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…
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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…
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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 Reflections…
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