Groups who have not had formal institutional power

Sample Solution

• Protesting and demonstrating: People have used protests and demonstrations to voice their dissent and demand change. For example, the Chartists in the United Kingdom protested for political reform in the 19th century.
• Going on strike: People have gone on strike to withhold their labor in order to achieve their goals. For example, the suffragettes in the United Kingdom went on strike to demand the right to vote.
• Starting revolutions: People have started revolutions to overthrow the existing government and establish a new one. For example, the French Revolution in the 18th century was started by people who were dissatisfied with the monarchy.
• Working within the system: People have also worked within the system to achieve change. For example, the civil rights movement in the United States was led by people who worked to change the laws and institutions that discriminated against African Americans.

The informal power of people without formal institutional power can be very significant. They can use their numbers, their voice, and their determination to make a difference. Their power is often strongest when they are united and when they are willing to take risks. The relative strength or weakness of the informal power of people without formal institutional power depends on a number of factors, including:

• The size and unity of the group: A larger and more unified group is more likely to be successful.
• The level of support from the general public: If the general public supports the group, it is more likely to be successful.
• The level of resistance from those in power: If those in power are willing to make concessions, the group is more likely to be successful.

The informal power of people without formal institutional power has played a significant role in shaping events in European history. It has been used to achieve political reform, social change, and even revolution. When people are united and determined, they can use their informal power to make a real difference. Here are some specific examples of how people without formal institutional power have shaped events in European history:

• The Peasants' Revolt of 1381: In England, the Peasants' Revolt was a major uprising of peasants against the wealthy landowners. The revolt was sparked by high taxes and unfair rents. The rebels marched on London and demanded that the king meet their demands. The king was forced to agree to some of their demands, but the revolt was eventually suppressed.
• The French Revolution: The French Revolution was a period of radical political and social change in France that began in 1789. The revolution overthrew the absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries and established a republic. The revolution was inspired by the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

The Chartist Movement: The Chartist Movement was a working-class movement in the United Kingdom that campaigned for political reform. The Chartists demanded universal suffrage, equal electoral districts, and annual parliaments. The movement was successful in achieving some of its goals, but it ultimately failed to achieve its full demands. The Suffragette Movement: The Suffragette Movement was a women's movement in the United Kingdom that campaigned for the right to vote for women. The movement used a variety of tactics, including protests, demonstrations, and hunger strikes. The movement was successful in achieving its goal of women's suffrage in 1928. The Civil Rights Movement: The Civil Rights Movement was a social movement in the United States that fought for racial equality. The movement used a variety of tactics, including protests, boycotts, and sit-ins. The movement was successful in achieving some of its goals, such as the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These are just a few examples of how people without formal institutional power have shaped events in European history. Their informal power has been used to achieve political reform, social change, and even revolution. When people are united and determined, they can use their informal power to make a real difference.