This thesis examines the treatment of monarchy in extraparliamentary debate in England during a period in which republican ideology challenged monarchy's utility and sanctity: from the time when England first felt the impact of the French Revolution until the rise of Napoleon. It analyses the image of the British monarchy which emerged out of this debate and its contribution to the maintenance of social and political stability during the 1790s. Much of the monarchy's strength and endurance can be attributed to the adaptability of its image, a quality enhanced by George Ill's character and regal style. Beginning with the Burke-Paine controversy, this study shows how arguments on the proper relationship between sovereign and subject were used to support contentious views on the social hierarchy. Chapter II assesses the impact of the reformist challenge, inspired by the overthrow of tyranny in France, upon conservative ideology. Although notions of the divine nature of the kingly office enjoyed a resurgence, loyalists were combining these with a new image of George III which suggested his fulfilment of the reformers' ideals of responsible and accessible government. The next three chapters examine the species of republicanism which developed in England during this period and the impact which repression had upon reformist attitudes, by charting the vacillations in reformers' attitudes toward the King. Essentially, the predominance of moderate members in the reform societies and the alarm raised for the King's life induced those harbouring republican ideals to adapt them to the existence of a strongly established monarchy in England. But when repression continued, the constitutional movement was crushed, leaving a small underground movement which was republican and revolutionary. Chapter VII shows how the legal debate on the sanctity and security of the crown branded reformers as potential regicides and promoted loyalist vigilance against them. The final chapter looks at the manner in which royal ceremonial and ritual further supported this spirit of vigilance and encouraged sentiments and beliefs which helped to buttress the status quo.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:282701 |
| Date | January 1988 |
| Creators | Morris, Marilyn Ann |
| Publisher | Royal Holloway, University of London |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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