Thomas Paine
Early Life
Thomas Paine was born on January 29, 1737, in Thetford, Norfolk, England. His father, Joseph Paine, was a Quaker, and his mother, Frances Cocke, was an Anglican. Paine received a basic education in his hometown before being apprenticed to his father, a staymaker.
Career in England
In 1756, Paine began working as a ship's officer and later as a tax collector in England. However, he was not successful in these roles and was dismissed from his position as a tax collector in 1765. Following his dismissal, Paine began to focus on writing and political activism. His first widely recognized work, "The Case of the Officers of Excise," was published in 1772 and argued for better pay and conditions for excise officers.
Move to America
In 1774, Paine emigrated to the American colonies with the help of Benjamin Franklin, who provided him with letters of introduction. He settled in Philadelphia and began working as a journalist and editor for the Pennsylvania Magazine. During this time, he began to involve himself in the revolutionary politics of the colonies.
Revolutionary War
Paine's most influential work, "Common Sense," was published in January 1776 and played a crucial role in advocating for American independence from Britain. The pamphlet was widely read and had a significant impact on public opinion in favor of the revolution. Paine continued to contribute to the revolutionary cause through his writing, including the "American Crisis" series, which bolstered American morale during the Revolutionary War.
Later Life and Death
After the Revolutionary War, Paine returned to England, where he continued his political activism. His publication of "The Rights of Man" in 1791, a defense of the French Revolution, led to his prosecution for seditious libel, forcing him to flee to France. Paine lived in France for most of the 1790s, becoming involved in the French Revolution and even serving as a member of the French National Convention. He returned to the United States in 1802 and lived there until his death on June 8, 1809.
Legacy
Paine's writings and political activism had a significant impact on both the American and French revolutions. His advocacy for democratic government, human rights, and secularism have had a lasting influence on political thought. His works continue to be studied and referenced in discussions of political philosophy and democratic governance.