Britain and the Constitution (Edmund vs Paine) Flashcards
Who was Edmund Burke?
He was an MP, defender of constitutional settlement of 1688. He aligned himself with old Whigs, he was a strong believer in hereditary monarchy (their priority was to protect GB from democracy)
What were Burke’s central ideas?
He published “Reflection on the revolution in France”
- Revolutionary change always accompanied violence
- Britain’s government was “stable and wise”
- Liberty needs to be restrained
Who was Thomas Paine?
A famous early radical. He published “Common Sense” and urged the American colonies to seek independence. By 1797 he traveled to France where he supported the radicals.
How did Paine respond to Burke’s defense of the constitution?
He published “Rights of man” this became the lead text of inspiring political radicals in Britain from the 1790. Part 2 was published in 1792, both books inspired radical reformers into the 1800.
Explain the key ideas of the radical Thomas Paine
- He had a strong belief in equality and liberty
- He believed society should be based on individual freedom
- Private property should be shared with those without land or they should receive money from the government
What were the main ideas of “Rights of Man”?
- Tradition is not always a good thing
- Government should protect all citizens equally
- Rights should be introduced to improve lives of ordinary people
What was the impact of “Right of Man”?
The book sold cheaply and became bestseller. 200,00 copies of Part 2 were sold within a year.
