Burke Conciliation Edmund Burke's Speech Term Paper

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The author hopes to restore what he calls "the former unsuspecting confidence of the Colonies in the Mother Country, to give permanent satisfaction to your people." Teh term "unsuspecting confidence" reveals the colonial mentality. Burke even suggests that a conciliatory tone will trick the colonies into greater respect for the Crown. "The more they multiply, the more friends you will have, the more ardently they love liberty, the more perfect will be their obedience."

In the speech delivered to Parliament, Burke bases his rhetorical appeal on the prevailing philosophical themes in late 18th century Britain. Crown supporters like Burke had not yet fully embraced the tenets of popular rule and remained tied to a the monarchic model. Burke appeals to national pride in his parliamentary address, too, repeatedly referring to the "greatness" of the empire. The American colonies are portrayed by Burke as Crown subjects, so he does not antagonize his audience in any way. He presents an appeal for conciliation as being beneficial for the empire. The argument rests largely on the Crown's economic concerns. One of the main reasons for colonial discontent was in fact the increased pressure exerted for trade tariff and taxation. The colonial governments fought not only for self-governance but for more liberalized trade and fewer Crown taxes.

Burke suggests that Parliament relax its heavy-handed approach toward taxing the colonies and toward imposing Crown rule over the colonies.

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Instead of relying on forcible taxation, Burke advises an approach that will ensure free trade and mutual prosperity. He avoids accusing Britain of exploitation but does state,"Deny them this participation of freedom, and you break that sole bond which originally made, and must still preserve, the unity of the empire." Instead of taking up arms against the colonies as a matter of pride, Burke advises for a conciliatory approach that will promote freer cross-Atlantic trade. His approach presaged the age of globalization that would develop over the next several centuries.

Let us get an American revenue as we have got an American empire. English privileges have made it all that it is; English privileges alone will make it all it can be." Edmund Burke's speech to Parliament on "Conciliation with America" was delivered in advance of the revolutionary war. Based on its tone and content, Burke sensed the impending struggle. The orator believed that by adopting a more conciliatory tone, Britain could retain the colonies within their dominion, reaping continued profits and avoiding a costly war. However, by the time Burke delivered his speech it is likely that the colonial governments and their citizens were determined to manifest self-rule and complete independence from the Crown.

Reference

Burke, E. (1775). Speech on conciliation with America. Retrieved April 14, 2007 at http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/D/1751-1775/libertydebate/burk.htm.....

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