Episode02 – Thomas Paine’s Major Works
Who was Thomas Paine?
Thomas Paine (1737–1809) was an influential political philosopher, writer, and revolutionary, best known for his works Common Sense and The American Crisis, which played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion during the American Revolution. Paine’s writings were accessible and persuasive, written for the common person, and fueled the colonists’ desire for independence from British rule. His contributions to the United States extended beyond independence, as he was also a passionate advocate for democratic ideals, human rights, and social justice.
Early Life and Background
- Birth and Early Career: Paine was born on January 29, 1737, in Thetford, Norfolk, England. He had limited formal education and worked various jobs, including as a corset maker, tax collector, and schoolteacher. His early years were marked by struggle, but he developed a strong sense of justice, particularly concerning issues of poverty and inequality.
- Emigration to America: Paine emigrated to the American colonies in 1774 at the encouragement of Benjamin Franklin, whom he met in London. Franklin saw Paine’s potential as a writer and thinker and helped him find a place in the colonies, which were on the brink of revolution.
Contributions to the United States
- Common Sense (1776)
Paine’s Common Sense is one of the most influential pamphlets in American history, published anonymously in January 1776. It argued for complete independence from Britain and challenged the legitimacy of monarchy itself. Paine used clear, direct language that appealed to the common person, making complex political ideas accessible and compelling.
- Key Arguments in Common Sense:
- Critique of Monarchy: Paine argued that monarchy was an illegitimate form of government, inherently oppressive and contrary to natural equality.
- Independence as Necessity: Paine argued that the colonies had outgrown the need for British rule and that remaining attached to Britain would hinder their development.
- The Case for Democracy: Paine called for a republic where government was accountable to the people, rather than a distant monarch.
- Widely Read and Influential: Selling over 100,000 copies in the first few months, Common Sense galvanized public opinion and united colonists around the idea of independence.
- The American Crisis (1776–1783)
During the Revolutionary War, Paine continued his writing with a series of pamphlets known as The American Crisis. The first pamphlet, which began with the famous line, “These are the times that try men’s souls,” was published in December 1776.
- Inspiring the Troops: The American Crisis was read aloud to Continental Army soldiers by George Washington during the harsh winter at Valley Forge to boost morale.
- Renewed Resolve: Paine’s words encouraged both soldiers and civilians to persist in the struggle, despite the hardships of war.
- Criticism of Loyalists and British Tactics: The series criticized loyalists who supported Britain and condemned British tactics, portraying the fight as one of good versus evil.
- Advocacy for Social and Economic Reform
After the American Revolution, Paine remained active in political life, advocating for various social and economic reforms that aligned with his belief in justice and equality.
- Tax Reform and Social Programs: In his later work, Agrarian Justice, Paine argued for progressive tax policies and early forms of social welfare. He proposed a “citizen’s dividend” funded by land taxes to address poverty and inequality, anticipating modern ideas of social security and basic income.
- Opposition to Slavery: Paine was an outspoken critic of slavery and supported the abolition movement, arguing that it was incompatible with the democratic principles the United States claimed to represent.
- Role in French Revolution and Writings on Rights of Man
In 1787, Paine returned to Europe, where he became involved in the French Revolution and published The Rights of Man (1791-1792) in defense of revolutionary ideas and against monarchy.
- The Rights of Man: This work argued that government should protect natural rights, including liberty, property, and security. Paine’s ideas on human rights greatly influenced democratic movements in Europe and the United States.
- Imprisonment and Later Years: Paine’s radical ideas led to his imprisonment in France during the Reign of Terror, as his opposition to the execution of King Louis XVI was viewed with suspicion. He was eventually released with the help of American ambassador James Monroe.
- Legacy and Influence
Paine’s influence on American society and government endures:
- Advocate for Freedom and Equality: Paine’s advocacy for individual rights, democratic government, and social reform has left an indelible mark on American political thought.
- Influence on Founding Fathers: Paine’s arguments for independence and democratic principles directly influenced leaders like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams.
- Controversial Later Life: Toward the end of his life, Paine published The Age of Reason, which criticized organized religion and promoted deism. While the work was controversial, it highlighted Paine’s commitment to free thought and reason.
- Recognition as a Revolutionary Thinker: Though marginalized in his later years, Paine is now widely recognized as one of the founding voices of American democracy and a champion of the rights of the individual.
Summary of Contributions
Thomas Paine’s contributions to the United States included inspiring the movement for independence, advocating for democratic principles, and proposing progressive social reforms. His writings, particularly Common Sense and The American Crisis, helped unite and inspire colonists in the fight for freedom, while The Rights of Man and Agrarian Justice expanded his influence beyond America to the broader world, establishing Paine as a revolutionary thinker who championed human rights, equality, and justice.
Paine’s bold vision for a just society and his writings continue to be studied as foundational texts on democracy, human rights, and social justice, securing his legacy as a vital figure in American history and political thought.
Link to The Thomas Paine National Historical Association Website
