Edmund Burke Biography and Timeline

Birth of Edmund Burke

Birth of Edmund Burke

Vindication of Natural Society Published

Edmund Burke anonymously published A Vindication of Natural Society, a satire of rationalistic attacks on established institutions.

Philosophical Enquiry into the Sublime

Burke published A Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful, examining aesthetics and emotion.

Annual Register Editorial Work

Burke began work associated with the Annual Register, contributing historical and political commentary on current affairs.

Annual Register Historical Narrative

Burke's work on the Annual Register helped shape a recurring record of international political and historical developments.

Secretary to William Hamilton

Burke became private secretary to William Gerard Hamilton and gained experience in British political administration.

Secretary of State for Ireland

Appointed Secretary for Ireland

Role range: 1763-1809

Secretary to Marquess of Rockingham

Burke became secretary to Lord Rockingham, beginning a close political association with the Whig leader.

Election to House of Commons

Burke entered the House of Commons as member for Wendover and began a long parliamentary career.

Speech on American Taxation Debate

Burke participated in parliamentary debate over British taxation of the American colonies and questions of imperial authority.

Observations on Present State of Nation

Burke published Observations on a Late State of the Nation, challenging assessments of Britain's finances and government.

Thoughts on the Present Discontents

Publication of "Thoughts On the Present Discontents"

Arguments for Religious Toleration

Burke advocated measures to reduce political disabilities imposed on religious dissenters, consistent with his wider concern for toleration.

Elected for Bristol

Burke is elected Member of Parliament for Bristol.

Role range: 1774-1780

Election as Member for Bristol

Burke was elected member of Parliament for Bristol, a major commercial constituency.

Speech on American Taxation

Burke delivered his Speech on American Taxation, urging Parliament to reconsider coercive fiscal policies toward the colonies.

Speech to the Electors of Bristol

Burke argued that a parliamentary representative owes constituents independent judgment rather than unqualified obedience.

Proposal for Colonial Conciliation

Burke set out parliamentary resolutions intended to defuse the imperial crisis without abandoning British constitutional principles.

Speech on Conciliation with America

Burke delivered a major speech calling for reconciliation with the American colonies through constitutional compromise.

Letter to Sheriffs of Bristol

Burke published a letter criticizing punitive policy toward the American colonies and defending political prudence.

Speech to Electors

Burke defends independent parliamentary judgment to Bristol electors.

Role range: 1774-1780

Defense of Irish Trade

Burke supported freer trade arrangements for Ireland, challenging commercial restrictions within the British political system.

Leaves Bristol Seat

Burke withdraws from the Bristol election after losing local support.

Role range: 1774-1780

Bristol Constituency Departure

Burke declined to contest Bristol again amid disagreement with electors over his positions on trade and religious policy.

Speech on Economical Reform

Burke advocated curbing government patronage and waste in his speech on economical reform.

Administrative Reform Legislation

Burke helped secure economical reform measures intended to reduce Crown patronage and rationalize public administration.

Fox North Coalition Defense

Burke defended the Fox North coalition against criticism, emphasizing his understanding of party and constitutional responsibility.

Speech on East India Bill

Burke backed Charles James Fox's East India Bill as an attempt to address political abuses by the East India Company.

Speech on Nabob of Arcot Debts

Burke criticized financial and political corruption connected with the Carnatic and the East India Company's interests.

Charges Against Warren Hastings

Burke presented accusations against former governor general Warren Hastings, beginning a major parliamentary impeachment campaign.

Defense of Indian Rights

During the Hastings impeachment, Burke argued that imperial power was subject to universal moral obligations.

Opening Speech at Hastings Impeachment

Burke opened the impeachment proceedings against Warren Hastings with a wide ranging denunciation of abuses of power in India.

Response to French Revolutionary Events

Burke became increasingly critical of revolutionary developments in France and their implications for political order.

Political Argument for Inherited Institutions

Burke developed a defense of historical institutions and gradual reform in his criticism of the French Revolution.

Reflections on the Revolution in France

Publication of "Reflections On the French Revolution". Condemns the French revolution & upholds the ideas of the English 1688 revolution

Appeal from New to Old Whigs

Burke published An Appeal from the New to the Old Whigs, defending his interpretation of Whig constitutional principles.

Break with Charles James Fox

Burke's disagreement with Charles James Fox over France became a public rupture within the Whig opposition.

Heads for Consideration on French Affairs

Burke circulated a memorandum assessing policy toward revolutionary France and the dangers he perceived.

Letter to Sir Hercules Langrishe

Burke urged reform of restrictions on Irish Catholics in a letter to Sir Hercules Langrishe.

Remarks on Policy of the Allies

Burke wrote Remarks on the Policy of the Allies, arguing about the war against revolutionary France.