A mutiny can also be the signal to start a wider revolution, as were the as were the Russian mutinies in 1905 and 1917 at Kronshtadt. The navies and armies of the world have always regarded mutiny as one of the most serious of crimes, punishable in wartime by death. The Incitement to Mutiny Act 1797 and Incitement to Disaffection Act 1934 were designed to prevent civilians from inciting members of the armed services to mutiny. The Incitement to Mutiny Act 1797 was only repealed last year. Hundreds of soldiers were shot for mutiny and desertion during the First World War and campaigners continue to argue for posthumous pardons for men who were not mutinous, but sick.
Mutineers can sometimes succeed in their aims.
The two major naval mutinies in Britain in 1797, one at Spithead and one at Nore and Sheerness, were as a result of abuses in the navy including the bad food, brutal discipline and irregular pay that the sailors endured. Following the uprising the sailors were given a wage increase and the king pardoned the mutineers. In March 1914 British general Hubert Gough and his officers, stationed at Curragh, Ireland took part in a 'mutiny', requesting that they should not be asked to take part in forcing Protestant Ulster to participate in Home Rule. I the solution of partition was adopted. However more often than not mutiny is suppressed and the ringleaders caught and executed.