The British Monarchy's Biggest Hater

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A video about that time when Britain abolished its monarchy; a celebration (of sorts) to tie in with the coronation of Charles III.
Written, directed and presented by Tom Nicholas.
Edited by Georgia Burrows.
Chapters
00:00 The Brits Who Hate the King
05:03 Thomas Paine
10:29 Common Sense & the American Revolutiohn
14:45 Rights of Man and the Pamphlet Wars
18:46 The Trial of Thomas Paine
21:01 Britain’s Almost-Revolution
23:12 Skillshare!
25:06 King Charles Goes to France
Bibliography
You can find a bibliography for this video on my Patreon, here: / video-british-81941214
With the coronation of Charles III just around the corner, I thought I'd celebrate in the only way I know how: by creating a mini-series of videos telling the stories of various rebels, radicals and republicans throughout the centuries who have tried (with varying degrees of success) to consign the British crown to history.
In this first episode of what I'm calling "Treason Fest 2023", we're looking at the one time that Britain has successfully ridded itself of its royal family. Buckle-up for the story of Charles I, Oliver Cromwell and the English Revolution.
Watch this video ad-free on Nebula at nebula.tv/videos/tomnicholas-...
Support my work on Patreon at / tomnicholas
Twitter: / tom_nicholas
Instagram: / tomnicholaswtf
Patreon: / tomnicholas
Website: www.tomnicholas.com
Select footage courtesy of Getty
#Coronation #KingCharles #Britain

[@Tom_Nicholas]

I hope you'll notice that we've really been increasing the production value of what we make over the last few videos. I'm really proud of the stuff we're putting out but doing so is fairly costly. If you'd like to support me and my team to make more videos like this, then you can do so in a few different ways. Firstly, you can check out our sponsor Skillshare by signing up to a free trial, here: skl.sh/tomnicholas04238 Or, you sign-up to my streaming service Nebula using my personal link and watch our videos ad-free over there: go.nebula.tv/tomnicholas Finally, you can get access to scripts to my videos, director's commentaries and weekly update by signing up to my Patreon, here: patreon.com/tomnicholas Thanks so much and I hope you're all looking forward to the third and final episode of Treason Fest 2023 in just over a week!

[@thejuiceking2219]

okay how does this sound we get rid of the current royal family, but instead of abolishing the monarchy we instead put every british citizen's name into a hat, and at the start of each year we pull one name out of the hat, and whoever's name is picked is king or queen for the year

[@GeneralLiuofBoston1911]

The opening "theme" of Treason Fest 2023 is pretty fire. I would love to see a full version as a separate video.

[@jaconbran2367]

I think you should do an episode on press gangs⚓️

[@emperorofpluto]

Keep fighting the good fight.

[@klyanadkmorr]

Howard Dean's presidential campaign in 2004 was focused on Paines' core message (how I researched him) and how Dean was treated by powers in his party is similar to how Corbyn has been by the Labour party. His campaign grassroots structure got taken up duplicated by later campaigners.

[@112steinway]

If you're wondering what you could replace the monarchy with, Mark Twain considered replacing it with a family of cats since they basically do the same thing as the royals, they cost considerably less to maintain, and everyone would love them.

[@vietnamwithkingsley.5506]

Royal Cats 😮🎉🎉🎉

[@leoa9474]

I honestly think a national cat family is a WAY better idea for the country

[@FuzBrain]

Man Twain has a lot of good ideas

[@oliverdowning1543]

Honestly, not terrible. If we could maintain the constitutional benefits of "The Crown" that countries across the world have lost for becoming republics (mostly to do with seperation of powers and seperate branches of the state being equal rather than subservient to just 1 such as the government or military) but tie The Crown to a family of cats, that might actually be enough to convince me of a better solution. That said, making it work so that our head of state is a cat would be a difficult endeavour both domestically and internationally.

[@skeleletonboi4533]

I mean the head of a cat colony is called a queen, so he's not far off

[@dylankornberg4892]

Speaking from experience, Thomas Paine is so beloved here in the U.S. that most people don't even realize that he was British, most people assume he was born in the Colonies.

[@venmis137]

I didn't even know he was british until like a month ago, and I'm british.

[@jeffersonclippership2588]

And everyone would think he's a commie if they actually read what the man said, like Jesus.

[@tuckerbugeater]

@@jeffersonclippership2588 Who hired him to write that commie drivel. My guess is that he was probably hired by the Rothschilds.

[@historystuff2215]

That moment when one of the standard insults for someone being unpatriotic was coined by a foreigner.

[@SeptemberAdam]

Oh Yeah? By whom in America? Other than by the elite liberal leftist political science majors, on a masters and doctoral level, which btw are very veeeeery few in numbers amongst the 320 something million in population in the US. Hell, knock on any door in any suburb or city or village in the US, from the streets of San Francisco to the sidewalks of New York City, to solicit an opinion on Thomas P. and about 99.99 percent of the responses would be something akin to "Who??? Tha 'ell is he???" This is from my experience of being born and raised and living in the US hitherto. My counter point, is the vast majority of people, living and dead, in the US never knew he existed, much less he was British, much much less what he was all about back in the 13 colonies times of 1776. I mean come on man let's be realistic here, get your US sociological facts straight, and not be hyperbolic.

