A reactionary is an individual which takes a position of reaction (reacting to) in relation to a fundamental change in the forces of production. When a society reaches a point of intensified struggle, political positions appear either for or against the old order (the establishment).
The word stems from the original left/right divide in the aftermath of the french revolution, although the relationship is arguably older.
| Original order | The fall | Fallen state | Reconciliation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden of Eden | Original Sin | World of Sin | Kingdom of Heaven |
| Feudalism | Industrial revolution | Modernity | Communism |
| Monarchy | Rise of Capitalist Class | Robespierre | Universal Politics |