Thomas Paine (1737-1809)

Thomas Paine Was born in Thetford, England, on January 29, 1737 Had failed out of school by age 12. Began apprenticing for his father, a corset maker, but again, he failed. Age 19, went to sea This adventure didn't last too long

Thomas Paine By 1768 found himself as an excise (tax) officer in England. Discharged from his post twice in four years Published The Case of the Officers of Excise (1772), arguing for a pay raise for officers. Forerunner of things to come In 1774, met Benjamin Franklin in London, who helped him emigrate to Philadelphia.

Thomas Paine Came to America in 1774 at the age of 37. Became an editor in Philadelphia just as the force of the resistance movement gained national focus. Wrote newspaper articles on abolition, women's rights, dueling, titles, and the freedom of British India before he wrote on the American Revolution.

Thomas Paine Of all the writers of the American Revolution, he was the least American in background, in spirit, and in purpose. His cause was not America; it was revolution.

Thomas Paine He wrote with urgency, excitement, and bold simplicity. He furnished straightforward, uncomplicated guidance for artisans, mechanics, and farmers. He carried the new philosophy to the masses of the American people, and turned the resistance movement into revolt.

Thomas Paine In Jan. 1776 published Common Sense, an extremely popular and successful pamphlet arguing for Independence from England. transformed the terms of political debate It was Paine's COMMON SENSE, published in Jan. 1776, which transformed the terms of political debate. Benjamin Rush suggestetd to Paine that he write a pamphlet broaching the subject of independence, although he specifically warned Paine to avoid that word and republicanism - advice Paine chose to ignore. At first, no typographer would agree to set the pamphlet in print, but finally the republican printer Robert Bell agreed. Rush named the pamphlet and Franklin, Rittenhouse, Sam Adams and others read the manuscript and made a few minor changes.

Thomas Paine The Crisis is a collection of articles written during the American Revolutionary War. Constitute Paine's ongoing support for an independent and self-governing America through the many severe crises of the Revolutionary War. General Washington found the first essay so inspiring, he ordered that it be read to the troops at Valley Forge. Number 1 of this series is of particular historical interest, for it was written during Washington's retreat across the Delaware and by his order was read to his dispirited and suffering soldiers. The opening sentence was adopted as the watchword of the movement to Trenton: "These are the times that try men's souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it NOW, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."

Thomas Paine Returned to Europe and pursued other ventures instead of participating in the revolution. In 1791-92, he wrote The Rights of Man in response to criticism of the French Revolution. caused him to be labeled an outlaw in England for his anti-monarchist views. would have been arrested, but he fled for France to join the National Convention.

Thomas Paine By 1793, he was imprisoned in France for not endorsing the execution of Louis XVI. During his imprisonment, he wrote and distributed the first part of what was to become his most famous work at the time, The Age of Reason (1794- 96). He was freed in 1794 (narrowly escaping execution) thanks to the efforts of James Monroe, then U.S. Minister to France.

Thomas Paine Remained in France until 1802 when he returned to America on an invitation from Thomas Jefferson. Discovered that his contributions to the American Revolution had been all but eradicated due to his religious views. Derided by the public and abandoned by his friends for his anti-religious Age of Reason Died on June 8, 1809 at the age of 72 in New York City.