Whigs and Parliamentary Reform

Name: Whigs and Parliamentary Reform
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The work critiques the Whig party's inconsistent stance on parliamentary reform and their historical alignment with revolutionary ideals. It highlights the detrimental impact of Fox's unwavering support for the French Revolution, which led to a departure from traditional English values and policies. The author argues that this allegiance ultimately transformed the Whigs into supporters of foreign invasions, particularly criticizing their response to the Spanish conflict. The narrative includes a personal anecdote involving a conversation with Lord Darnley, illustrating the unpredictability of political situations and the folly of dismissing the potential for resistance in Spain. The author reflects on the shifting dynamics of power and the eventual validation of his earlier predictions regarding the Spanish resistance. The text further examines the nature of parliamentary votes for reform, suggesting that many are insincere and aimed at gaining popularity rather than enacting genuine change. It critiques the current Ministry's reliance on the weaknesses of the Opposition, implying that the fear of the latter regaining power stifles meaningful reform. The overall tone is one of disillusionment with the political landscape, emphasizing the need for integrity and true commitment to reform rather than opportunistic gestures.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1853 · Genre: Political Commentary, Historical Analysis, Essay · 790 words

First lines

The conduct of the Whigs is extravagantly inconsistent. It originated in the fatal error which Fox committed, in persisting, after the first three years of the French Revolution, when every shadow of freedom in France had vanished, in eulogizing the men and measures of that shallow-hearted people. So he went on gradually, further and further departing from all the principles of English policy and wisdom, till at length he became the panegyrist, through thick and thin, of a military frenzy, under the influence of which the very name of liberty was detested. And thus it was that, in course of time, Fox's party became the absolute abettors of the Buonapartean invasion of Spain, and did all in their power to thwart the generous efforts of this country to resist it. Now, when the invasion is by a Bourbon, and the cause of the Spanish nation neither united nor, indeed, sound in many respects, the Whigs would precipitate this country into a crusade to fight up the cause of a faction.

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Whigs and Parliamentary Reform is listed on Textopian as an essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1853 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1853 CE
Language: English
Genres: Political Commentary, Historical Analysis, Essay, Philosophical Discourse, Satire
Length: 790 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Political Commentary — The book critiques the Whigs' political actions and inconsistencies, focusing on parliamentary reform and political ethics.
Historical Analysis — It examines historical events, particularly the French Revolution and its impact on English politics, providing context for the Whigs' actions.
Essay — The work is structured as an essay, presenting arguments and reflections on political issues rather than a narrative plot.
Philosophical Discourse — It engages with philosophical ideas about liberty, governance, and the moral responsibilities of political parties.