Thomas Paine was an English-American writer, philosopher, and revolutionary whose works inspired the American Revolution and the Revolutionary War. Born in England in 1737, Paine moved to the American colonies in 1774 and became a passionate advocate for American independence.
Paine’s most famous work is “Common Sense,” a pamphlet that was published in January 1776. This pamphlet argued that the American colonies should break away from British rule and establish an independent government. The pamphlet was widely read and distributed throughout the colonies, and it played a key role in shaping popular opinion in favor of independence.
In addition to “Common Sense,” Paine wrote a series of essays called “The American Crisis,” which were published between 1776 and 1783. These essays were designed to inspire American troops and boost morale during the Revolutionary War. Paine’s most famous line from “The American Crisis” is “These are the times that try men’s souls,” which has become a well-known quote in American history.
Paine was also an ardent supporter of democracy and individual rights. In his book “Rights of Man,” Paine argued that all men were born with inalienable rights, including the right to freedom of thought, speech, and assembly. He also opposed slavery and promoted the idea of a progressive income tax.
Despite being an important figure in the American Revolution, Paine fell out of favor with many American leaders after the war. He criticized the U.S. Constitution, arguing that it did not do enough to protect individual rights. He also spoke out against organized religion, which alienated many Americans who were deeply religious.
In his later years, Paine lived in Europe and continued to write about political and social issues. He wrote several books, including “The Rights of Man, Part II” and “The Age of Reason,” which challenged organized religion and offered a more secular view of morality.
Thomas Paine’s legacy is reflected in the many social and political movements he helped influence. He was a passionate advocate for democracy, individual rights, and freedom of thought and expression. His works inspired the American Revolution and helped shape the United States into the democratic nation it is today. Paine’s commitment to freedom and individual rights continues to inspire people around the world today.
Through his widely-read pamphlet, Common Sense, the words and teachings ofThomas Paine eventually sparked a following necessary for the AmericanRevolution. Thomas Paine, a founding father of the United States of America,was considered a radical intellectual who doggedly advocated colonial America’ssovereignty from Great Britain’s Monarch. Mostly for his work in Common Sense, Paine is referred to as the “The Father of the AmericanRevolution.”
Common Sense was published on January 10,1776 and quickly became a best-selling piece of literature. The pamphlet whichbegan circulation following the outbreak of the Revolutionary War was adoptedas a way of life for many American settlers. The words were read out loud in taverns and small gatherings, effectively spreading the thoughts ofRepublicanism and boosting enthusiasm for a separation from British rule.
Common Sense strayed away from the generic anti-British publication; it was a radical, pro-active approach, aimed at unifying and mobilizing militias to physically fight for freedom. Although considered crazed by some, Thomas Paine effectively harnessed the emotion ofAmerican settlers and unified them into a widespread uprising against British rule.
Dissimilar to other influential works of 18th Century literature, Common Sense offered the reader an ultimatum of sorts. The pamphlet’sobjective was to connect with the individual. It was meant to offer a glimpseinto the future. Thomas Paine wanted the reader to ask him/herself a prettysimple, yet seldom discussed question. Common Sense provided a new argument for independence. It compelledthe reader to question what the future would be like under British rule. Whenindividuals read the pamphlet they pondered the true power of tyranny and howit could negatively strip society of individuality and freedom. Part of Thomas Paine’s brilliance was found in his concise and easy-to-follow writing. Unlikeother publications, Paine’s writing style was simple. The average settler couldfollow along and be able to attach his/her emotions to the work.
Thepolitical writing was intended to be informal; Paine wanted to mobilize theContinental Army to fight against British rule. Paine’s objective was not toreach the statesmen or prominent figures of the colonies, but instead theaverage men and women of society who were directly oppressed by Britain’sunjust taxation and cruel punishments. Although Common Sense effectively united colonists together and spawned an anti-British sentiment, it was referred by many as simply a radical and untrustworthy source.
A group of powerful and respected colonists viewed Thomas Paine as a fraud and his writings as a poisonous attempt to start a Revolution. John Adams and otherinfluential politicians believed that Common Sense was inherently dangerous and would eventually create a radical democracy unable to properly govern its people.
Following the release of Common Sense, Thomas Paine was quickly thrown into a world ofcontroversy and scandal. Paine was elected to the Congressional Committee onForeign Affairs in 1777, but was quickly relieved of his post following secretnegotiations with France. Thomas Paine was a man obsessed with Revolution andthe fight towards freedom. Following his termination from the Congressional Committee on Foreign Affairs, Paine stepped out of the spotlight only to later return with influential works revolving around the French Revolution.
Thomas Paine’sworks and influence may be questioned, but his intentions and his desire tospark Revolution are undoubted. His words were awe-inspiring and often used toboost morale of troops during times of war. Without the words of Common Sense and Paine’s influence, the rallying cry of American colonistsduring the Revolution would have been undeniably softer.
