Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine, an Anglo-American Enlightenment thinker, was born in 1737. He became known for his radical ideas that influenced revolutionaries in both the American Revolution and the French Revolution.

Thomas Paine, the influential political activist and author, was born in Thetford, England. Despite facing academic challenges in his youth, he later became a key figure in the American Revolution through his writings such as 'Common Sense'.

Thomas Paine, born as Thomas Pain on February 9, 1737, was an influential English-born American Founding Father, philosopher, and political activist. He authored Common Sense and The American Crisis, which played a significant role in inspiring the Patriots during the American Revolution.

In 1756, Thomas Paine ran away from home and joined the crew of a privateer named the King of Prussia. He continued to serve on this or another warship through the end of the Seven Years' War.

Thomas Paine writes his first political pamphlet, The Case of the Officers of Excise, during a campaign where he is dismissed from his position. The pamphlet addresses the 'general want' among the English people caused by economic factors like increasing prices and expanded money supply.

In 1773, Thomas Paine separates from his wife but does not get divorced. He is introduced to Benjamin Franklin, possibly through David Williams, a Deist and politically progressive figure. Paine expresses his interest in moving to North America, with one account suggesting he wanted to establish a school for young girls.

On January 1, 1775, African Slavery in America was published.

An anonymous article advocating for the emancipation of African-American slaves and the abolition of slavery was published in The Pennsylvania Magazine, with Thomas Paine often credited as the author. Paine was a strong critic of slavery and actively worked towards its abolition.

Common Sense was published on January 1, 1776.

Thomas Paine publishes Common Sense and donates most of the proceeds to the revolutionary army, later starting The Crisis.

In February 1778, Thomas Paine wrote Crisis No. 8, addressing the people of England. He highlighted England's 'legacy of debts' and boldly stated that 'America is beyond the reach of conquest.'

In March 1778, Thomas Paine writes Crisis No. 5, a letter addressed to Sir William Howe, the commander of British troops in Philadelphia, regarding Washington's army at Valley Forge.

In November 1778, Thomas Paine wrote the 'Crisis'. The work was a series of pamphlets aimed at boosting morale during the American Revolutionary War.

Thomas Paine wrote an essay attacking Deane after accessing documents confirming that goods supposedly purchased by Deane were gifts from the French government.

In March, Thomas Paine wrote Crisis No. 10 in response to a speech by George III, warning Americans not to be deluded by false hope and to be aware that the war would continue, leading to increased expenses.

In October 1782, Thomas Paine wrote Crisis No. 12, addressing the ongoing situation between America and the British government.

In April 1783, Thomas Paine wrote Crisis No. 13, where he declared that the greatest revolution in the world had been achieved.

Thomas Paine writes and publishes an essay titled A Supernumerary Crisis, advocating for the strengthening of the union between states to maintain independence from foreign domination. He criticizes Rhode Island for not cooperating within the union and contributing adequately to the war effort, expressing concerns about British interference in American commerce.

In 1785, the U.S. Congress awarded Thomas Paine $3,000 for his services during the war, a significant recognition for a writer in that era.

In 1788, Thomas Paine argues that natural rights are those that individuals can fully exercise without government intervention. He emphasizes that civil society is formed not to restrict these rights but to safeguard them. Paine distinguishes between natural rights and civil rights that arise from social agreements, such as personal protection and property ownership.

In 1792, Thomas Paine attends the inaugural session of the National Convention in Paris after facing potential detention and having his papers confiscated. He is warmly welcomed in Calais and Paris.

On December 18, 1792, Thomas Paine was tried in absentia in England for sedition and was convicted. The trial took place without Paine being present.

In 1793, Thomas Paine was convicted of treason and exiled from England.

On December 28, 1793, Thomas Paine was arrested on the orders of Robespierre and imprisoned at Luxembourg Palace. His release depended on Gouveneur Morris, who argued that Paine had forfeited his American citizenship by serving as a delegate to the French National Convention. Robespierre viewed Paine as a threat, considering him a paid journalist.

In 1794, Thomas Paine was imprisoned in France for his opposition to the execution of Louis XVI.

After spending ten months in prison and depleting all his financial resources, Thomas Paine is finally released. James Monroe, believing Paine to be an American citizen, pledges to help secure his release.

In June 1795, Thomas Paine's essay, Dissertation on the First Principles of Government, written upon his arrival in France, was published. The essay aimed to provide guidance to Dutch republicans in their quest for a new government system.

In July 1795, Thomas Paine addresses the National Convention emphasizing the significance of prioritizing principles over expediency to ensure liberty and prevent oppression.

In April 1796, Thomas Paine completed and published his pamphlet, The Decline and Fall of the English system of Finance. It is speculated that this essay might have been commissioned by the French government. Paine critically compared Britain's national debt, which was around 400 million pounds.

In July 1796, Thomas Paine wrote an open letter to George Washington, criticizing and blaming him for his long imprisonment in France. The letter was personally delivered to Washington.

Thomas Paine published 'Agrarian Justice' in 1797, proposing a system of social welfare through a tax on inherited property to support the elderly and provide for the poor. It was an early proposal for social security.

In March 1803, Thomas Paine wrote a letter to Thomas Clio Rickman. The content of the letter may have touched upon important issues or personal matters between the two individuals.

Thomas Paine passed away in 1809. He was a Founding Father known for his influential works such as Common Sense, Rights of Man, and Age of Reason.

On January 18, 1809, feeling ill and anticipating his death, Thomas Paine made his will. He did not write anything further and passed away on the morning of June 8.

Thomas Paine passed away on June 8, 1809. Despite his significant contributions to political philosophy and the American Revolution, he was ostracized later in life for his controversial views on Christianity and criticism of national leaders.

In 1945, Philip S. Foner edited and published Paine's collected works.

In 1951, Arnold Kinsey King provided details of Paine's years in America during the war for independence.

In 1974, David Freeman Hawke published a work related to Paine.

Despite knowing many significant political figures in England, France, and the United States during his lifetime, none of them publicly praised Thomas Paine after his death.

Brian McCartin's biography 'Thomas Paine: Common Sense and Revolutionary Pamphleteering' highlights Paine's influential writings that contributed to the American Revolution.

Craig Nelson's book 'Thomas Paine. Enlightenment, Revolution, and the Birth of Modern Nations' was published in London in 2007. The book explores the impact of Thomas Paine on the Enlightenment, Revolution, and the formation of modern nations.