The Man Whose Writings Sparked the American Revolution

“ The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” “My mind is my own church.” “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.” “These are the times that try men’s souls.”

Born January 29, 1737 Flunked out of school at the age of 12 Went to work for his father, a corset maker At 19 years old, went to sea In 1768 became a tax collector Fired twice from tax collecting Married twice Did not have any children

In 1772, Thomas Paine published his first work entitled “The Case of the Officers of Excise” In October of 1774, by accident, Thomas met Benjamin Franklin who was instrumental in helping Thomas Paine emigrate to America.

Settles in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Works for The Pennsylvania Magazine January 10, 1776 publishes Common Sense

Pamphlet sparked the case for independence from England Published anonymously Sold more than 500,000 copies Thomas Paine established himself as a revolutionary propagandist

“Society is every state is a blessing, but government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil.”

“I challenge the warmest advocate for reconciliation to show a single advantage that this continent can reap, by being connected with Great Britain. I repeat the challenge, not a single advantage is derived. Our corn will fetch its price in any market in Europe, and our imported goods much be paid for, buy them where we will…..Whenever a war breaks out between England and any foreign power, the trade of America goes to ruin, because of her connection with Britain….Every ting that is right or natural plead for separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, ‘TIS TIME TO PART.’”

Thomas traveled with the Continental Army Failed as a soldier 11 months later, published his second American pamphlet, The American Crisis Inspired the army Extremely popular tract Contained some of the most memorable lines every written

“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. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives every ting its value. Heaven know how to put proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.”

General George Washington found this publication so inspirational that he ordered it to be read to his troops.

Returned to England Invented the smokeless candle Invented the suspension bridge

Thomas Paine wrote another publication entitled The Rights of Man Became an outlaw in England Fled to France In 1793 was imprisoned in France for not endorsing the execution of Louis XVI During this time, Thomas wrote his most famous work, The Age of Reason

In 1794, James Monroe helped Thomas avoid execution In 1802 he returned to America on an invitation from Thomas Jefferson Upon returning, Thomas discovered his contributions to the American Revolution had been forgotten Abandoned by the public as well as friends

Died on June 8, 1809 at the age of 72 Obituary stated: “He had lived long, did some good and much harm” Only six people attended his funeral 10 years after his death, William Cobbett dug up Thomas Paine’s bones and traveled with them back to England No one know where his remains are

“Without the pen of the author of Common Sense the sword of Washington would have been raised in vain.”