ipl-logo

How Did Thomas Paine Influence The American Revolution

1234 Words5 Pages

“The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph,” said Thomas Paine, an English American writer whose works of literature influenced the American Revolution and laid to trail for the Declaration of Independence. He was one of the most inspirational philosophers of the early 1700’s for his ability to elaborate upon his beliefs involving what was wrong with society at the time and possessing the boldness to share his concepts with the rest of society. Paine was an individual who wasn’t afraid of defeat but rather embraced it. He illustrated the true ideal of persistence and tenacity. He seized the opportunities he was given and was not afraid to take chances. With these qualities, he helped to shape America and emphasized to others that …show more content…

He published in 1776, his highly popular “Common Sense” was the first pamphlet to advocate American independence.After the Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19th, 1775, Paine wrote a 50-page pamphlet titled "Common Sense." In this text, he suggests that Americans should revolt against Britain and demand its complete independence. It was published and then printed on January 10th, 1776. A total of more than 500,000 copies were sold; thus, marking the start of Paine's journey to advocate freedom and human rights. Thus, laying the path for Declaration of Independence, which was endorsed, unanimously, on July 4th, 1776. During the Revolutionary War era, Paine accompanied General Nathanael Greene of the Continental Army as he was his personal assistant. In this time, he wrote 16 "Crisis" papers which were then published between 1776 and 1783. Furthermore, Pain was later elected Secretary to the Committee for Foreign Affairs In 1777; however, he was then discharged only two years later. From here Paine became clerk of General Assembly of Pennsylvania. Here he helped secure additional supplies for the soldiers and his efforts are assumed to have assisted in the Revolution's success. Moreover, Paine eventually returned to England and drew to politics once more. He was nearly executed in 1794; however, he was able to escape his accusers. Thomas Paine continued to write, until his death in 1809. Not until 1937, when the Times of London wrote an article was he given accurate credit for all his contribution and work on the American Revolution and enlightenment

Show More
Related

  • How Did Thomas Paine Influence Society

    281 Words  | 2 Pages

    Thomas Paine Thomas Paine became so influential because he was a respectable, well-educated man who was writing in support of the ideas of the people. Despite his education, his books and pamphlets were written in a simple manner so everyone could understand what he wanted to say, and his book `Common Sense` had sold around 150,000 copies by 1776. This shows his audience was clearly made up of a wide range of people of many different classes. The two main ideas in his book were clear: his want for independence from Britain and for the creation of a democratic republic.

    Read More

  • Literary Comparison Of Tom Paine And Ray Bradbury

    1022 Words  | 5 Pages

    Tom stands out in English and reading and history, “of the eighteenth century as one of the a person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere of both the American and French revolutions”. He was in the military and was an official representative of a country abroad and also a journalist; in France, as a lawmaker and constitution- makers then became both countries, as well as native England , a symbol of the right of man and the struggle for democracy. Paine had a first rate memory; even in old age he remembered details of long- ago events. An outspoken man, Paine talked endlessly , acritic observed. Paine thought those “who agreed with wise and virtuous, true lovers of humanity”(Tom Paine).

    Read More

  • How Does Thomas Paine Create A Common Sense

    448 Words  | 2 Pages

    THOMAS PAINE’S COMMON SENSE Thomas Paine, born on February 9,1737, Thetford, United Kingdom, was an English American writer and pamphleteer whose ‘Common Sense’ and other writings helped shape many ideas influencing the American Revolution and helped pave the way for the Declaration of Independence. He worked as an officer of the excise, hunting smugglers, and collecting liquor and tobacco taxes but he did not excel at this job. In 1772, he published "The Case of the Officers of Excise" which was a 21-page article in defense of higher pay for excise officers; which was his first political work.

    Read More

  • How Did Thomas Paine Make The Most Effective

    447 Words  | 2 Pages

    The majority of citizens were concerned with the fact that there was a shortage in resources and soldiers for a war. On the other hand, Paine argues that it is not the quantity of materials that will strive America to win, it is the national pride among the citizens that will provide America with the great strength to conquer. Thomas Paine might have been the catalyst for various brawls, but his devotion to national pride and ensuring his voice will be heard is extremely inspiring for the writers of the twenty first

    Read More

  • Thomas Paine The Promise Of America Summary

    961 Words  | 4 Pages

    Thomas Paine and The Promise of America By Harvey J. Kaye It is the position of the creator that Paine was basically the main surly understood radical democrat in America, trade those perspectives to both England and France in the 1790s, and has propelled those trying to counter the powers of mistreatment from that point forward. Despite the fact that Paine was a latecomer to the progressive cause in the states, having arrived just in November, 1774, there is little question that his handout “Judgment Kills” 1776, was a break with an example of alert that many followed as to partition with England. His abrasion of the English government including the King.

    Read More

  • Thomas Paine And The American Revolution

    541 Words  | 3 Pages

    He is perhaps best known for his pamphlet, “Common Sense.” In his pamphlet, he asserts three major points: he argues that Britain was too far away to rule, her treatment of the colonies was abhorrent despite the fact that the colonies were always pulled into wars and trade was always limited and interrupted due to British regulations. Paine also refutes other counterarguments such as, “as America has flourished under her former connection with Great Britain, the same connection is necessary towards her future happiness,” and “she (Great Britain) has protected us,” by declaring that Britain’s interests were invested only in the well being of the empire, not the actual colonies. He further exemplifies his arguments by adding that “France and Spain never were, nor perhaps ever will be our enemies as Americans, but as our being the subjects of Great Britain,” capitalizing on how the British empire essentially used her colonies as a means of resources. These continuous wars, fought on a completely different continent (the majority of the time) had also taken a toll on the American economy as heavy trade regulations befell

    Read More

  • Paine's Argument For American Independence

    887 Words  | 4 Pages

    “The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind” (Paine 1). With the Revolutionary War beginning in 1775, and the publication of Common Sense, by Thomas Paine, only a year later, this statement was widely recognized and addressed the issue at hand: the fight for independence. According to Paine’s assertion, America’s desire for peace and freedom is a basic necessity of life; it is what all men desire. Despite this innate thirst for liberty, many residents of America’s thirteen colonies were fearful of Great Britain, and because of this fear, complied with Great Britain’s every whim. Consequently, most colonists were hesitant to fight against the mother country for independence.

