Ways and Means of Improving the Conditions of Europe, Interspersed with Miscellaneous Observations Summary and Analysis

The last chapter of Rights of Man concludes with practical recommendations for government policy in Europe, particularly on how to improve its material and social conditions. Again, he emphasizes that the American Revolution has lit a flame across the world and the freedom is within the grasp of the peoples of Europe. Their new governments must aim at the general happiness. Their principles must be practiced and European governments should be constructed on the idea of a universal civilization, in part to spite their violent governments. So much of tax revenue is wasted. Civil government must be distinguished from the state itself; and the people must believe in their ability to organize themselves.

Paine advocates commerce; he...