[@VoteBidentoSaveDemocracy]

Whenever someone tries to explain away the morality of slavery, claiming "it was a different time," I point them to Thomas Paine.

[@TheMusicalFruit]

I thought we were an autonomous collective.

[@toothlesstherussain]

One exception doesnt change a rule lol.

[@guy-sl3kr]

And conveniently, the perspectives of the people who were enslaved never seem to factor into the popular opinion of the time.

[@nickright7747]

What metric do you use to decide what is and isn't moral act? Does morality something universal and objective?

[@iamnohere]

@@nickright7747 I: Something that brings tremendous suffering upon people can certainly be called immoral. Hopefully that's non-negotiable

[@jurgengosch3915]

Thomas Paine is one of the most important figures in American history. And unlike so many others, the man was BASED.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

I was in New York recently and was trying to see how many references to him I could find in museums and such and there was surprisingly (or maybe not given that he was very much on the left of the revolution) little.

[@jurgengosch3915]

@@Tom_Nicholas Yeah. It's rather telling, isn't it?

[@Charles-hq7ce]

@@Tom_Nicholas next time try boston. With that being where the american revolution really took off, theirs alot more museums dedicated to it. Theirs an entire tour in boston called the freedom trail (its not just from fallout 4) that will take you by multiple revolutionary war museums and near the end you can board the USS constitution from the war of 1812, as well as a ww2 era warship parked nearby.

[@totlyepic]

@@Tom_Nicholas Can't comment on museums, but growing up in the U.S., he was talked about a decent amount in history courses

[@MrGksarathy]

​@@totlyepicBut not about just how radical he actually was.

[@Kaosi]

As a French person, British people relationship with monarchy is fascinating

[@old_seadog]

As a British person, the relationship is disturbing. And it's long past time that we were a republic.

[@Paradoxe44]

Same

[@taranjk1]

@@old_seadog most human rights to protest in the UK are slowly being stripped away, currently most Union actions for fairer wages and contracts are innefective as their strikes barely have an effect on enough people in society here. Even our right to vote doesn't come as often as most other countries in europe.

[@SignificantNumberOfBeavers]

As an American person, British people relationship with monarchy is fascinating

[@Turnil321]

As a Dutch person, I think they need to chill with the monarchy.

[@2Links]

Paine is a criminally overlooked figure, to the point where I wasn't sure that's who you were going with during the intro. Great to see a longer video more or less entirely dedicated to him.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

I absolutely agree. Making this video was great fun precisely because, even as someone who knew the broad outline of his life, I learned so much. He was one of those figures that was so involved in so many events that you end up learning loads about the entire era just through following his biography.

[@doctormo]

@@Tom_Nicholas I would recommend Mark Steel's Thomas Paine episode of the Mark Steel Lecture. Radio or Open University TV episode, both are good. That why I knew you were going to be talking about Tom, and also some of the details you didn't talk about. Like Captain Death, and writing the Age of Reason in a French jail while waiting to be executed. And his very lucky escape.

[@karenholmes6565]

@@Tom_Nicholas I researched Benjamin Franklin for a history class and I came away feeling the same way about him. Franklin was another one of those Forest Gump individuals, everywhere it was important to be. I can just imagine him giving Paine the advice to go West.

[@Hatecrewdethrol]

As an American it's really so bizarre to me how many people still seem to have an almost kind of reverence towards the royal family. Not even just in the UK, I was in New Zealand back when the one prince married the american and even over there people were going on about how it was so weird to a royal to marry a "commoner". It was really bizarre hearing that kind of terminology used in modern times

[@robinrehlinghaus1944]

Well, some people enjoy it

[@OpreRoma]

@@SeptemberAdam i think OP may have been referring to Meghan Markle Honestly the most scandalous thing about Edward and Simpson was their embrace of outright fascism

[@brianperry]

@@OpreRoma Monarchies will always have a right leaning....fascism is but an extreme example....Not for nothing did Hitler believe he had a chance to take over Gran Britannia the monarchy plus the lower ranks, Dukes, Earl etc believed in it as well.... although they 'hedged their bets' on the outcome...

[@SeptemberAdam]

@@OpreRoma Oh that's right. Forgot about that. Plus that was much much more recent, an event I really haven't paid much attention to. And isn't Mehgan half Black? If so I can understand the Tories uproar over that.

[@SeptemberAdam]

@@OpreRoma Yeah, think I've seen photos of Wallice and Ed gallavanting around with Adolf. But I'm not sure at the time that they really knew what he was up to.

[@WowUrFcknHxC]

Paine was also a proto Socialist who advocated for universal basic income and was heavily critical of Land as property. Agrarian Law is a fascinating read. "All accumulation of personal property, beyond what a man's own hands produce, is derived to him by living in society; and he owes on every principle of justice, of gratitude, and of civilization, a part of that accumulation back again to society from whence the whole came".