    Read More

  • Thomas Paine On Common Sense

    636 Words  | 3 Pages

    Paine wrote the pamphlet in order to convince the American people that the time had come for independence from Great Britain. In turn, it did in fact encourage the American opinion toward independence (Ms. Susan’s Powerpoint in Dual Enrollment). What were some of the main points of Paine’s pamphlet though? Many main ideas are developed throughout Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, but what was one that stood out to me? “I have

    Read More

  • How Did Thomas Paine Give Me Liberty Or Give Rise To Independence

    766 Words  | 4 Pages

    The quotes helped individual feel worthy of themselves and inspire them to figure out ways to create a stronger future. The quote by Paine, “Give me liberty, or give me death” showed others about how important it is to stand up for yourself and for others even if it will cost their own life. Another great inspiration was “And as a man, who is attached to a prostitute, is unfitted to choose or judge of a wife, so any prepossession in favor of a rotten constitution of government will disable us from discerning a good one.” We should be wise on who we choose to govern us. Not just anybody has the appropriate skills to use such power.

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast Declaration Of Independence And Common Sense

    661 Words  | 3 Pages

    Thomas Paine was a great writer and was the editor of the Pennsylvania Magazine. Paine was strong in his beliefs and wrote Common Sense. The Declaration of Independence and Common Sense are two well known documents that share remarkably similar ideals regarding the ongoing crisis in America, but they also have some differences. Common Sense is a pamphlet consisting of forty-nine pages on why Paine believes the thirteen American colonies should break off from Great Britain. Throughout the Pamphlet, Paine creates a political argument in an attempt to rally the people together to fight for independence.

    Read More

  • Thomas Paine Common Sense Essay

    654 Words  | 3 Pages

    This essay will be discussing and analyzing the document: Common Sense by Thomas Paine. Thomas Paine was an American founding father and very influential in the the enlightenment movement that started in 1714. Thomas Paine wrote common sense so people would begin thinking and discussing the way the British had been treating the colonies in the recent years. Paine believed that King George and the British parliament were tyrannical and that the colonies should do something about it. Common Sense appealed to many of the colonists because of the plain language Thomas Paine used.

    Read More

  • Rhetorical Analysis Of Thomas Paine's The Crisis

    513 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the winter of 1776, during American Revolution, the still young America faced three major dilemmas: their seemingly imminent defeat, the moral debate between the Whigs and the British loyalists, and the panic and confusion of the American public. In efforts to settle the three American dilemmas, Thomas Paine wrote The Crisis No. 1 in December of 1776. In his work, Paine aimed to calm the American public and convince them to stand up to the British, and turn the war into an American victory. Paine was very successful in this, and his paper was proclaimed as one of the most persuasive works of the American Revolution. Paine’s

    Read More

  • Rhetorical Analysis Of Thomas Paine

    958 Words  | 4 Pages

    Thomas Paine, a local pamphleteer in the pre-Revolutionary War era, wrote a convincing pamphlet to any colonists who were not already supporting the war for independence from Great Britain. In his argument, Paine uses rhetorical strategy, an emotional aspect, and divine revelation towards the citizens to create a very moving, passionate, and convincing call to arms. The first line, “These are the times that tried men 's souls,” is one of relatability and preparedness for the oncoming difficult times. Paine starts his essay off with a refutation of his argument, stating that although he wants this fight, he knows it will be tough. Paine then challenges the men’s bravery and patriotism to their country by stating the line “The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country.”

    Read More

  • How Did Thomas Paine Influence The Declaration Of Independence

    743 Words  | 3 Pages

    Before the pamphlet was published, nobody was brave enough to denounce loyalism and publicly announce that colonists should be engaged in revolutionary battles. Not even John Adams spoke a word that proclaimed independence until “Common Sense” was published. The “Declaration of Independence” that’s written by Thomas Jefferson was highly influenced by “Common Sense” that Thomas Paine wrote. The second continental congress voted and agreed on signing the declaration of independence on July 2, 1776, and was officially recognized on July 4, 1776. If Thomas Paine didn’t propose “Common Sense”, most likely the declaration of independence wouldn’t be signed, which may lead to America not having their own freedom.

    Read More

  • Similarities Between Jefferson And Thomas Paine

    336 Words  | 2 Pages

    Due to his many experiences while living in Great Britain, he grew a desire to fight for the oppressed and often questioned the authority the British Monarchy had over the American colony. Thomas Paine wrote an influential Pamphlet “Common Sense” a scathing attack on the monarchial tyranny over the American colony and the significance of American independence. Thomas Paine’s ideas in this pamphlet were not original, however were more accessible to the masses due to the clear and direct way he wrote. His pamphlet helped to inspire The Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson. The Declaration of Independence contains a list of grievances against King George III and justifications for the assertion of the right for independence.

    Read More

More about How Did Thomas Paine Influence The American Revolution

Open Document