Thomas Paine and his Rights of Man

Abstract

This paper examines the historical context, the content of Thomas Paine’s book, Rights of Man, and its impact on British working class. Paine, a British philosopher involved in the American independence movement, wrote Rights of Man in response to Edmund Burke’s criticisms of the French Revolution. The book defended the principles of the French Revolution and inspired workers to fight for their rights. Paine’s ideas on innate rights, representative democracy, and the roots of poverty resonated with the underclass workers. The conclusion highlights Paine’s contributions to democratic revolutions and his influence on the establishment of the American republic. Paine’s ideas continue to shape modern society and inspire ongoing democratic movements.