Establish the encroachments
"A nation formed through a revolution needs to recognize that rebellion is an essential aspect of its character and its destiny. Jefferson's letter to Madison continued: "Unsuccessful rebellions indeed generally establish the encroachments on the rights of the people which have produced them. An observation of this truth should render honest republican governors so mild in their punishment of rebellions, as not to discourage them too much. It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government." (Thomas Jefferson, “Letters of Thomas Jefferson.”)
What does the emphasized part mean here?
Top answer
e. defeated by the existing regime, then the attempted rebellion only serves to reinforce or strengthen the oppressiveness ("encroachment on people's rights") of the existing regime.
- e.
- defeated by the existing regime, then the attempted rebellion only serves to reinforce or strengthen the oppressiveness ("encroachment on people's rights") of the existing regime.
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To me, it seems to mean that if a rebellion is unsuccessful, i.e. defeated by the existing regime, then the attempted rebellion only serves to reinforce or strengthen the oppressiveness ("encroachment on people's rights") of the existing regime.
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