reflections on the revolution in france was written by

The final significant theme Burke expresses is his distaste for violent revolution. The idea of liberty and how it should be attained pervades the entire text, and also ties into the next major theme.

Because the revolutionaries effectively destroyed France’s old traditions, and ended up with a blank slate, Burke argues that they ensured that the freedoms they wanted would be unattainable. He puts forth the argument that freedom is not seized in one action but rather comes naturally over time, through traditions that are passed through generations – once again repeating the first theme of tradition.Īn example is how the British system slowly gave more power to parliament over time, while the royalty’s absolute power overĬommoners diminished. However, where he differs is on how freedom should and could actually be attained, claiming that the Revolution was misguided in its efforts. Burke acknowledges that the French Revolution’s goal was to achieve freedom, and he also supports it as an idea. Burke argues that the presence of a monarch grants much-needed stability to society, and thus he believes that England’s governmental system is far superior to post-Revolution France’s.īurke’s next major theme is freedom – the idea that people are free to live life as they choose to, without the unjust influence of their government. After the Glorious Revolution, the new Declaration of Rights granted power to parliament, but also reinforced that the people could not choose their king – providing the “tradition” that Burke argues society should follow. He also refers back to England’s 1688 Glorious Revolution. Burke draws upon the historical idea of the Divine Right of Kings6 here, as he refers to England’s monarchy and puts forth the view that people are in positions of power because God wants them there.

He claims to support monarchies due to the basis in tradition, and this emphasis on tradition is a major theme throughout his work, and one that many of his other ideas are based upon. Burke explores several key themes within his work, each used to justify his negative view on the French Revolution – three of which will be covered here.įirst, Burke refers to the nature of government – he believes that rulers (or governments) should not be placed into power by the people, and he instead supports the older system of hereditary monarchy. Burke’s letter takes a scathing tone, criticizing several points of the Revolution and giving his own beliefs regarding what should have happened.

Reflections on the Revolution in France has great significance to a modern-day political ideology, in this case classical and modern conservatism. Reflections on the Revolution in France was written by Edmund Burke in the form of a letter penned to a family friend, regarding his thoughts on the recent French Revolution, and was published in 1790.

Reflections on the revolution in france was written by