Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine, born on 29 January 1737 in Thetford, England, became a significant and influential figure during the French Revolution. Known primarily for his works advocating liberty and justice, Paine was deeply engaged with both the American and French revolutionary movements. After his notable involvement in the American Revolution, he moved to France in 1790, where his writings and ideas greatly resonated with the revolutionaries.

In France, Paine's seminal work, "The Rights of Man" (published in two parts in 1791 and 1792), vigorously defended the principles set forth by the French Revolution. He argued against the traditional hierarchical systems of monarchy and aristocracy, promoting instead the ideals of equality, natural rights, and the inherent sovereignty of the people. This work not only bolstered support for the Revolution among the French populace but also found readership across Europe, influencing political discourse.

Paine's active engagement with the National Convention (the body governing France during much of the Revolution) is another key aspect of his contributions. In 1792, he was elected to the Convention as a representative for Pas-de-Calais, despite not speaking French fluently. His tenure in the Convention saw him align with the Girondins (a moderate political faction) and advocate for the abolition of the death penalty. Paine notably opposed the execution of King Louis XVI, suggesting instead an alternative of exile (a view that ultimately put him at odds with the more radical Jacobins).

During the Reign of Terror (1793-1794), Paine faced significant peril. His Girondin allies fell from power, and he himself was imprisoned in December 1793 under suspicion of being an enemy of the Revolution. He was detained in the Luxembourg prison for nearly a year, during which he began working on another of his influential texts, "The Age of Reason." His release in November 1794 came through the intercession of James Monroe (the U.S. Minister to France at the time).

Paine continued to contribute to revolutionary thought and discourse until his departure from France in 1802. His writings and participation in the French Revolution underscored his enduring commitment to the principles of rationalism, individual rights, and democratic governance. Paine’s legacy remains notable for his dedication to advocating for political and social reforms in France and beyond.

• Thomas Paine's influential pamphlet, 'Common Sense,' published in 1776, laid the groundwork for revolutionary thought not just in America, but also inspired ideas that resonated throughout the French Revolution.
• Paine also authored 'The Rights of Man' in 1791, which argued for universal human rights and directly influenced revolutionary leaders in France; it was deemed so radical that it led to his arrest in 1793.
• His strong support for the Republic and criticism of monarchy made him a cherished figure among revolutionaries in France, where many referred to him as 'l'ami du peuple' (the friend of the people).
• Interestingly, Paine lived in France during the Revolution and was an active member of the National Convention, despite his American origins and previous efforts in the American Revolution.
• Paine’s ideas also extended to social issues; he advocated for a form of social security and even proposed a system of public welfare that was revolutionary for its time.
• After the Revolution, Paine faced significant backlash, as many revolutionaries distanced themselves from his radical ideas; he was even imprisoned for several months due to his political beliefs.