Edmund Burke Views On The French Revolution Summary

Edmund Burke saw the French Revolution as a vicious and destructive change to a legitimate and traditional form of government. He was disgusted and outraged by the actions of the French and in response, Burke wrote the Reflections on the Revolution in France, in 1790, as a warning to England’s citizens of the dangers of starting a similar movement. Enjoying a successful career as a politician for the Whigs, Burke’s strong conservative writings defined some of the party’s important right wing ideas. Some of the main themes that arise are tradition, issues with revolution and liberty, and how to prevent the spread amongst Britain and Europe. Amongst conservatives, tradition is at the core of their beliefs and is one of the central ideologies of the party. This ideology translates to Burke’s writings on how the system in France may not have been perfect; clearly having its flaws, but it is not up to the citizens to dictate the divine power. Burke questions the “Revolution Society”(p.9) and mentions “The effect of liberty to individuals is, that they may do what they please: We ought to see what it will please them to do.” Burke continues to state that when the citizens are given liberty, they do not have …show more content…
Another issue that Burke had with the revolution was the “barbarous philosophy”(p.77) in which the French took in “The murder of a king, or a queen, or a bishop, or a father.”(p.77) Burke mocks how naïve the French are with their “new found” liberties and power in saying “A man is fallen indeed, when he is thus flattered.”(p.70) Overall, given Burke’s background it comes as no surprise he was in disaccord with revolution. He valued respect for authority as well as a civilized society, both things he criticized the French for