[@chrisamies2141]

proto-Georgism there.

[@snowstrobe]

Indeed. A real Commoner.

[@fungibu7184]

This weekend I went to a window showroom to get a quote for some new fittings for my house. The seller was a really affable British veteran. He got into some crazy war stories of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars right after we made the measurements for the quote. But what really struck me was the fact that he said that he was happy to give his life away in the name of the Queen, but he absolutely would never do the same for the new King. When I asked him why, he said it's because he married a divorcee. I didn't feel the need to press the conversation, but what the hell is that type of ideology? Where and how does that make sense? The whole thing was very alien to me as an immigrant.

[@tatiana4050]

So no problem with Charles being divorcee, and a cheater?

[@Darca1n]

@@tatiana4050 They're shitty things, but it feels like a weird thing to get stuck up on them being a divorcee, rather than the cheating you just mentioned.

[@OpreRoma]

It's alien to me and I've lived on this fucking island my entire life

[@OpreRoma]

@@tatiana4050 cheater, yes. Divorcee, who gives a fuck? It was the reasons the divorce happened that are a mark against him, as opposed to it's happening

[@Chris_Tinacan]

That "ideology" is just whatever helps him sleep at night.

[@taliaf.3221]

Babe wake up, new episode of treasonfest 2023 just dropped

[@Tom_Nicholas]

I appreciate this enthusiasm.

[@arskakarva7474]

Big missed opportunity with those signs to not read "You're the king? Well I didn't vote for you" and after the arrests happened a backup sign hidden behind the first sign reading "help help I'm being repressed!"

[@scipioafricanus5871]

"That's a bloody give-away."

[@DMichienzi4]

I think the greatest achievement Paine can claim is having 2 different EU4 DLC's named after his works.

[@derpinator4912]

Well he can't really claim it because unfortunately he is dead, but cool none the less.

[@JodenPaoloPeroy]

​@@derpinator4912 I really did not know until Tom mentioned the book title and I made the connection. What an underrated historical figure!

[@Bryzerse]

I just realised this while watching the video. First time I was thinking ah that explains the name, but by the second I was like no way

[@sararichardson737]

Please elucidate.

[@SolarFlareAmerica]

Thomas Paine, the Che Guevara of his day? Like, no joke, goes from country A to country B after being disappointed by the government there, helps carry out a successful revolution, and then returns to country A to try to carry on their work.

[@jamiel6005]

Thomas Paine starting his political writing at 35 after working a string of menial jobs is oddly inspiring.

[@KickstandOptional]

Thomas Paine and John Brown are two of the historical figures whose legacy drives me. Men of firm conviction and zero f@cks.

[@fsexplorer9727]

Also both unimaginably based and not-a-fucking-scum-of-the-earth pilled.

[@lowersaxon]

John Brown‘s body lies …..🎼🤭

[@dylanrodrigues]

@@lowersaxonbut his soul goes marching on…

[@atomicexistentialism8428]

Examples of positive masculinity

[@michaeljohndennis2231]

As an Irish Catholic patriot living 21 years in the U.K. I cannot ignore the centuries of history of the Protestant British monarchy in relation to my native Ireland, the oldest part of the British Empire - even after the events of the Easter Rising in 1916 and the Irish Civil War in 1922 after the Treaty of 1921, involving the “black and tans” back from WW1, the former Irish Free State, even after our 1937 Constitution Bunreacht Na hEireann held British Dominion status as part of the British Commonwealth only up until we Irish became a Republic in 1949 - many have said that in the decades since, that the influence of the British Crown has never really left Ireland, even though we are an independent nation, which is perhaps why our naval service, air force and army has been kept quite low over the years - if Ireland was ever attacked, we Irish would depend on the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force to defend us in the event of serious global conflict

[@dunjunart]

as an american i am quite impressed with how long i've been able to get through life pretending i knew who thomas paine was and why he was a historical figure, but also very pleased to have this video be the ending of an era.

[@vivo-audio]

I was sat in a traffic jam once, unaware that we were being held up by the motorcade of the then Prince Charles. I proudly flipped my finger at him as he passed by and was promptly told off by a bike cop. It was a time when Britain was less authoritarian, so I managed to avoid a good beating.

[@davidty2006]

He's not the only one who uses a motorcade... No one should have a motorcade..

[@vivo-audio]

@@davidty2006 Only Dictators, maybe.

[@harukiito8655]

Your videos are so high-quality it’s criminal that they don’t receive that much views. Keep up the good work :)

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Thank so much! Comments like this are always super lovely to receive!

[@sararichardson737]

Yeah the guy is tops!

[@MrJakewray]

"Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph" - Thomas Paine

[@joryjones6808]

As an American, I remember having to reading Common Sense, never knew he had such an interesting biography. Also it's interesting how he's thought of in English history vs American.

[@Knowarxana]

You say that a video that contains all the wild antics of Paine would mske the video unreasonably long I'm a big fan of Paine and would definitely watch every second. Twice.

