Thomas Paine He was born in England in 1737 He was an outspoken rebel in the colonies, fighting against slavery and British oppression He originally wrote Common Sense anonymously.  Published in 1776, it sold almost half a million copies. Paine was also author of Rights of Man (1791-92) and The Age of Reason (1794). This last work, seen as an attack on Christianity, severely tarnished his reputation.  He died in poverty in 1794. Considered one of the most persuasive writes of the American Revolution, yet he had a beginning unlike what would be expected – poorly educated and had various jobs throughout the first 30 years of life Worked as a journalist in Philadelphia In 1776, he published the most important written work in support of American independence – Common Sense. This is a 47 page pamplet denouncing King George as being unqualified for his title and how continent shouldn’t remain tied to an island “Rights of Man” was a reply to the condemnation of the French revolt; it was a call for the English people to overthrow their king. “The Age of Reason” was first publish in 1794 and second part published in 1796. This text went further into deism which led people to believe he was atheist. Becuas of this, he was scorned when he came back to America; stripped of his right to vote; they wouldn’t even bury him in holy ground but rather on a farm.

Wrote sixteen-pamphlet series called The American Crisis in 1776. from The Crisis, No. 1 Wrote sixteen-pamphlet series called The American Crisis in 1776. Comments on the war and urges Americans to not give up. First was read to General George Washington’s troops Joined the Continental army in 1776 where they were heavily outnumbered by the enemy. While traveling, he began writing a series of sixteen pamphlets calles “The American Crisis” The first read a few days before the army recrossed the Deleware River to attack the British-held city of Trenton, NJ

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