Thomas Paine facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Thomas Paine
Portrait c. 1792
Deputy of the National Convention
In office September 20, 1792 – December 28, 1793
Preceded by	Constituency established
Succeeded by	Constituency abolished
Constituency	Pas-de-Calais
28th Chief Clerk of the Pennsylvania General Assembly
In office November 2, 1779 – November 3, 1780
Preceded by	John Morris Jr.
Succeeded by	Samuel Sterett
Secretary of the Congressional Committee on Foreign Affairs
In office April 17, 1777 – January 8, 1779
Preceded by	William Bingham
Succeeded by	James Lovell
Personal details
Born	Thomas Pain (1737-02-09)February 9, 1737 (N.S.) Thetford, Norfolk, England, Great Britain
Died	June 8, 1809(1809-06-08) (aged 72) Greenwich Village, New York City, U.S.
Spouses	Mary Lambert ​ ​ (m. 1759; died 1760)​ Elizabeth Ollive ​ ​ (m. 1771; separated 1774)​
Nickname	Republicus (Pen name)
Philosophy career
Era	Age of Enlightenment
School	Liberalism (Radicalism) Republicanism Secular humanism
Main interests	Politics ethics religion
Signature

Thomas Paine (born February 9, 1737 – died June 8, 1809) was an important writer and thinker. He was born in England but became a key figure in America's fight for independence. He also played a role in the French Revolution. Paine wrote powerful pamphlets like Common Sense and The American Crisis. These writings helped people understand why the American colonies should be free from Great Britain. He believed strongly in human rights and influenced many revolutionary ideas.

Paine moved to the British American colonies in 1774. He arrived just in time to join the American Revolution. His pamphlet Common Sense convinced many Americans to seek independence. He followed this with The American Crisis series, which also supported independence.

In 1787, Paine returned to Britain. He wrote Rights of Man (1791) to defend the French Revolution. This book led to him being charged with writing against the government in England. He was found guilty in his absence in 1792.

Paine fled to France in September 1792. He was elected to the French National Convention. However, he was later arrested in December 1793 and imprisoned in Paris. He completed the first part of The Age of Reason while in prison. James Monroe, an American diplomat, helped secure his release in November 1794.

Paine became well-known for his writings. In The Age of Reason, he promoted Deism, which is a belief in God based on reason, not specific religious doctrines. He also wrote Agrarian Justice (1797). This pamphlet discussed ideas about property and a guaranteed minimum income. Paine returned to the U.S. in 1802. He died on June 8, 1809.

Thomas Paine's Early Life and Education

Thomas Paine was born in Thetford, England, on February 9, 1737. His father was a farmer and corset maker. His mother was Anglican. Paine attended Thetford Grammar School until he was 13 years old.

After school, he worked with his father. At 19, he joined a ship as a privateer for a short time. Later, he became a master corset maker and opened his own shop.

Paine married Mary Lambert in 1759. Sadly, his business failed, and Mary and their child died shortly after.

He then worked as an excise officer, collecting taxes on goods. He was dismissed from this job twice. During this time, he also worked as a school teacher.

In 1768, Paine moved to Lewes, England. This town was known for its ideas against the monarchy. He became involved in local community matters there.

In 1771, Paine married Elizabeth Ollive. He also took over her family's grocery and tobacco shop.

Paine wrote his first political work in 1772. It was about improving pay and conditions for excise officers. He distributed 4,000 copies of this article.

His tobacco shop failed, and he separated from his wife in 1774. To avoid going to prison for debt, he sold his belongings.

Later that year, Benjamin Franklin met Paine and encouraged him to move to America. Franklin gave him a letter of recommendation. Paine sailed to Philadelphia in October 1774.

Paine's Work at Pennsylvania Magazine

Paine arrived in Philadelphia very sick but recovered. He quickly became a citizen of Pennsylvania. In March 1775, he became the editor of the Pennsylvania Magazine.

Under Paine's leadership, the magazine became very popular. He made sure it included strong political ideas. He wrote that Americans were fighting for "American Liberty."

Paine believed the magazine should help educate American minds. It should also help shape American values. He wanted it to be a place for new ideas.

In March 1775, the magazine published an essay called African Slavery in America. This essay called for the end of slavery. Many believe Paine wrote this important piece.

Thomas Paine and the American Revolution

Paine is sometimes called The Father of the American Revolution. This is because of his powerful pamphlets. His writings helped many people decide to support independence.

The Impact of Common Sense

Common Sense was published in Philadelphia on January 10, 1776. It was signed anonymously "by an Englishman." The pamphlet was an instant success. Paine estimated it sold 100,000 copies in three months.

This pamphlet was read everywhere, even aloud in taverns. It helped spread the idea of a republican government. It also encouraged people to join the Continental Army.

