Reflections on the Revolution in France

by

Edmund Burke

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Reflections on the Revolution in France Terms

French Revolution

The French Revolution was a pivotal event for modern history, spanning the decade from 1789–1799. The French Revolution overthrew the monarchy and established a republic in its place, leading to years of violent turmoil and… read analysis of French Revolution

Glorious Revolution

The Glorious Revolution, or Revolution of 1688, took place in November, 1688, when James II and VII was deposed as king of England and replaced by James’s daughter, Mary, and his nephew and Mary’s husband… read analysis of Glorious Revolution

National Assembly

The National Assembly was the new legislative body formed during the French Revolution, tasked with creating a new constitution for France. Burke extensively critiques the composition and actions of the Assembly in Reflections. read analysis of National Assembly

The Revolution Society

The Revolution Society was initially formed in commemoration of the Glorious Revolution, but in Burke’s day, its London chapter had begun to espouse radical revolutionary principles, such as the people’s right to elect… read analysis of The Revolution Society

The Declaration of Right

The Declaration of Right was initially presented to William of Orange and his wife, Mary (James II’s daughter), in 1689 following the Glorious Revolution. In it, Parliament declared that James II had abdicated, and… read analysis of The Declaration of Right
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Magna Charta

The Magna Charta, or Magna Carta, was the “Great Charter” which King John and his barons agreed to in 1215. It guaranteed certain rights to English freemen and became a foundational part of the English… read analysis of Magna Charta

Prejudice

“Prejudice,” as Burke uses the term, is a kind of preconceived opinion, not considered to be an unjust bias—for example, affection for one’s country and its customs. Burke contrasts prejudice with “naked reason” in Reflectionsread analysis of Prejudice