The Rights of Man · Chapter
Paine's Preface to the French Edition explained
Paine distinguishes between the French Revolution's effect on foreign peoples versus their governments, arguing that the English government is hostile to the revolution while the English people are sympathetic.
What happens
Paine distinguishes between the French Revolution's effect on foreign peoples versus their governments, arguing that the English government is hostile to the revolution while the English people are sympathetic. He criticizes the English government's warmongering and taxation, and calls for the peoples of France, England, and America to unite in promoting good government.
Themes in this chapter
Revolution and Reform
Paine advocates for reform through the united influence of enlightened peoples.
Peace and Anti-War
Paine condemns the English government's warmongering and its pursuit of war for tax revenue.
Popular Sovereignty
Paine emphasizes that reform must come from the nations themselves, not from governments.
Characters to notice
- Thomas Paine
Author of the preface, addressing the French edition.
- Edmund Burke
Mentioned as the recipient of thanks from the Elector of Hanover for his insults against the French Revolution.
- William Pitt
Criticized for his malevolent comments in Parliament against the French Revolution.
- George I
Referred to as the Elector of Hanover, sometimes called the King of England, who thanked Burke.
Key passages
“The cause of the French people is that of all Europe, or rather of the whole world; but the governments of all those countries are by no means favorable to it.”
The French people's struggle for liberty is a universal cause, but their governments oppose it.
Paine distinguishes between the interests of peoples and their governments.
“The English government presents, just now, a curious phenomenon. Seeing that the French and English nations are getting rid of the prejudices and false notions formerly entertained against each other, and which have cost them so much money, that government seems to be placarding its need of a foe; for unless it finds one somewhere, no pretext exists for the enormous revenue and taxation now deemed necessary.”
The English government, faced with peace between France and England, seeks new enemies to justify its high taxes and military spending.
Paine accuses the English government of manufacturing conflicts to maintain revenue.
“It is only from the nations themselves that reforms can be expected.”
Reforms must come from the people, not from their governments.
Paine emphasizes popular sovereignty as the source of political change.