Edmund Burke vs. Thomas Paine

Question 1

Who was Edmund Burke?

Answer 1

MP. originally aligned with Old Whigs. More conservative than New Whigs. Strong believer in hereditary monarchy.

Question 2

What were Burke’s central ideas?

Answer 2

Set out in ‘Reflections on the Revolution in France’(1790).
Revolutionary change always accompanied by violence.
Government derives authority from custom and tradition, not consent of governed.
Liberty needs to be restrained.
Britain’s govt is ‘stable and wise’.

Question 3

Who was Thomas Paine?

Answer 3

Early radical, spent 13 years in USA where he urged American colonies to seek independence. Supported French citizens in their struggle to oppose monarchic rule.

Question 4

How did Paine respond to Burke’s defence of the constitution?

Answer 4

Published ‘The Rights of Man’ which became the principle text inspiring political radicals in Britain from 1790.