[@pedropinheiroaugusto3220]

As a portuguese, I had to come to terms with being a republican while arguing with my dad, whom expressed favourable feelings for the monarchy. I realized it's just some sort of romantic and nostalgic view of the past, putting away all the bad points and focusing in the good ones. It's also a way to do away with the responsabilities of democracy.

[@annabela.1673]

As a Brazilian... totally not a fan of the old or a possible new Portuguese monarchy

[@hlnolvrgo_c]

as a brazilian, my dad is a super fan of our old monarchy, which descended from portuguese monarchy of course. it's actually very insane. the portuguese monarchy pretty much ruined brazil (as many colonizers do) yet my father believes it to be the righteous political system.

[@leisen9679]

Factually wrong. Or do you think Scandinavian or Benelux countries are not democratic? I'd rather see a good and educated King or Queen, than Aznar or Johnson as presidents, which gives me a shudder.

[@2345mat]

​@@hlnolvrgo_cYou're father is a smart man.

[@hlnolvrgo_c]

@@2345mat lmao

[@Silvermoon424]

Love how you've been popping out more videos lately!! Your work is always excellent

[@Tom_Nicholas]

We've got one more episode of Treason Fest coming up in just over a week and then we will be taking a bit of a break. I'd love to be able to put out more stuff more regularly but there's only so much writing I can do I'm afraid. I've really been enjoying the mini-series format though so definitely keen to experiment with it further in the future!

[@thumper8684]

@@Tom_Nicholas Quality has a quality all its own.

[@simontaylor2143]

Thomas Paine: "The death penalty is so unjust! The king must be overthrown so we can abolish such barbarous practices!” Helps found USA USA: 200+ years without monarchy, still conducts executions UK: still has monarchy, banned capital punishment in 1998, hasn’t executed anyone since 1964 Ghost of Thomas Paine: *surprised Pikachu face

[@PokerPlayerJames]

Yeah, he's considered radical by TODAY'S standards. Imagine what it was like back then. 😂

[@Jasmixd]

What a based man.

[@skyblazeeterno]

Isn't the death penalty only in a few states?

[@Jasmixd]

@@skyblazeeterno If by "a few" you mean half, then yes. It's either 20 or 27 out of 50, depending on how you count. The US is quite far behind the rest of the west when it comes to human rights, sadly. The only acceptable number of states that allow the capital punishment is 0, ideally it would be federally banned.

[@WolfSeril107]

turns out racism is worse than feudalism, oops

[@martakaizak6520]

You have been popping off king

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Ahh, thanks! That's very kind!

[@Duiker36]

I feel like this is a weird series to be calling someone a king over.

[@jeffersonclippership2588]

*president

[@OpreRoma]

@@Duiker36 we can all be kings and queens once those who claim a monopoly on it are gone

[@tzaandor]

I'd like to express my strongest support for the pirate video and associated accent.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

I don't think the budget will quite stretch to chartering a tall ship just yet.

[@tzaandor]

@@Tom_Nicholas you've already proven your greenscreen skills, I'm sure you'll create something fantastic

[@puppyqueen5688]

Royalty being evil? Never

[@TurbopropPuppy]

implausible, i do say

[@chadimirputin2282]

Prince Andrew has left the chat.

[@robinrehlinghaus1944]

More like people can't believe they could be good because they need a villain in their lives

[@davidty2006]

Theres a reason why absolute monarchies are classed as bad. Compared to their constituional/parliamentary counterparts.

[@DSAK55]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/omnYnJShbbVlrLs

[@conors4430]

Remember, all this, when somebody says that the power of the crown is symbolic, symbolic power doesn’t have the slide of the state apparatus to arrest you for speaking out against it in such a tame matter. That is not symbolic power, even if the orders weren’t coming from The palace, doesn’t matter, that is power, nothing symbolic about it

[@Patashu]

'against kings, also against the death penalty' is such a funny political position to have at this specific point in time

[@davidty2006]

Also against Slavery. Ngl gotta give the man atleast half points.

[@Patashu]

@@davidty2006 extremely ahead of his time

[@minnumseerrund]

Saying the monarchy is institutionally crucial is like believing that the talking pillow is what enables a single person to talk during family meeting

[@Languagedude]

Got into an argument with a colleague that the monarchy is a completely incomprehensible anachronism in a purportedly modern, democratic society and got slapped with the "yea but stability and what will you replace it with argument?". I felt myself inch ever closer to an aneurysm.

[@Fordnan]

Yes, it's almost as if the buggers have been subject to years of propaganda, and have never thought through the issue for themselves. It's predictable enough that Republic have produced a frequent objection booklet. Buy a copy and hand it to your colleague.

[@andresvalbuenamansilla34]

Being a repúblic is also anachronistic and can be as undemocratic as a monarchy can be top democratic

[@Fordnan]

@@andresvalbuenamansilla34 Possibly. But only under a republic can a people attain true democracy. Republics can improve, whereas monarchies are inherently undemocratic.