Paine argued that America should completely break away from Britain. He said that monarchy was absurd. He blamed King George III directly for the problems.

Common Sense was the most widely read pamphlet of the American Revolution. It called for unity against the British government. It showed many people that separating from Britain was necessary.

Paine wrote in a clear and lively style. This made complex ideas easy for average readers to understand. His writing was different from the formal style of many others at the time.

Some people, called Loyalists, disagreed with Common Sense. They warned that without a king, the government might become chaotic. Even some revolutionaries, like John Adams, had different ideas about government.

Possible Role in the Declaration of Independence

There is no clear record of Paine helping to write the Declaration of Independence. However, some historians believe he might have been involved.

In 2018, the Thomas Paine National Historical Association found an early draft of the Declaration. It had an inscription "T.P." on the back. This might refer to Thomas Paine.

This draft was copied by John Adams for Roger Sherman in June 1776. The inscription suggests Adams asked "T.P.'s" permission to copy the original draft. This could mean Paine helped organize ideas or contributed to the text.

Naming the United States

Historians believe Paine helped popularize the name "United States of America." He wrote as "Republicus" in a newspaper on June 29, 1776. He urged Congress to use this name.

Paine believed a formal name would show other countries that the colonies were a single nation. This would help them negotiate alliances.

The American Crisis Pamphlets

In late 1776, Paine published The American Crisis series. These pamphlets aimed to inspire Americans during their battles against the British army. General George Washington had the first Crisis pamphlet read aloud to his soldiers.

The first pamphlet famously begins:

These are the times that try men's souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like Hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.

Paine's Role in Foreign Affairs

In 1777, Paine became secretary of the Congressional Committee on Foreign Affairs. He mentioned secret talks with France in his pamphlets. This led to some controversy.

Paine also had disagreements with other leaders. These issues led to his removal from the Committee in 1779.

In 1781, he traveled to France with John Laurens. They helped secure important funding for the American war effort. New York State later recognized Paine's service by giving him an estate.

The Silas Deane Controversy

Paine was critical of Silas Deane, an American diplomat in France. Deane was trying to get France to finance the colonists. Paine believed Deane was profiting from the war.

Paine wrote in a newspaper that France had given aid to America before any official treaties. This caused embarrassment for France. John Jay, the President of Congress, spoke out against Paine.

Paine was criticized for speaking out against an American revolutionary. He was even physically attacked. This stress led him to resign from his secretary position in 1779.

Later, Deane's actions became more widely known. Many people, including Robert Morris, apologized to Paine. Paine's reputation in Philadelphia was restored.

"Public Good" and Land Ownership

In 1780, Paine published a pamphlet called "Public Good." He argued that lands west of the 13 colonies belonged to the American government. He said they should not belong to individual land speculators.

A royal charter from 1609 had given the Virginia Company land stretching to the Pacific Ocean. Wealthy Virginia land speculators, including the Washington and Jefferson families, claimed large parts of this land.

Paine's pamphlet angered many of his wealthy friends. However, his view eventually won out. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 later made these lands government-owned.

Funding the Revolution

Paine played a key role in getting money for the American war effort. He went to France with Colonel John Laurens in 1781. They returned with a large amount of silver and a loan.

Paine also helped create the Bank of North America. This bank raised money to supply the army. In 1785, the U.S. Congress gave him $3,000 for his service.

Paine bought his only house in 1783 in Bordentown City, New Jersey. He lived there off and on until his death. In 1785, he became a member of the American Philosophical Society.

In 1787, Paine designed an iron bridge. He traveled to Paris and London to find investors for his idea. He also wrote a pamphlet urging Britain to avoid war with France.

Paine in France and Rights of Man

Paine returned to London in 1787. He became very interested in the French Revolution, which began two years later. He decided to travel to France in 1790.

Edmund Burke, a conservative writer, criticized the French Revolution in his book Reflections on the Revolution in France. Paine wrote Rights of Man (1791) to argue against Burke's ideas.

Paine's book was a long political work. It criticized monarchies and traditional social systems. It sold nearly a million copies and was very popular among reformers.

In 1792, Paine published Rights of Man, Part the Second. This part described a representative government with social programs. It suggested ways to help poor people through taxes.

The British government charged Paine with writing against the government. They tried to force him out of Britain. He was found guilty in his absence.

Paine was a strong supporter of the French Revolution. He was given honorary French citizenship. This was in recognition of his book Rights of Man, Part II.

Despite not speaking French, he was elected to the National Convention. He helped draft a constitution for the French Republic. He voted for the French Republic.

Paine argued against executing Louis XVI, the former king. He suggested the king be exiled to the United States. He believed in avoiding capital punishment.

