone; the revolution of a semicircle about the diameter generates a sphere.

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Revolution

A total or radical change; as, a revolution in one's circumstances or way of living.

The ability . . . of the great philosopher speedily produced a complete revolution throughout the department.

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Revolution

A fundamental change in political organization, or in a government or constitution; the overthrow or renunciation of one government, and the substitution of another, by the governed.

The violence of revolutions is generally proportioned to the degree of the maladministration which has produced them.

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Revolution

A drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving;

The industrial revolution was also a cultural revolution

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Revolution

The overthrow of a government by those who are governed

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Revolution

A single complete turn (axial or orbital);

The plane made three rotations before it crashed

The revolution of the earth about the sun takes one year

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FAQs

Can a country experience both a Civil War and Revolution simultaneously?

Yes, overlapping elements of Civil War and Revolution can occur concurrently.

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Who usually participates in a Civil War?

Typically, factions or groups within the same country are the main participants in a Civil War.

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What is the main difference between Civil War and Revolution?

Civil War is an internal conflict within a country, while Revolution aims for systemic change.

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What's a famous example of a Revolution?

The American Revolution against British rule is a notable example.

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Is every Revolution violent?

No, some Revolutions, like the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia, are largely non-violent.

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Does a Civil War always involve two sides?

No, a Civil War can involve multiple factions or groups.

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What can trigger a Revolution?

Widespread discontent, economic struggles, or oppressive policies can trigger a Revolution.

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How does international community usually respond to a Civil War?

Responses vary but can include sanctions, peacekeeping missions, or diplomatic interventions.

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Can Revolutions revert?

Yes, some Revolutions can be reversed or replaced by counter-revolutions.

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How long can a Civil War last?

Civil Wars can last from a few months to several years, depending on the conflict's complexity.

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What's a cultural Revolution?

It's a radical transformation in societal values and norms, like China's Cultural Revolution.

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Do Civil Wars always end with a clear winner?

No, some Civil Wars end in stalemates or with negotiated settlements.

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Are Revolutions always successful?

No, not all Revolutions achieve their intended outcomes.

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What role do external actors play in Civil Wars?

External actors can support one side, mediate peace, or intervene for strategic interests.

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Are all Revolutions political?

No, Revolutions can also be technological, cultural, or economic.

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What's the impact of Civil Wars on civilians?

Civil Wars often result in civilian casualties, displacement, and socio-economic disruption.

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Is a secessionist movement a form of Civil War?

It can lead to a Civil War if there's armed conflict between the secessionists and the central government.

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Can a Revolution be peaceful?

Yes, some Revolutions are characterized by non-violent protests and negotiations.

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Can a Revolution lead to a Civil War?

Yes, post-revolutionary power struggles can lead to a Civil War.

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Are Civil Wars more common than Revolutions?

The prevalence varies based on global trends and regional dynamics, but both can occur in different contexts.

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About Author

Written by

Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

Edited by

Huma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.