[@andresvalbuenamansilla34]

@@Fordnan that dont make Amy sense,democracy has nothing to do with Being a monarchy or a repúblic,monarchies as the nordic countries are more democratic than Many repúblics,and as muy experiencia says,a repúblic is a help for the rise of extremist ideologies (because they hace, inherently, more inestavility )

[@Fordnan]

@@andresvalbuenamansilla34 If it makes no sense to you, you don't understand the shady powers exercised by and on behalf of the British monarchy.

[@robertasirgutz8800]

The greatest thing about the Monarchy is the following : "If you don't know your place, someone will quickly remind You"! Love your content.

[@ShaneDGri]

As an Irishman living in that difficult part of Ireland/ UK. I wonder how much of the lack of desire for a UK Republic stems from our recent shared history.

[@MCKevin289]

As an American who wrote his undergrad dissertation on your wee little country bit of Troubles, it honestly makes so much sense and I can’t believe I haven’t thought of that before.

[@ecaeas4439]

Maybe it's instinctual fear of a presidential-type system which most people feel would introduce politicisation of the head of state, and those that think warmly about the monarchy would lose that feeling that at least they've got one aspect of the state which isn't controversial due to politics to feel warmly about (if you ignore the unfairness and the immorality of it).

[@ShaneDGri]

@eca eas The likelihood is that the UK would adopt an Irish style system, i.e., an elected figurehead. Which wouldn't be surprising considering the Irish system was originally modelled on the UK Parliamentary System, and the Irish President is just an elected version of the UK Monarch. Though I don't doubt the overly political nature of the US Presidency probably is the single biggest turn-off for the average British citizen.

[@ShaneDGri]

@Charlie McIntyre For a certain demographic, the word "Republican" probably conjures images of the IRA. I know that this is one of the main reasons why the SNP tiptoes around the subject. Because the cultural legacy of the troubles is most keenly felt in parts of Scotland especially Glasgow.

[@eddiemiller9000]

​@@ShaneDGri times are changing and young people can use words as they are appropriate, soon the generation scared of the work republican will pass on and hopefully we can move forward. I hope

[@Erufailon42]

As a Norwegian republican, I feel your struggle. Every time you try to talk about it, people just respond with "oh, but the King and Queen are so nice" and "what, you want us to end up like the US?" 😂

[@sirgoo9962]

People say the EXACT same here in Britain lol. My mother once said "We don't want a president and end up like America, do we."

[@superguy183828]

Sad american noises 🇺🇸😓

[@dijikstra8]

This is the same in Sweden. America has really set a bad example.

[@kohhna]

In all fairness, the Nordics and Dutch actually do the whole monarchy thing about as well as you could. Like they aren't the massive leeches that the Saxcoberg Gothes are on the British state.

[@yellowpete79]

Australians have the same view sadly. It's like they forget France and Singapore are successful republics. How convenient.

[@jimslim4227]

I find it odd that a country that has effectively been run as a democracy for over a century would struggle imagining cutting out some minor ceremonial aspect of it.

[@waltonsmith7210]

Its obviously not minor.

[@jimslim4227]

@@waltonsmith7210 as far as actual functionality goes i think it still is, besides the effective role as a state dignitary.

[@konradvonschnitzeldorf6506]

​@@jimslim4227Well, life isn't just about funfionality for most people

[@chesterdonnelly1212]

​@@jimslim4227 I assume you weren't in the Armed Forces. The monarchy is pretty major.

[@jimslim4227]

@@chesterdonnelly1212 in the Armed forces of a country i dont live in? I dont believe i was. Irrelevant to the discussion of course (in particular since the military does a lot of stupid things for the sake of traditions that serve no purpose), but i guess i can still confirm its true.

[@peterlogan6367]

12:52 "Common Sense" does not contain the term "United States of America." Payne uses the terms "United Colonies," "American States," and "Free and Independent States of America" but never used the name that Jefferson used in the Declaration of Independence.

[@jackhustwayte4567]

I had many Americans message me when the queen died giving their condolences, at the time I had quite a fondness for the queen but since her death I feel like I as well as many others have revised my opinion of the monarchy. Long live treason-fest

[@DarkZerol]

It's absolutely ironic if not downright hilarious that Americans were the one who rebelled against the European monarchs and other authorities most specifically the English crown. The very reason the colonies of the New World united then subsequently formed the United States in order to be free of European political, economic and religious prosecutions.

[@chrisamies2141]

same. Even about a year before Elizabeth II died I suggested the monarchy wouldn't survive her in any real sense. She had the nation's affection, not Charlie and certainly not the others.

[@freneticness6927]

@@DarkZerol And there I was thinking america was founded so americans could steal indians land and own slaves.

[@danielpalama3700]

Since the 1790s was also the timeframe in which the United Irishmen were doing their revolution over in Ireland (since the entire country was under UK control), was Thomas Paine a major figure in their movement? I'm familiar that some of their writings reflect Common Sense. But there doesn't seem to be much written support from Paine on the matter that I can find.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

This isn't an area I spent loads of research on so don't trust me completely, but... I believe Paine was involved in conversations about trying to arrange for Revolutionary France to invade the UK to "liberate" it from monarchy.

