Burke's Attitudes Towards Revolution And Colonial Issues-Balance Of Power And Moderate Reform

The Glorious Revolution in 1688 led to the establishment of constitutional monarchy,which indicated the victory of a constitutional government.Enlightenment Movement is the source of critical ideas with reason as the primary political virtue.Under the influence of the movement broke out the French Revolution which exerted unprecedented influence on the world.Edmund Burke,the father of western conservatism,holds totally different views towards this two significant events.This thesis intends to make a deep research of Burke's main political thoughts,discuss the actual process of the Glorious Revolution and The French Revolution,make some comparisons and find out the reason behind his different views towards these two significant events---the Glorious Revolution can be classified under the category of natural evolution(a procedural and moderate way of reform),while the French Revolution,that of drastic revolution(utterly overthrowing of the existing institution and government).Reform,therefore,must always reflect the equitable representation of diverse interests and must be put forward,as in Britain's case,in a relatively moderate and progressive way.What's more,in order to add proof to Burke's respect for traditional ways of living,his striving to achieve the balance of power among diverse interests,and his utter opposition to arbitrary power,I further discuss two colonial issues that Burke has been involved: North American issue,India issue(including the impeachment of Warren Hastings).On his account,ruling over a foreign people is not intrinsically wrong,so long as imperial rulers show respect for their subjects' customs and political traditions,avoid arbitrary power,and bear the grave responsibility to provide good governance to the colonial people.In short,balance of power and moderate way of reform(natural evolution)are the consistent thread running through all his political thought and ideas.