Johnson’s and Goldsmith’s political views were nearest those of a Whig aristocracy, a group that advocated for individual liberties, a strong Parliament, and a limited monarchy. This alignment was evident in their writings, speeches, and literary works.

Their support for the Whig party was rooted in their belief in the importance of individual rights and freedoms. They argued that the government’s primary role was to protect these rights, not to infringe upon them.

Political Alignments

Samuel Johnson and Oliver Goldsmith were two of the most prominent literary figures of the 18th century. Their political views were complex and nuanced, but they both generally aligned with the Tory party.

Johnson was a staunch defender of the monarchy and the Church of England. He believed that the government should be strong and that the people should be obedient. Goldsmith, on the other hand, was more sympathetic to the plight of the poor and the working class.

He believed that the government should do more to help those in need.

Both Johnson and Goldsmith were critical of the Whig party, which they saw as being too liberal and too willing to compromise with their principles. They also both supported the American Revolution, which they saw as a fight for freedom and independence.

Literary Influences on Political Views

Johnson’s and Goldsmith’s political views were influenced by their literary works. Johnson’s political writings, such as The Patriotand The False Alarm, defended the monarchy and the Church of England. Goldsmith’s political writings, such as The Citizen of the Worldand The Deserted Village, were more critical of the government and more sympathetic to the poor.

Johnson’s literary style was often characterized by its wit and satire. He used these tools to attack his political opponents and to defend his own beliefs. Goldsmith’s literary style was more gentle and compassionate. He used his writing to criticize the government and to advocate for the poor.

Historical Context, Johnson’s and goldsmith’s political views were nearest those of a

Johnson and Goldsmith lived during a time of great political upheaval. The American Revolution was taking place in the colonies, and the French Revolution was just around the corner. These events had a profound impact on their political views.

Johnson was a strong supporter of the American Revolution. He believed that the colonists were fighting for their freedom and independence. Goldsmith, on the other hand, was more cautious about the revolution. He worried that it would lead to chaos and bloodshed.

The French Revolution had a more profound impact on Johnson and Goldsmith. They both saw the revolution as a threat to the monarchy and the Church of England. Johnson wrote a series of pamphlets attacking the revolution, while Goldsmith wrote a poem called “The Deserted Village” that lamented the loss of the old order.

Comparison with Contemporaries

Johnson and Goldsmith’s political views were similar to those of other prominent figures of their time. They both shared a belief in the monarchy and the Church of England, and they both supported the American Revolution. However, they differed from some of their contemporaries in their views on the French Revolution.

Johnson was a strong opponent of the revolution, while Goldsmith was more cautious.

Johnson’s political views were also similar to those of Edmund Burke. Burke was a leading conservative thinker who opposed the French Revolution. Goldsmith’s political views were more similar to those of Thomas Paine. Paine was a radical thinker who supported the American Revolution and the French Revolution.

Legacy and Impact

Johnson’s and Goldsmith’s political views have had a lasting impact on British political thought. Johnson’s defense of the monarchy and the Church of England helped to shape the Conservative party. Goldsmith’s sympathy for the poor and the working class helped to shape the Labour party.

Johnson’s and Goldsmith’s writings continue to be read and studied today. Their political insights are still relevant to contemporary debates about the role of government and the importance of individual liberty.

Helpful Answers: Johnson’s And Goldsmith’s Political Views Were Nearest Those Of A

What were the key tenets of Johnson’s and Goldsmith’s political views?

Their views were aligned with those of a Whig aristocracy, emphasizing individual liberties, a strong Parliament, and a limited monarchy.

How did their literary works reflect their political beliefs?

Their writings often explored themes of individual freedom, the role of government, and the importance of a just society.

What was the historical context of their political views?

Their views were shaped by the Enlightenment, the American Revolution, and the rise of the Whig party in Britain.