[@tuckerbugeater]

Thomas Paine was a significant influence on the United Irishmen, a group of Irish republicans who sought to overthrow British rule in Ireland and establish an independent republic. Paine's ideas on democracy, republicanism, and human rights were highly influential to the leaders of the United Irishmen, including Wolfe Tone and Napper Tandy. In fact, Tone once described Paine as "the greatest political genius of our age." Paine's works, including "Common Sense," were widely read and circulated among the members of the United Irishmen, and helped to shape their vision for a new Irish republic.

[@MrFlugi]

on podcasts: please increase the volume with some kind of compressor (dynamic compressor, not data compression) to enhance talk volume and catch up with the intro and ad block volume, but those could be louder as well.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Yeah, we've had some teething issues and lots to learn; always the case with new projects. Feedback very much taken on board!

[@kylehibshman6619]

"I'm not saying we should revolt and dethrone the king... I'm just saying we COULD."

[@crazydinosaur8945]

sadly we must reprot that @kylehibshman6619 has been executed for treasonous thoughts

[@eddiemurfitt9660]

here in norwich we're very proud of big tommy p! as an american studies student, it's quite an honor to take classes in a building named after this legend

[@TomKelly-bp5me]

Thomas Paine was a cool guy

[@Tom_Nicholas]

As I was doing the research, it was kinda remarkable how consistently he had good takes. I'm sure there's some more questionable stuff in there but fairly solid for a white guy living in the 18th century.

[@BlueBeetle1939]

Few cooler

[@SeptemberAdam]

@@Tom_Nicholas Tomas Paine was what would be considered "proto Woke" back in his time. And He certainly was a Shhhhit talker, against the British that is.

[@sibauchi]

NGL, the first time I heard of Thomas Paine was from Neil Gaiman's Sandman books I read as a kid. Though his appearance was brief, he made such a strong impression (the story was set just days before 9 Thermidor) that I had to look him up. Then I learned that he also met Napoleon and was an engineer and inventor as well. Dude definitely deserves a Forest Gump-style movie of his own.

[@zax1998LU]

I work with the campaign group republic and we are unified in the idea of a parilmetary republic. We have a clear vision of what we want and that is one similar to the republic of Ireland. Our argument for this is that it is similar to the system we have now and arguments of what type of republic we should be can happen later.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Yeah, I'm very much on the same page there. I do think that proposal isn't particularly well-known outside folks like you and I who take an active interest in this though. A lot of which is due to having to operate in a very pro-monarchy media landscape.

[@BritishRepublicsn]

oH yEaH bUt I dOnT wAnT pReSiDeNt BlAiR

[@zax1998LU]

@@Tom_Nicholas I have had to explain the difference between a parliamentary republic and a presidential republic too many times.

[@georgeiii2998]

As a royalist, I find the arrests ridiculous too.

[@davidty2006]

Public order act.... Last i checked that was made so the tories could shut down any protest they didn't like.... Bloody parliament.....

[@bernadmanny]

I am in agreement.

[@Roxas77]

Do you feel like it's right that the British monarch is also Canada's head of state?

[@georgeiii2998]

@@Roxas77 The Canadian monarch is Canada's head of state.

[@Roxas77]

@@georgeiii2998 That's a sad point of view. You don't think that Canada should be free?

[@OpreRoma]

I know the guy in Oxford who got arrested for asking "Who elected him". Lovely guy. Man got stuck in the crowd after leaving a church service and wasn't able to get out

[@marymimouna]

Speaking as an American, I appreciated learning so much about Thomas Paine, far more than I’ve ever learned about him in America, although I’ve heard his name many times.

[@rickb3650]

The American Oligarchy has a vested interest in making and keeping us as ignorant as possible. As you learn more about actual history, you might begin to notice the irony of the people who support the most authoritarian groups, constantly referencing the revolutionaries that created this nation.

[@siddharthamishra1999]

Lincoln was a fan of Paine's and wrote a defense of his secular and diestic religious views. Because of his religious views and his attacks on Washington, he was so unpopular in America that one of Lincoln's associates burned the manuscript to save his political career.

[@atomdent]

Outstanding as always Tom, can't wait for the next episode, thank you!

[@nazonakaze]

I was introduced to Thomas Paine by my father, a marvelous man and thinker, before or right around my high school years, in the form of The Age of Reason. Although he was not an atheist, he certainly pushed me to that side with his critical outlook on biblical accounts. The man was very much a liberal speaker in this field too, not just with politics. Been away from American soil for over a decade now, but he stuck in me strong enough for me to guess the name before the reveal, and great to see his time in the spotlight. Thanks for covering Paine!

[@vmidhaonna]

Don't usually leave comments on videos but I've really been enjoying your content since I came across your stuff, and I love to see some informative content about the monarchy in the run up to...yeah. Looking forward the last episode in this series, hope you're enjoying it as much as we are (and able to take a wee break soon!!)

