Opstand

An opstand is an organized challenge to established authority, typically aimed at changing political power, policy, or social order. It can involve protests, strikes, or armed action, and may be local or national in scope. In Dutch-language usage the term covers a range from civil resistance to armed rebellion.

Etymology: The term comes from Dutch opstand, formed from op- 'up, against' and stand 'standing' or 'stance'. In Dutch-language historiography, opstand is used for movements ranging from civil resistance to armed rebellion.

Characteristics: Opstanden usually have some organization, leadership, and a stated grievance or set of demands. They often emerge in response to perceived oppression, taxation, war, or economic crisis. Outcomes vary, including negotiated settlements, reform, suppression, or regime change.

Causes: Political oppression, taxation, loss of rights, occupation, famine, or social and ethnic tensions are common triggers. Innovative tactics include mass demonstrations, rural insurgencies, urban riots, and duration depends on resources and state response.

Examples: Historical uprisings described as opstanden include the Dutch Revolt in the Low Countries (1568–1648) and the Fronde in France (1648–1653). In modern times the term is used for various protests and rebellions around the world.

The concept is closely related to revolts, uprisings and insurrections.