The Rights of Man

The Rights of Man was written primarily as a refutation of Edmund Burke's belief, as outlined in Reflections on the Revolution in France, that national traditions and laws superseded the rights of individuals. Paine's The Rights of Man was not among the first to respond to Burke, but because it claimed the people had the right to overthrow a government that doesn't recognize the natural rights of its citizens, it was among the most radical. The Rights of Man also advocated a welfare system that provided employment opportunities, child support, public education, and assistance for the elderly. No surprise then that the administration of William Pitt the Younger had its circulation was suppressed in England, and in early 1792, a warrant was issued for Paine's arrest. Paine fled to France, where the French Revolution was still in its early stages. He supported the radicals who wanted to reform the government and abolish the aristocracy. However, his belief in the rights of individuals lost him favor with the revolutionary government, and he returned to the United States.