Full Answer Section

• Political corruption: The elite often use their power to manipulate the political system in their favor.

Examples of the elite using their power to control the masses include:

• The use of propaganda to deceive the masses into supporting unpopular wars or policies.
• The use of violence and intimidation to suppress dissent.
• The use of economic sanctions to punish countries that do not comply with their demands.

Active shapers of history

Those who argue that the masses are active shapers of history point to a number of factors, including:

• People power: The masses have the power to rise up and overthrow oppressive regimes, as evidenced by the many revolutions that have taken place throughout history.
• Social movements: Social movements, such as the civil rights movement and the women’s movement, have been instrumental in bringing about positive social change.
• Public opinion: Public opinion can play a powerful role in shaping government policy. For example, the public’s opposition to the Vietnam War led to the withdrawal of US troops from the conflict.

Examples of the masses actively shaping history include:

• The French Revolution, which overthrew the French monarchy and established a republic.
• The Indian independence movement, which led to India’s independence from British rule.
• The Arab Spring, which led to the overthrow of several authoritarian regimes in the Middle East and North Africa.

Examples over time

The relationship between the masses and the elite has changed throughout history. In the past, the elite often had much more power over the masses than they do today. However, the rise of democracy and other social movements has given the masses more power to influence their own destiny.

Some of the most salient examples of the masses shaping history include:

• The American Revolution: The American colonists were able to overthrow British rule and establish an independent nation through a combination of military force and popular support.
• The Russian Revolution: The Russian Revolution led to the overthrow of the Tsarist regime and the establishment of the Soviet Union. The revolution was driven by a mass movement of workers and peasants who were dissatisfied with the existing order.
• The Civil Rights Movement: The Civil Rights Movement led to the passage of laws that desegregated public facilities and outlawed discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The movement was driven by mass protests and demonstrations, as well as the work of civil rights organizations.

These are just a few examples of the many times that the masses have shaped history. While the elite often have a significant amount of power, the masses are not powerless victims. They can rise up and overthrow oppressive regimes, bring about positive social change, and shape their own destiny.

Conclusion

The extent to which the masses are victims or puppets of the elite, or active shapers of history, is a complex question with no easy answer. The relationship between the masses and the elite has varied throughout history and across different cultures. However, there is no doubt that the masses can play a powerful role in shaping their own destiny.