Historically civil war (revolt/uprising) is only triggered when people can no longer feed themselves or their families.

I can't find the link to that study anymore, so can't back this up.

Really? Never heard of widespread starvation before the american colonies revolt or before the US civil war.

The American Civil War was largely centered around the issue of slavery, which the economies of the rebelling states relied on. The American Revolutionary War was a response to increased taxes that took a heavy economic burden on the colonists to pay for the Empire's wars.

While widespread starvation might not have existed, it was certainly the threat of economic issues that sparked both conflicts.

I cannot remember the reference either ... but I seem to remember reports that food prices went up precipitously just before the Arab Spring. Anybody got a call option on agricultural commodities right now?