Speech on Conciliation with America by Edmund Burke : Subject-matter of the Speech

Subject-matter of the Speech

Burke was an active member of Dr. Johnson’s literary club and almost all his speeches or writings are concerned with contemporary political situations or issues. His “Speech on Conciliation with America” is not an exception. It is a very fervent and sincere appeal to the members of the Parliament to be just and generous towards America. In the speech, he puts forward his plea and arguments for conciliation with the American people. America is an opulent colony and it would be too costly to lose such a wealthy colony. He prefers the policy of compromise and conciliation to force and coercion because “Nothing less will content me than whole America.” In this speech, Burke puts forward his justification for putting forward his resolutions of peace in the House of Commons. He makes a detailed analysis of the American colony and its population, its agriculture, commerce, and fisheries, which is based on facts and figures drawn from various sources. He is in favor of conciliation and against the use of force. He is in favor of the wise management of America.