America vs. France in Burke's eyes

Through discussing and reading about philosopher Edmund Burke, we learn about his endorsement of what we today call Classical Conservatism, in which he emphasized preserving the power of king and aristocracy, maintaining the influence of landholders against the rising industrial bourgeoisie, limiting suffrage, and continuing ties between church and state.  When we look at his views on politics, it is to no one’s astonishment that Burke condemned the political and social changes that were connected to the French Revolution.  While many have criticized Burke’s “hypocrisy” in supporting the American Revolution yet denouncing the French Revolution, one only has to look at the results of both revolutions to justify Burke’s views.  It is also important to understand why, if Burke was an intense critic of the French Revolution and its radical change, why was he a supporter of the American Revolution?

Edmund Burke, Champion of Classical Conservatism

 

Before we can debate on the similarities and the differences between the two revolutions, it is first critical to understand a bit about the two.  Starting with the earlier American Revolution, the revolution of the colonies was much more than a simple revolution, more so a war for independence.  After years of “unlawful” taxes, absence of representation in Parliament, and occupation by British troops, many of the American colonists sought to rid themselves of the British monarchy through rebellion; and even when insurrection broke out, many of the American politicians and diplomats thought of war as a last resort.  Once the Americans had finally gained their independence in 1783, the American people established a new government to protect the new republic and provide stability.

Let Freedom Ring!

Now let’s compare that revolution with the French Revolution.  The French Revolution came about after the French Monarchy, led by King Louis XVI, imposed heavy taxes upon the masses to pay for the country’s massive debt (which ironically had been accumulated in large part due to the country’s financial backing of the colonies in the American Revolution).  Influenced by the teachings of the Enlightenment which called for universal freedom and equality for everyone, the underprivileged masses held riots, looting and other forms of social disorder, climaxing on July 14, 1989 when rioters stormed the Bastille fortress, marking the beginning of the French Revolution and leading to the drafting of a new Constitution.  Yet with the violent rebellion spreading throughout France and the execution of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette in 1793, the revolution took a violent turn, resulting in the bloody Reign of Terror, in which suspected enemies of the revolution were executed by the thousands.  It wouldn’t be until 1799, when Napoleon staged a coup d’état, which the French Revolution officially came to a close.

The Blade from the Guillotine that Beheaded Marie Antoinette.

With this information as well as what we know about Burke, we can now see why Burke supported the American Revolution but not the French Revolution.  I believe that Burke supported the colonists because they in fact were supporting the laws that were laid down by the British government itself, while the current monarch at that time was not following them.  Even when war had already broken out (as I had pointed out earlier), the diplomats and politicians of America continued a futile attempt through the Olive Branch Petition, to remain with the monarchy, as long as the monarchy would also follow the law (no taxation without representation).  It was also a war of independence; not one of overthrowing a government but one of creating their own government keeping to the traditions that the British monarchy had failed to live up to.  On the other hand, the French objective was to overthrow the monarchy and set up a democracy through rebellion and violence, which disgusted Burke.

Pictures found at:

Burke: http://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/02/47/76/2477688_78396c15.jpg

Liberty Bell:  

http://www.flickr.com/photos/seattlemunicipalarchives/2942061369/

Blade from Guillotine:  http://images.cdn.fotopedia.com/flickr-211244502-hd.jpg