this is only true if people know their voices matter.

if their voices are overrun by the powerful, the pitchforks come back out.

We have also to consider what if their voices not only don't matter but are actively being suppressed. It's hard to start a revolution if who's in control can control communications and can preemptively identify people who are more likely to start dissent. Maybe this time we won't even have the slightest chance to revolt.