Rights of Man

work by Paine

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July 13, 2026

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Thomas Paine's Rights of Man is a significant work that defends the French Revolution and republican principles. Published in two parts in 1791 and 1792, it was a direct response to Edmund Burke's critique of the French Revolution. Paine argued for the inherent rights of individuals, asserting that government's role is to protect these rights, which include liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression.123

The work advocates for social reforms, including public education, relief for the poor, and pensions for the elderly, funded by a progressive income tax. Paine's ideas were radical for his time, challenging monarchy and advocating for a more equitable society. The book was highly influential, widely distributed, and led to Paine being indicted for treason in England. It stands as a foundational text in political philosophy, emphasizing natural rights and the social contract.13

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United Kingdom
Britain during the French Revolution
…argued that Thomas Paine’s best-seller, The Rights of Man (1791–92), fostered mass enthusiasm for democratic reform and mass alienation from Britain’s ruling class. Paine attacked the monarchy, aristocracy, and all forms of privilege, and he demanded not only manhood suffrage and peace but also public education, old-age pensions, maternity benefits,…
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…argued that Thomas Paine’s best-seller, The Rights of Man (1791–92), fostered mass enthusiasm for democratic reform and mass alienation from Britain’s ruling class. Paine attacked the monarchy, aristocracy, and all forms of privilege, and he demanded not only manhood suffrage and peace but also public education, old-age pensions, maternity benefits,…
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Thomas Paine
In Europe: Rights of Man
In April 1787 Paine left for Europe to promote his plan to build a single-arch bridge across the wide Schuylkill River near Philadelphia. But in England he was soon diverted from his engineering project. In December 1789 he published anonymously a warning…
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In April 1787 Paine left for Europe to promote his plan to build a single-arch bridge across the wide Schuylkill River near Philadelphia. But in England he was soon diverted from his engineering project. In December 1789 he published anonymously a warning…
Read More