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Thomas Paine, an influential figure in the American Revolution, is renowned for his pamphlets like 'Common Sense' and 'The American Crisis' that galvanized colonial sentiment towards independence. His later works, 'Rights of Man' and 'The Age of Reason,' challenged political and religious conventions, advocating for individual liberty, republicanism, and social justice. Paine's ideas contributed significantly to the development of liberal democracy and social welfare.
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Thomas Paine was born in Thetford, Norfolk, England on January 29, 1737 and had a limited formal education
Apprenticeship to Father
Paine's apprenticeship to his father, a corset maker, marked the end of his formal education
Career as Excise Officer
Paine's career as an excise officer was marred by difficulties and ended after publishing a pamphlet advocating for better pay
After being dismissed from his job, Paine met Benjamin Franklin in London who advised him to move to America
Paine's arrival in the American colonies coincided with escalating tensions between the colonists and the British government
Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense" argued for complete independence from Britain and helped to convert colonial anger into a push for independence
Paine's "American Crisis" series boosted American spirits during the Revolutionary War
Paine served as an aide-de-camp to General Nathanael Greene and later as the secretary of the Congressional Committee for Foreign Affairs
Writing "Public Good"
Paine's essay "Public Good" advocated for a national convention to create a more effective system of governance
Influence on the Constitutional Convention
Paine's advocacy for a stronger government was part of the movement that led to the Constitutional Convention and the creation of the United States Constitution
Despite his contributions to the American Revolution, Paine struggled financially and turned his attention to the French Revolution
Rights of Man
Paine's "Rights of Man" passionately defended the principles of the French Revolution and advocated for egalitarian political reforms
The Age of Reason
Paine's "The Age of Reason" challenged institutionalized religion and promoted Deism, reflecting his belief in reason and scientific inquiry
Paine's written works, including "Common Sense," "Rights of Man," and "The Age of Reason," continue to inspire and provoke thought, securing his place as one of the most influential political writers in modern history
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Birthplace and date of Thomas Paine
Thetford, Norfolk, England; January 29, 1737
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Thomas Paine's early career issues
Occupational misadventures, limited education, corset maker apprentice
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Paine's pamphlet for excise officers
"The Case of the Officers of Excise"; argued for better pay
