Reflections on the Revolution in France is a pamphlet written by Edmund Burke that was published in 1790. One of the best known intellectual attacks against the politics of and the French Revolution in general, Reflections is a markstone that defines modern conservatism as well as the transition from traditionalism into conservatism, a completely different political philosophy. This work has become a classic text in political theory, and is still studied quite extensively today, as it greatly influenced the conservative and classical liberal intellectuals.
Edmund Burke represented the Whig party in the House of Commons of Great Britain, and he was a close ally of Lord Rockingham, who was notably liberal. As a politician, Burke defended the constitutional limitation of the Crown’s authority, support the Catholic religion in Ireland, denounced the British with the grievances of the American colonies, and supported the American Revolution. In addition, he was very active against those who used their power unfairly, abusing their power and turning corrupt. Burke was very respected by liberals all over the world, especially in Europe and America.
Burke wrote this work after the fall of the Bastille, and even though this was actually a response to a letter from the French aristocrat, it became in instant bestseller in Europe. Discussing power and the abuse that always results, the inability to handle such large amounts of power, and the corruption of the revolutionaries’ power, Reflections on the Revolution in France is one of the most famous and important documents discussing the politics and social issues of the French Revolution.
