Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine (1737-1809) emerged as a seminal figure in both the American and French revolutions through his influential writings. Born in Thetford, England, Paine moved to America in 1774, just before the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. His pamphlet "Common Sense" (1776) galvanized colonial sentiment against British rule, selling over 500,000 copies and effectively rallying support for independence. In 1791-1792, he authored "The Rights of Man," advocating for republicanism and social reforms, which led to his trial for sedition in England. Narrowly escaping arrest, Paine fled to France, where he was elected to the National Convention. His work, "The Age of Reason" (1794-1807), critiqued institutionalized religion and promoted deism. Paine died in New York City in 1809, largely unrecognized by his contemporaries.