Edmund BurkeReflections on the Revolution

in France

Armita, Rejish, Sophie, Sihara, Amy

Who was he? (Rejish) - Edmund Burke was an Irish statesman

who was born in Dublin on January 1729

- He was an author, political theorist, and philosopher

Reflections on the Revolution in France 1790 - Summary (Armita)

Burke’s argues against the French Revolution, as it would have caused chaos due to the lack of understanding for human needs and their blatant disregard for the rights given to man. Burke felt as though, unlike the American and English Revolution, the French were not honouring nor were they upholding the rights of men, thus he disagrees with France’s way of disputing matters.

The French Revolution (i.e.Historical Context) (Sophie)- 1789 → fall of Bastille → Beginning

of revolution- Charles-Jean-François Depont

asked for Burke’s opinion on the revolution

- Replied with a long letter- Origin of text in context

- Became best seller → rest is history- Reign of terror

- Guillotine → 15k - 50k deaths of people against revolution

- Fun fact: Napoleon died two years after Burke

Purpose of Writing- Not meant to be a factually

accurate portrayal of the French Revolution.

- Industrial Revolution in Britain= factories, overcrowded cities, diseases etc. = dissatisfied citizens= possible revolt brewing.

- Main purpose was to persuade British citizens not to start a revolution like the French because it would only lead to chaos and violence.

Impact on History (Amy)● One of the most famous pieces of

Edmund Burke● Major influence during the 20th

Century for conservative and liberal critics (both for and against.

● His work was seen as a critique and led to many famous works being published going against and for his ideas.

● Introduced the starting ideas of conservatism.

Impact on History Continued (Amy)

● Conservatism: traditional social institutions in the context of the culture and civilization.

● Proved his ideas right after the Reign of Terror happened (period of violence after French Revolution-conflicting political views)

● Set the foundation for establishing a new point of view on the rights of man.