First Democratic Wave

Definition

The first democratic wave refers to a period in history, mainly during the 19th and early 20th centuries, when many countries transitioned from authoritarian rule to democratic systems.

Analogy

Imagine the first democratic wave as a powerful ocean wave that swept across nations, breaking down the walls of autocracy and bringing in the tide of democracy.

Related terms

Second Democratic Wave: The second democratic wave refers to a period starting in the mid-20th century when more countries transitioned to democracy, often after decolonization or the fall of communist regimes.

Third Democratic Wave: The third democratic wave represents a more recent period, beginning in the 1970s and continuing into the present day, characterized by an increase in democratization efforts globally.

Authoritarian Rule: Authoritarian rule describes a system where power is concentrated in one leader or group without significant checks on their authority.