Thomas Paine is a well-known historical figure, best known for his influential writings during the American Revolution. However, many people are not aware of his falling out with George Washington and the subsequent criticisms Paine launched against him. In this blog post, we will explore this little-known aspect of Paine’s life.

Paine and Washington had a close relationship during the American Revolution, with Paine serving as an aide-de-camp to Washington. However, their relationship began to sour as Paine became increasingly critical of Washington’s actions. Paine believed that Washington was not doing enough to address issues of racism and slavery, and that he was living like an American prince rather than a public servant.

Paine’s criticisms of Washington were not well-received by the public, who still held Washington in high esteem. Paine’s criticisms were seen as a betrayal of the Revolutionary cause, and many accused him of being unpatriotic. However, Paine refused to back down from his criticisms, believing that it was his duty to hold Washington accountable for his actions.

One of Paine’s most scathing critiques of Washington was his essay, African Slavery in America, which was published in 1775. In this essay, Paine argued that slavery was a moral evil that was incompatible with the principles of the American Revolution. He also criticized Washington and other founding fathers for owning slaves, stating that they were hypocrites for claiming to fight for liberty while at the same time denying it to others.

Paine also took issue with Washington’s luxurious lifestyle, which he believed was at odds with the principles of the Revolution. In his essay, Common Sense, Paine argued that the purpose of the Revolution was to create a society where all men were equal and where there was no distinction between the rich and the poor. However, he believed that Washington’s lifestyle, which included lavish parties and expensive clothing, was a reflection of his desire for power and status.

In conclusion, Thomas Paine’s falling out with George Washington was a significant moment in American history. Paine’s criticisms of Washington’s racism, slavery, and luxurious lifestyle were controversial at the time, but they have since been acknowledged as legitimate critiques of a founding father who was not perfect. Paine’s willingness to hold Washington accountable for his actions serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking truth to power, even when it is unpopular.

References:

• Fruchtman, J. Jr. (1994). Thomas Paine: Apostle of Freedom. Four Walls Eight Windows.
• Fruchtman, J. Jr. (2009). The Political Philosophy of Thomas Paine. ‎ Johns Hopkins University Press.
• Kaye, H. (2006). Thomas Paine and the Promise of America: A History & Biography. Hill and Wang
• Hitchens, C. (2008). Thomas Paine’s Rights of Man. Grove Press.
• Paine, T. (1791). Dissertations on First Principles of Government. J. Almon.
• Paine, T. (1776). Common Sense. S. & R. Adams.
• Paine, T. (1792). The Rights of Man. J. S. Jordan.