I’m not surprised, it wouldn’t have made sense to call it a revolution. I do wonder when the less accurate phrase was first applied and who was responsible.

Merriam-Webster defines revolution as (and I would agree this is how I see it used):

> a fundamental change in political organization.

> especially : the overthrow or renunciation of one government or ruler and the substitution of another by the governed

I have no idea if that definition was in use in the 18th century, but in the 21st I think it's accurate enough terminology.

I don't think the incumbent government ever calls an insurrection a revolution, does it? That's the word the victors use for it after they gain power.