The French Revolution

Question 1

What event caused major debate in British political thought during the late 18th century?

Answer 1

The French Revolution.

Question 2

What revolution established political stability in Britain in the 17th century?

Answer 2

The Glorious Revolution (1688).

Question 3

What form of government was common across much of Europe before the French Revolution?

Answer 3

Absolutism and tyranny.

Question 4

How did nonconformists like Richard Price respond to the French Revolution?

Answer 4

They supported it as a continuation of freedom and justice.

Question 5

Who delivered ‘A Discourse on the Love of Our Country’ in 1790?

Answer 5

Richard Price.

Question 6

In his speech, what did Richard Price claim the French Revolution would do to Europe?

Answer 6

Ignite liberty and overthrow despotism.

Question 7

What conservative text criticized the French Revolution in 1790?

Answer 7

Edmund Burke’s ‘Reflections on the Revolution in France’.

Question 8

What concept did Burke argue for regarding society?

Answer 8

Organic society and natural order.

Question 9

What did Burke see as a major threat from the French Revolution?

Answer 9

The mass mob and social disorder.

Question 10

According to Burke, who were the guardians of society’s values?

Answer 10

The aristocracy and the elite.

Question 11

What kind of political change did Burke advocate for?

Answer 11

Gradual, evolutionary change.

Question 12

How did Burke characterize the French Revolutionaries?

Answer 12

As a tyrannical mob destroying tradition.

Question 13

What did Burke compare the British constitution to?

Answer 13

A familial inheritance, tied to domestic affections.

Question 14

What did Burke argue was lost when ancient traditions were destroyed?

Answer 14

The “compass” needed to govern society.

Question 15

According to Burke, what gave Britain its dignity and freedom?

Answer 15

It’s traditions, heritage, and historical lineage.

Question 16

What was Mary Wollstonecraft’s 1790 work called?

Answer 16

‘A Vindication of the Rights of Man’.

Question 17

What did Wollstonecraft argue about women’s roles in the late 18th century?

Answer 17

Women were socially enslaved and marginalized.

Question 18

What did Wollstonecraft link women’s status to?

Answer 18

The institution of slavery.

Question 19

According to Wollstonecraft, what corrupted European civilization?

Answer 19

Hereditary property and honors.

Question 20

What did Wollstonecraft criticize Burke for?

Answer 20

Blind reverence for tradition and defense of injustice like the slave trade.

Question 21

How did Wollstonecraft define English liberty critically?

Answer 21

As selfish protection of property over true freedom.

Question 22

What did Wollstonecraft say was sacrificed for property security?

Answer 22

Nobler principles of humanity and justice.

Question 23

What was Thomas Paine’s major pro-revolutionary work called?

Answer 23

Rights of Man (1791).

Question 24

What was Paine’s view of the people’s role in government?

Answer 24

People must have power and act freely.

Question 25

What early concept did Paine promote that relates to the modern welfare state?

Answer 25

Government’s responsibility to support citizens' well-being.

Question 26

According to Paine, does any generation have a right to rule over future ones?

Answer 26

No, every generation must be free to govern itself.

Question 27

What did Paine say about monarchy and the French King?

Answer 27

It was the monarchy system, not the individual King, that was the problem.

Question 28

How did Paine criticize Burke's writing style?

Answer 28

As theatrical and elitist rather than factual.

Question 29

What was the core disagreement between Paine and Burke?

Answer 29

Tradition (Burke) vs. radical change and rights (Paine).

Question 30

How did Burke view tradition in politics?

Answer 30

As essential for societal stability.

Question 31

How did Paine view tradition?

Answer 31

As oppressive and outdated.

Question 32

Which thinker is more associated with modern conservative thought?

Answer 32

Edmund Burke.

Question 33

Which thinker influenced modern democratic and welfare ideas?

Answer 33

Thomas Paine.

Question 34

Complete the quote: "In this choice of inheritance we have given to our frame of polity..."

Answer 34

"...the image of a relation in blood."

Question 35

What does Burke say is lost when ancient rules are removed?

Answer 35

"We have no compass to govern us."

Question 36

How does Burke describe tradition in Reflections?

Answer 36

As a noble freedom with pedigree and ancestors.

Question 37

What stops European civilization’s progress according to Wollstonecraft?

Answer 37

Hereditary property and honors.

Question 38

What does Wollstonecraft call Burke’s defense of the slave trade?

Answer 38

An atrocious insult to humanity.

Question 39

What does Wollstonecraft say about "security of property"?

Answer 39

It defines selfish English liberty.

Question 40

What does Paine say about man’s right over future generations?

Answer 40

"Man has no property in man; neither has any generation a property in the generations which are to follow."

Question 41

What distinction does Paine make regarding the French King?

Answer 41

Criticism was aimed at monarchy, not the King personally.

Question 42

How does Paine mock Burke’s Reflections?

Answer 42

By accusing him of writing dramatic plays, not history.

Question 43

What inspired the French Revolution, according to Richard Price?

Answer 43

Enlightenment ideals reflected from America.

Question 44

What impact did Price believe Britain and France had on Europe?

Answer 44

They ignited a blaze for justice across Europe.

Question 45

How did Paine characterize the French Revolution in contrast to Burke?

Answer 45

As a rightful and necessary rebellion against tyranny.