Edmund Burke

History of English Literature
August 27, 2024
MD SADDAM HOSSAIN

Edmund Burke

Edmund Burke (1729–1797) was a British-Irish statesman, philosopher, and political theorist, known for his support of the American Revolution and opposition to the French Revolution, shaping modern conservative thought.

Biography

Edmund Burke

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Edmund Burke
Birth Date	12 January [NS] 1729
Death Date	9 July 1797
Nationality	Anglo-Irish
Profession	Statesman, Philosopher
Main Career Location	Great Britain
Political Party	Whig Party
Parliamentary Service	Member of Parliament (MP) between 1766 and 1794
Notable Works	A Vindication of Natural Society (1756), Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790)
Political Views	Proponent of underpinning virtues with manners in society Importance of religious institutions for the moral stability and good of the state Criticised British government’s actions towards American colonies Supported rights of colonists to resist metropolitan authority Opposed the attempt to achieve American independence Supported Catholic emancipation Staunch opposition to the French Revolution
Legacy	Leading figure within the conservative faction of the Whig Party Praised by both conservatives and liberals in the 19th century Regarded as the philosophical founder of conservatism in the 20th century

Early Life

Edmund Burke’s Early Life

Edmund Burke was born on January 12, 1729, in Dublin, Ireland. He was raised in a mixed religious household; his father, Richard Burke, was a Protestant, while his mother, Mary Nagle, was a Roman Catholic. Burke received his early education at a Quaker school in Ballitore, County Kildare, before moving on to Trinity College, Dublin, where he graduated in 1748. After completing his education, Burke moved to London in 1750 to pursue a career in law, but he soon shifted his focus to writing and politics, which eventually led to his significant contributions as a statesman and philosopher.

Family

Edmund Burke’s Family

Relation	Name	Information
Father	Richard Burke	Richard Burke was a solicitor in Dublin, Ireland. He was a prosperous attorney who provided a comfortable lifestyle for his family.
Mother	Mary Nagle	Mary Nagle was of Roman Catholic descent and hailed from a wealthy family in County Cork, Ireland.
Brother	Richard Burke Jr.	Richard Burke Jr. was a barrister and Member of Parliament. He was known for his involvement in politics and his support for his brother Edmund.
Sister	Juliana Burke	Juliana Burke was Edmund Burke’s sister. Little is known about her life, but she was part of the Burke family who lived in Ireland.

Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements

Edmund Burke – Body Measurements

Measurement	Value
Height	Unknown
Weight	Unknown
Chest Size	Unknown
Waist Size	Unknown
Hip Size	Unknown
Shoe Size	Unknown
Eye Color	Unknown
Hair Color	Unknown

Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend

Edmund Burke’s Relationships

Edmund Burke was married to Jane Mary Nugent. They married on March 12, 1757.

Details About Jane Mary Nugent

Jane Mary Nugent was the daughter of Dr. Christopher Nugent, a Catholic physician from Galway, Ireland. She was known for her intelligence and support of her husband’s political career. The couple had one son, Richard Burke.

There are no historical records of Edmund Burke having any other romantic relationships or marriages prior to his marriage to Jane Mary Nugent.

Career, Achievements And Controversies

Edmund Burke

Edmund Burke (1729-1797) was an Irish statesman, economist, and philosopher. He is most renowned for his support of the American colonies in their disputes with the British government and for his opposition to the French Revolution.

How He Became Famous

Burke became famous primarily through his role as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons of Great Britain. His eloquent speeches, writings, and active participation in political debates garnered him significant attention and acclaim.

How The Career Started And Popular Works

Burke’s career began with his work as a writer and critic. He published “A Vindication of Natural Society” in 1756, which established his reputation as a political thinker. He entered Parliament in 1765 as a member for Wendover. Some of his most notable works include:

A Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful (1757)
Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790)
Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontents (1770)
On American Taxation (1774)
On Conciliation with America (1775)

Awards

During Burke’s time, formal awards and recognitions were not as prevalent as they are today. However, his influence and contributions were widely acknowledged by his contemporaries. He was offered multiple high-ranking positions, including a peerage, which he declined.

Edmund Burke’s career was not without its controversies. Some of the most significant controversies include:

Support for the American Colonies: Burke’s support for the American colonies’ grievances against British taxation and policies was controversial. Many viewed his stance as unpatriotic and a betrayal of British interests.
Opposition to the French Revolution: Burke’s vehement opposition to the French Revolution, articulated in his work “Reflections on the Revolution in France,” was highly controversial. While many praised his foresight, others criticized him for defending the old order and being out of touch with the ideals of liberty and equality.
Impeachment of Warren Hastings: Burke played a leading role in the impeachment of Warren Hastings, the Governor-General of India, for alleged corruption and abuses of power. The trial was long and contentious, and Hastings was ultimately acquitted, leading to mixed reactions about Burke’s motivations and methods.

Faq

FAQs about Edmund Burke

Q1: Who was Edmund Burke?

Edmund Burke (1729–1797) was an Irish statesman, economist, and philosopher. He is best known for his support of the American Revolution and his opposition to the French Revolution. Burke is often considered the father of modern conservatism.

Q2: What are some of Edmund Burke’s most notable works?

Some of Burke’s most notable works include “A Vindication of Natural Society” (1756), “Reflections on the Revolution in France” (1790), and “Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontents” (1770). These works cover a range of topics from political theory to critiques of contemporary events.

Q3: What is Edmund Burke’s connection to conservatism?

Edmund Burke is often regarded as the philosophical founder of modern conservatism. His ideas emphasized the importance of tradition, social order, and gradual change rather than radical reforms. Burke’s critique of the French Revolution in “Reflections on the Revolution in France” is considered a foundational text for conservative thought.

Q4: How did Edmund Burke view the American and French Revolutions?

Edmund Burke supported the American Revolution, believing that the colonies had legitimate grievances and that their fight for independence was justified. In contrast, he strongly opposed the French Revolution, viewing it as a dangerous and radical upheaval that threatened social stability and order.

Q5: What was Edmund Burke’s role in British politics?

Edmund Burke was a member of the British Parliament for many years. He served as a member of the House of Commons, representing various constituencies. Burke was a prominent Whig and an influential political thinker, known for his eloquent speeches and writings on a wide range of issues, including colonial policy, economics, and constitutional law.