How 5 revolutions got their names

Rose Revolution – Georgia, 2003

The most impressive thing about Georgia’s Rose Revolution, which happened in 2003, may be that according to BBC, no one was injured or killed. The protesters fought with roses, which they gave to the government forces who were in place to fight back the protesters.

The unrest began after allegedly fraudulent parliamentary elections. The opposition accused the victors of vote-rigging and stealing the election, and took to the streets. They demanded that then-President Eduard Shevardnadze, who had led the country for more than 30 years, resign. Mr. Shevadnadze refused, and deployed soldiers.

When Shevardhadze attempted to open a new session of parliament, protesters stormed parliament as well. The man who claimed to be the rightfully elected president was rushed out of parliament and later resigned. Opposition leader Mikhail Saakashvili was elected in his place.

The Rose Revolution is often cited as inspiration for Ukraine’s Orange Revolution.

2 of 5
You've read 3 of 3 free articles. Subscribe to continue.
CSM logo

Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us