Facts And Information About Thomas Paine

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Thomas Paine was one of the noted essayists and pamphlet writers of the 18th century. Many of his books like the Rights of Man, Age of Reason, Common Sense and others created a stir among the ruling class during that time.

Fact 1 Thomas Paine’s Early Life

Thomas Paine was born at Thetford, Norfolk in England in the year 1737 on the 29th of January. He started working after completing his basic education to support his father. He then became an officer at the excise department. Paine was of a different nature and had various thoughts in mind and so could not do well at his workplace. In 1774, he was advised by Benjamin Franklin to shift to the United States of America. He even gave Paine recommendation letters so that he did not have problems during immigration. He was known as a journalist by profession, a corset-maker and at the same time a propagandist by nature.

Fact 2 Propagation Of His Ideas

When Thomas Paine immigrated to the British American Colonies, he joined the American Revolution. His pamphlet “Common Sense” became very popular among the rebels and was the best-seller during this time. In 1775, he published “African Slavery in America”. As it is, the Colonies were highly agitated during this time due to the Boston Tea Party event and Paine’s writings increased their enthusiasm and the urge to voice their discontent especially regarding taxes. Paine thought that the work of a government is to look after the wellbeing of the people and formulating laws that are beneficial and simple for them. He was naturally defied by the government officials for making such comments. However, his call for uniting together in the fight for freedom created a stir in the entire country. Countless copies were sold which showed the great influence of Paine. That his writings touched people of all kinds is portrayed in the reactions of loyalists to his book, “Common Sense.”

Fact 3 His Fight For The Common People

Thomas Paine volunteered to work in the Continental Army during the War of Independence. Between 1776 and 1783, he published 16 American Crisis Paper that influenced the society greatly. He had also worked as a clerk at the Pennsylvania Assembly for nine years. During these long nine years he published many of his writings. When he was in England in 1787 with the view to raise funds to construct a bridge, there was the outbreak of the French Revolution. He became a part of this revolution and stayed back in France for many months in 1790. In 1791 his renowned book “Rights of Man” was published that supported the revolutionists. So he was despised the higher officials of the British Government. He was imprisoned also for some months. But he was soon elected to the French National Convention although he could not speak French. He was considered as an ally by the Giordanists. His book, “The Rights of Man” was banned in England and so during his stay in France he published more editions of this book which analyzed the deep-rooted problems prevailing in Europe and the discontent of the people and also about unemployment, lack of education, war, poverty, etc. He lived in France till 1902.

Fact 4 His Later Years

After he returned to the U.S. from France, he discovered that his people despised him and regarded him as infidel. For his discussions in the book, The Age of Reason about freedom of thought, deism and various arguments regarding religious beliefs, he was regarded as an atheist and one who was against Christianity. So when he passed away in 1809 on the 8th of June in the U.S. only six people attended his funeral.

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