Thomas Paine
- Born:
- February 9, 1737, Thetford, Norfolk, England
- Died:
- June 8, 1809, New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- British-American
- Profession(s):
- Writer, Pamphleteer, Revolutionary, Intellectual, Inventor
Early Life and Education
- Born into a Quaker family in Thetford.
- Received a basic education at Thetford Grammar School.
- Apprenticed as a staymaker, but later worked as an excise officer.
Career and Major Achievements
- Emigrated to British America in 1774 upon the recommendation of Benjamin Franklin.
- Published Common Sense in 1776, advocating independence from Great Britain and influencing public opinion during the American Revolution.
- Served in the Continental Army.
- Authored The American Crisis pamphlets during the Revolutionary War to bolster morale.
- Traveled to France and became involved in the French Revolution.
- Elected to the French National Convention.
- Imprisoned during the Reign of Terror.
Notable Works
- Common Sense (1776)
- The American Crisis (1776-1783)
- Rights of Man (1791-1792)
- The Age of Reason (1794-1795)
- Agrarian Justice (1797)
Legacy and Impact
Thomas Paine was a highly influential figure in the American and French Revolutions. This thomas paine biography summary highlights his contributions as a powerful advocate for republicanism, individual rights, and social justice. His writings ignited revolutionary fervor and continue to inspire movements for political and social change.