Radicalism

The war of ideas in the late eighteenth century was an important watershed moment in British history. It signified the pouring over of radical ideas inspired by the French Revolution. This tumultuous period in history affected the discourses on politics, gender, literature and culture. Debates on gender, human rights and reflections on the political scenario shaped further discussions on law and women’s rights. This paper will explore the clash of ideals through select works of Jane West, Thomas Paine, Edmund Burke, Rousseau, Mary Wollstonecraft and Hannah More. An attempt has also been made to trace the different modes of thought about radicalism circulating during this time.