Edmund Burke ( ) Conciliation with America (1775)

Historical Context: Burke’s Biography –Irish-born –Marquis Rockingham –Whig MP –Great political theoretician –Journalist – 4 London daily newspapers –Eloquent writer and speaker –Major works: “Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontents” (1770s), “Speech to the Electors of Bristol” (1780), “Reflections on the Revolution in France” (1790)

Historical Context: Burke’s Position in Society Son of Dublin lawyer “Mixed marriage” Education Public figure Ideology: conservative, founding father, critic of liberalism and Enlightenment natural pillars of society Natural developments of States (Hegel later) But also a Whig

Historical Context: Burke’s Views on Major Issues Rapid Historical transformations Debate between liberals and conservatives French Revolution – results of abstract rationalism of the Enlightenment But concerned with liberty

Historical Context: Burke’s Views on Major Issues Movement towards political democratization, concepts of popular government Increasing role of Parliament – “isthmus between arbitrary power and anarchy” (Burke) But who should be in Parliament? Concept of representation: virtual vs. liberal (Wilkes, British radicals of the 1760s and 1770s) vs. functionalist Burke: natural aristocracy (people = “swinish multitude”), but all interests in society should be represented

Historical Context: Burke’s Views on Major Issues IR: tensions between Great Britain and its colonies Supported representation for the Irish and the American colonies Idea of the British empire colonies to decide certain matters and have de facto civil liberties A right to tax could be a right not to tax English colonies as part of British empire could levy their own taxes

Historical Context: Document’s Audience Members of British parliament A minority position Also colonists

Document Analysis: 3 main points 1.Use of force is not the best option –Last resort –Not the British way –More destruction than good, alienation –A temporary measure: subdue, but not govern 2.American colonies are different from Britain and as such requires their own government –Liberty –Geographically remote –Only its own government can cope with problems 3.Britain should respect rights of its colony

Document’s significance Impact on society Impact on later generations What groups were impacted Was impact important, if so, why? –the use of force and sovereignty, –sensitivity to context –“western” values of restrain and civility