Six months later, the Declaration of Independence rallied the people to a new republic. Thoreau and Garrison in reaction developed the techniques of civil disobedience and moral persuasion. In 1776, a shy professor from Scotland published a masterpiece on economics that would change forever what people thought of the role of government in the economy. Both authors were ardent defenders of individual rights. On Liberty was a defense of individual rights against the state.
Vindication is considered the first declaration of women's rights.
Machiavelli wanted to expand governmental power over man, and La Boetie sought to limit it. These two works were destined to change the course of history. Paine, an Englishman by birth but an American by choice, rose to its defense. Their debate produced two of the best-selling books of the 18th century. This work contains one of the most compelling arguments ever set forth in favor of a strong centralized government.