Colour Revolution, Features, Major Colour Revolutions

Colour Revolution refers to mass protest movements that emerged mainly in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia against authoritarian governments, demanding democratic reforms and fair elections. These movements were largely peaceful and relied on public mobilisation, civil society participation, and symbolic use of colours or flowers. Key features included non-violent protests, strong youth involvement, media support, and opposition to corruption and political repression.

What is Colour Revolution?

Colour Revolutions refer to a series of popular mass uprisings that emerged mainly in former communist countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia during the early 2000s. These movements were largely peaceful and were driven by public dissatisfaction with authoritarian rule, electoral fraud, corruption, and lack of political freedoms. Over time, the term has also been used to describe similar mass protests in West Asia and North Africa, especially during the Arab Spring.

Read about: Cuban Revolution

Colour Revolution Features

The features of the Colour Revolution are given below.

• Colour Revolutions were mass protest movements that emerged mainly in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia to challenge authoritarian governments.
• They were driven by public dissatisfaction over corruption, lack of political freedom, and unfair or manipulated elections.
• These movements were largely peaceful and relied on non-violent methods such as rallies, sit-ins, and street demonstrations.
• A distinct colour or symbol was used to unite protesters and create a common identity, such as orange in Ukraine or jasmine in Tunisia.
• Youth groups, students, civil society organisations, and activists played a major role in mobilising people.
• Free and fair elections, democratic reforms, and accountability were the main demands of the protesters.
• Media, especially independent and social media, helped spread awareness and coordinate protests.
• Many movements gained international attention and diplomatic support from democratic nations.

Read about: Velvet Revolution

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Major Colour Revolutions

The Colour Revolutions were a series of mass protest movements that emerged in different countries during the early 2000s, mainly against authoritarian regimes and electoral corruption. The Major Colour Revolutions are:

1. Orange Revolution – Ukraine (2004-2005)

• The Orange Revolution took place after allegations of large-scale electoral fraud in the 2004 Ukrainian presidential election.
• The contest was mainly between Viktor Yushchenko (pro-democracy candidate) and Viktor Yanukovych (pro-government candidate).
• International and domestic observers reported serious irregularities, including vote rigging and intimidation.
• Massive peaceful protests erupted across Kyiv and other cities, with protesters wearing orange as a symbol of resistance and unity.
• The movement was largely led by youth groups, civil society organisations, and opposition parties.

2. Tulip Revolution – Kyrgyzstan (2005)

• The Tulip Revolution occurred in Kyrgyzstan following controversial parliamentary elections in 2005.
• The elections were widely criticised for corruption, vote manipulation, and favouring President Askar Akayev’s family members.
• Public anger grew over economic hardship, nepotism, and authoritarian governance.
• Large-scale protests erupted in cities like Bishkek and Osh.
• Demonstrators demanded free elections and the resignation of President Akayev.
• The movement was called the “Tulip Revolution” to symbolise renewal and change.

3. Jasmine Revolution – Tunisia (2010-2011)

• The Jasmine Revolution began in December 2010 in Tunisia due to widespread unemployment, corruption, and political repression.
• The immediate trigger was the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi, a street vendor protesting police harassment.
• His death sparked nationwide protests against President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali’s authoritarian rule.
• Demonstrations quickly spread across urban and rural areas, involving youth, workers, and civil society groups.
  Protesters demanded political freedom, social justice, and an end to corruption.
• In January 2011, President Ben Ali fled the country after 23 years in power.
• The revolution led to democratic reforms and free elections in Tunisia.