Before revolutions, universities occupied a complex position within society. On one hand, they were respected as centers of knowledge and elite formation. On the other hand, they were criticized for being detached from everyday realities. Many ordinary citizens viewed universities as privileged spaces reserved for the upper class. However, when revolutionary sentiment began to rise, universities often became bridges between intellectual debates and the broader struggles of workers, farmers, and marginalized communities.
Pamphlets, banned books, and handwritten manifestos circulated discreetly among students, creating a powerful intellectual ecosystem that challenged state narratives. Student movements grew stronger when economic crises or political turmoil amplified dissatisfaction. In many cases, the first sparks of revolution appeared on university campuses long before they spread to the streets.
