Rights of Man by Tom Paine - Pt 2

Paine published part 2 of Rights of Man in 1792. In it he continues his expressions of support for the revolutions of America and France, holding them up as positive examples to the world, and looks forward to a time when similar movements of representative government will be generated all over Europe and the self-interested corruption of Monarchies will be cast down; and with it there would be an end to all monarchical-engendered aggression between countries. Nations will exist in friendly association with one another, allowing trade to flourish. This pan-European amity would make possible a widespread disbandment of military forces. Large armies and navies would be no longer needed and would therefore be greatly reduced in numbers, and perhaps the remaining forces could even become a shared resource between certain trading partners. As a result the people of England would be relieved of a great part of their burden of taxation. The taxes that remained would be more equally and fairly levied on all citizens, including the rich property-owning classes. Earnings would be strictly regulated and capped so that no individual could become excessively rich from the public purse, and there would be established a country-wide welfare system to support the poor, the aged and the infirm. After publication, Rights of Man became widely distributed, read and shared. Paine was tried in absentia and found guilty of seditious libel against the Crown. He was by this time living in France and so was unavailable for hanging. He did not return to England.