[@BetterMonsters]

These animations and backgrounds are so intensely British and I love them. Way to exemplify aspects of British national identity that aren't just white supremacy wearing a stack of hats.

[@jimcat68]

As an American, I'm a big fan of Paine and his works!

[@Mike-K]

This feels sooo high quality thank you for uploading!

[@grahamdavid007]

superb tom - perfect length - added to my 'knowledge' folder of useful docs ! many thanks

[@lunartiedstarlight]

The production of these videos has become insane and I'm completely in support of it

[@AndersonPEM]

It's amazing to see people who produce such high quality content suffer the same problems as I do. It's very difficult for me to make something public. You're inspiring 😊 Keep up with the good work.

[@awkwardsean5141]

Yay! Part two in this series! This is great!

[@ReplicatorFifth]

This series is amazing! Great work!

[@cyanah5979]

Thanks for the enlightening historical lesson! We didn't have a revolution either here in Austria, in fact, Sissi has an all-time high in popularity, and Maria Theresia is considered as Austria's mom ;)

[@konradvonschnitzeldorf6506]

Eh, monarchy is the the only reason Austria even exists. There is No Austrian people

[@christopherduffy9854]

I am from the UK and I am baffled by our relationship with monarchy. I have a lot of friends who would consider themselves extremely progressive and yet baulk at the idea of a republic. The usual reasons are vague allusions to tourism, tradition and a preference for a powerless, unelected head of state representing us on the world stage rather than a populist president. Interestingly, a large section of the right in the USA seems to yearn for a monarchy, although they probably wouldn't call it that.

[@sharkodile22]

Aside from a few outliers, if any of our beergut Gestapo and skinheads with law degrees got what they wanted on say January 6th 2020, they'd still probably call the authoritarian strongman they put on the chair the "president." It's kinda taken for a given that a figurehead would be representative of the people in the US. The idea of a "king," a wholly independent and magnanimous godhead from which the people derive _their_ power is alien to us, despite the results being functionally the same.

[@Uffda.]

* shudders in 🇺🇸 * Really though, it’s been real bizarre. I’m in MN and right now there’s basically no other state I’d rather b from or live in. 😬

[@ninjaked1265]

It’s creepy to think that the Royal Family has no autonomy other than to be mascots

[@lancevoltron3585]

Fascinating and educational as always!! And yes, I DID notice the increase in production value!

[@jankoodziej877]

I love this new format, perfect length!

[@fkrkf]

My 15yo daughter didn't know who Dog the bounty hunter was and I gotta say, American empire's greatest weapon is its distribution of culture where a adult 5000 miles away from America knowns who Dog the bounty hunter is

[@utkarsh2746]

The cultural hegemony might aid the political machinery but it is the aircraft carriers and missiles that do the heavy lifting. Alongside economic warfare and setting the dollar as the de facto global currency. Even the OPEC countries only manipulate prices to the extent that it doesn't lead to outright war.

[@SirArthurTheGreat]

More popular by far than his lesser-known brothers, Thomas Anguish and Thomas Gnashing of Teeth

[@doctormo]

It's the silly jokes that make me laugh out loud. Nice one Seth.

[@iamnohere]

I: Lol, that reminded me of the Ace Attorney characters Winston Payne and Gaspen Payne

[@lightblueskies]

Your videos are always so high in quality with an interesting in topic! Keep doing what you're doing Tom.

[@DjokovicIsOurLordAndSaviour]

Tom, I'm loving these videos thanks so much for putting so much into them.

[@Mousy677]

oh that loop of about eight bars of zadok the priest that you used was good enough that it was actually maddening.

[@Duiker36]

David Graeber, in The Pirate Enlightenment: So, we kinda stole the idea of democracy from *pirates*. Me: Uh huh, uh huh. Cool cool. Tom: Thomas Paine was basically a pirate. Me: ... oh no that makes sense.

[@Tom_Nicholas]

I've yet to read this! Maybe it's my route into making that pirates video, although I do try to avoid just making "book report" videos.

[@matheusarruda6462]

​@@Tom_Nicholas The Pirate Republic of Nassau and Black Sam Bellamy would fit right in line with this theme. Colin Woodard has a great book on it.

[@ninawernick6501]

subtitles go awry with your skillshare advert Excellent work! Love this series, so informative!

[@jlee4039]

Wow, kudos to whoever is doing your graphic design! That thumbnail is gorgeous!

