Paine, Thomas (1737-1809) An Englishman who came to America in 1774, he
was a political philosopher who promoted change through revolution
rather than reform. Paine is most renowned for his activities
advocating democracy.
Paine Opposes the Execution of Louis XVI (1792) Speaking as a citizen
of both France and the United States, Paine delivered this impassioned
speech to the French National Convention in 1792. Despite his professed
hatred of absolute monarchy, Paine pleaded with the assembly to spare
the ousted ruler's life by banishing him to the United States. Louis
(Capet) XVI was beheaded in 1793.
