When did the word activism enter English political usage?
The word activism entered English political usage in 1920 according to the Online Etymology Dictionary. Before that year, the term lacked a specific political meaning.
Questions about Activism
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who led the earliest recorded instance of collective protest known as the Third Servile War?
Spartacus led 6,000 slaves in rebellion against the Roman Empire during the Third Servile War. These former gladiators fought for freedom but were eventually crucified along the road from Capua to Rome.
What tactics are included in Charles Tilly's repertoire of contention?
Charles Tilly developed the concept of a repertoire of contention which includes all methods proven successful by activists throughout history. Boycotts, petitions, marches, and sit-ins form part of this historical toolkit.
How effective are nonviolent methods compared to violent ones in achieving activist goals?
Research indicates nonviolent methods are more than twice as effective in achieving stated goals. Nonviolent tactics generally tend to garner more public sympathy than violent ones.
Which movement started in late 2010 marked one of the first occasions citizen-activists circumvented state-controlled media using technology?
The power of Internet activism came into global focus with Arab Spring protests starting in late 2010. People living in Middle East and North African countries used social networking to communicate protest information.