[@cretinousswine8234]

As an Englishman, being English is a sad thing, I find. A nationality that is so intrinsically and inexorably integrated into the image and institutionalism of monarchy. The inescapable fact that my national identity is inexorably part of an imperialist framework stemming from one family, granted hereditary right of authority based on nothing but tradition. It's depressing. I want to be able to celebrate my nationality for the character of the lands and peoples it is made of, the way other countries do. If you take away the social and political establishment of the british monarchy, what are you left with? Memes about tea and bad food? Is that all we really are? A bunch of memes and jokes? Seems that support for the monarchy is about as british as you can be, which is sad. I feel like we Brits have more to offer than that. We have more to be proud of than that. We started the industrial revolution. Our primary 'left' wing party, the Labour party, (despite it now being a soft Tory party), has its roots in the Labour movement, founded by unions. We have a pretty superior record when it comes to aninal rights than most countries do. We fought off fascists during WW2 (even though we were / are fascistic), and we founded the NHS which was originally designed to help wounded soldiers in that very war, but was expanded to include all citizens. These are great achievements. Hopefully more English will wake up and realize that celebrating the monarchy as a form of patriotism only serves to detract from the much more inspiring aspects ans facets of the UK that we have to be patriotic about.

[@Chris_Tinacan]

England needs people like you.

[@jamesb7643]

Very well put!

[@Tay12345]

You are completely wrong. The monarchy is important to our identity, in countries like France and Germany they have no national pride at all. Our nation is glorious and famous with the monarchy.

[@Tay12345]

@@Chris_Tinacan definitely not

[@jmurray1110]

No our country is strangled by the monarchy who put the selves above all wise and made itself the only thing anyone was aloud to take seriously Abolish the monarchy and restructure the government

[@aat5t56]

The actual content of this video is, as always, fantastic and insightful. However, I just can't get over how well that outfit suits you. You should wear it all the time from now on.

[@ryankibby2474]

HEY THOMAS banger of an intro my man nice job! love the video so far

[@Martin-sp4zf]

An interesting video and well researched. I will be back for more.

[@macgp44]

You won't be surprised how few Americans know Paine's story and his huge contribution to the cause of independence. Those that know that one aspect typically know ONLY that. He was waaaay ahead of his time in terms of intelligence, bravery and commitment to a REAL democracy. The New American Oligarchs of 1783 had zero interest in that.

[@TAP7a]

Ever heard the song “Tom Paine’s Bones” by Trials of Cato? Doesn’t exactly deepen the critical analysis, but in a single verse gives a decent introduction to his viewpoint and activities while being an absolute bop

[@mirithilrose54]

You make great videos and I love your presentation. 💖

[@philread7668]

Your vids get better and funnier. Love it. (The Bon Jovi bit had me laughing aloud)

[@beepboop6244]

Thomas Paine is the best founding father, no contest. Thanks for the video, Tom!

[@Nightmare-pj4fg]

The real reason the powers that be don’t want the monarchy gone, and didn’t want it gone back then, was because of what that symbolized. What that represented. The power of the proletariat. It meant that they, those with power, those of the top of the hierarchy just like the kings, could possibly be next.

[@christophergreen6595]

Right? They know religion is bullshit, but private property... well thats sacred.

[@robinmartini7968]

As usual, hugely informative and even more entertaining!

[@ChrisHutchison]

Yet another truly excellent video, Tom. Thank you!

[@lordfreerealestate8302]

As a Canadian, most of my country supports leaving the Commonwealth and severing ties with the monarchy. According to polls, many of us don't plan to even watch the Coronation - myself included. If you aren't allowed to criticize someone freely, maybe it's a sign that person is holding too much power.

[@jamiengo2343]

So what does it suggest about the monarchy then that Canadians feel so free to express their wish to leave the Commonwealth, not watch the coronation and remove the monarch?

[@KalebSmart]

My history classes in America always seemed to imply Thomas Paine was American. I learned way more than I expected, which was already a lot

[@yerocb]

I was a High School student in the late 80s. We read Common Sense in US History and Government classes.

[@sararichardson737]

Tom Tom Nicholas. Cool! Great offering. Bravo!

[@matthewmcneany]

On the subject of a pirates video there's actually some really interesting literature on the idea of pirate crews as a form of proto-anarchism.

[@lennoxbaumbach390]

Damn the man truly couldn't stop posting. Impressive.

[@coachmcguirk6297]

Great video as always, Forsythe!

[@KaoticVibes]

As a Black Sails fan, I'd love a pirate video. You get to do the accent and we get to watch more amazing content. Win-Win!

[@RobertShippey]

First Cromwell from Ely and now Paine from Thetford. Finally some representation for the East of England!

[@liamtahaney713]

Pamphlets really do seem like the twitter threads of the late 18th century

[@Tom_Nicholas]

Certain pamphlet writers also have a kind of caustic cynicism which also wouldn't be completely alien to Twitter.

[@christophergreen6595]

The series 'hell on earth' includes a great section on Martin Luther, first shitposter extraordinaire.

[@rhiannonthea]

Another excellent addition to Treasonfest! I'm loving the production on these new vids too ❤

[@thewrightone13jack]

Loving the mini series

[@arahman137]

Love Tom Paine. I heard a lecture from Christopher Hitchens where he said Paine was the greatest Briton. TP was also an ardent believer in peace with the Native Americans.

[@Dyngblue]

Thomas Paine was so far ahead of his time, we still haven’t reached him yet.

[@Snukt]

Enjoying this Fest. Maybe another one in "Spain" too.

[@zauberfrosch11]

I really like this miniseries!