Oppression, Resistance and Revolution
Magneto was back in the classroom, looking a bit more fatigued than usual.
"My apologies for missing the last two weeks," he replied tersely. "Urgent matters required my absence. The details are not important."
He stood up from his desk and began to walk around the room. "The American Revolution began in 1774 when citizens of this new country rejected the authority of Great Britain due to their governance overseas without representation. In 1789 the French revolution began, with the existing monarchy being overthrown by populace in order to replace the outdated feudal system with one based on principles of equality and citizenship."
"In both cases, battle lines were drawn and live were lost on both sides," he continued. "But in both cases the former rulers of each country were rejected with a new form of government. And also in both cases, military action had to be taken."
"Today those people who overthrew the government are often thought of as heroes. At the time they were thought of as radicals. They were dismissed, branded as traitors and often times they were even executed for their beliefs."
Magneto returned to the front of the room where he leaned against the desk, giving his students a severe look. "Your assignment today is to tell me of a so-called radical in your own world or this one. Take a look at that person's actions and beliefs and explain why that particular radical may be more than just a nut with cause and could perhaps two hundred years from now be a hero. Begin."