Britain and the French Revolution
Domestic Impact Lens of biography
Edmund Burke Reflections on the Revolution in France
Burke’s philosophy State a living organism No natural rights Rights imply duties Reform must be gradual
Tradition Thus, American Revolution right Hastings impeachment Rotten boroughs fine
William Pitt the Younger PM at 24
Pitt as Reformer Finance India Act (1784) If controversial, dropped
Pitt on Ireland Catholic political emancipation Unite politically in London George III quashed Catholic emancipation Act of Union (1801)
Charles James Fox
Fox Supported American Revolution Blunt Political outsider No fear
Thomas Paine Common Sense Attacked Burke in The Rights of Man
Paine’s Argument Now is what matters Natural Rights exist Restrictions on liberty are created things