Paine's The Age of Reason

Paine was arrested in France on December 28, 1793. He was treated as a political prisoner. The American ambassador, Gouverneur Morris, did not help him. Paine believed Morris had allowed his imprisonment.

Paine narrowly escaped execution. A chalk mark meant for his cell door was accidentally placed inside. This saved him from being taken for execution. He survived until the fall of Robespierre in July 1794.

Paine was released in November 1794. This was largely due to the efforts of the new American ambassador, James Monroe. In July 1795, Paine was allowed back into the convention.

Paine was one of only three members to oppose the new 1795 constitution. He disagreed because it removed universal suffrage, which meant not all men could vote.

In addition to his writing, Paine also worked on inventions. He developed a smokeless candle and worked on steam engines.

In 1797, Paine lived in Paris with Nicholas Bonneville and his family. Paine believed the United States had betrayed revolutionary France under President John Adams.

In 1800, Paine reportedly met Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon admired Paine's Rights of Man. Paine discussed with Napoleon how to invade England. However, as Napoleon became more dictatorial, Paine condemned him.

Thomas Paine's Later Years

Paine stayed in France until 1802. He returned to the United States at President Thomas Jefferson's invitation. He also paid for the passage of Bonneville's wife and sons to America.

Paine returned during a time of strong political disagreements in the U.S. His book The Age of Reason made many religious people dislike him. Federalists attacked him for his ideas about government and his friendship with Jefferson.

His right to vote was even denied in New Rochelle. This was because some did not recognize him as an American citizen.

Marguerite Brazier, Bonneville's wife, cared for Paine at the end of his life. In his will, Paine left most of his property to her. This included land to help her raise her sons.

Thomas Paine's Death

Thomas Paine died on June 8, 1809, at age 72. He passed away at 59 Grove Street in Greenwich Village, New York City. A plaque marks the site where he died.

His body was taken to New Rochelle. However, the Quakers would not allow him to be buried in their graveyard. So, his remains were buried under a walnut tree on his farm.

In 1819, William Cobbett, an English journalist, dug up Paine's bones. He took them back to England, hoping for a heroic reburial. However, this never happened, and the bones were later lost.

At the time of his death, only six people attended his funeral. Two of them were black freedmen. Many years later, writer Robert G. Ingersoll wrote about Paine's lonely funeral. He described Paine as a "soldier in the army of freedom."

Thomas Paine's Ideas and Views

Paine believed in a society where everyone was equal. He thought that scientific and social progress was important. He also supported free markets and liberty.

His ideas were shaped by many sources. These included the way Native American groups like the Iroquois lived. He admired their harmony with nature and democratic decision-making.

Paine's Views on Slavery

Paine was against slavery and was an abolitionist. As secretary to the Pennsylvania legislature, he helped create laws to stop the international slave trade.

He wrote in Rights of Man that "Man has no property in man." This idea was used to argue against slavery. He also said his mission was to "break the chains of slavery and oppression."

In March 1775, the Pennsylvania Magazine published an article against slavery. It was called "African Slavery in America." Many believe Paine wrote this important piece.

Paine, along with Joel Barlow, tried to convince President Jefferson not to allow slavery in the Louisiana Territory. They suggested settling it with free Black families and German immigrants instead.

Paine's Ideas for Social Programs

In Rights of Man, Part Second, Paine suggested government support for people. He wanted to ensure the well-being of society. His ideas included:

• Government help for poor people.
• Government-funded public education for everyone.
• Government-supported prenatal care and postnatal care. This included money for families when a child was born.

Paine also called for a government pension for all workers starting at age 50. This payment would double at age 60. He believed people's working lives should end before old age.

Paine's Agrarian Justice

Paine's last pamphlet was Agrarian Justice, published in 1795. In it, he discussed how land ownership separated many people from their natural inheritance. He believed everyone had a right to a share of the earth.

The U.S. Social Security Administration recognizes Agrarian Justice as the first American idea for an old-age pension and basic income. Paine argued that:

In advocating the case of the persons thus dispossessed, it is a right, and not a charity ... [Government must] create a national fund, out of which there shall be paid to every person, when arrived at the age of twenty-one years, the sum of fifteen pounds sterling, as a compensation in part, for the loss of his or her natural inheritance, by the introduction of the system of landed property. And also, the sum of ten pounds per annum, during life, to every person now living, of the age of fifty years, and to all others as they shall arrive at that age.

He believed that wealth gained in society should be shared back with society.

Paine's Religious Views

Before his arrest in France, Paine wrote the first part of The Age of Reason. In this book, he shared his religious views. These views caused much discussion in society.

Paine believed in one God. He did not follow the teachings of any specific church. He felt that many church institutions were human inventions. He believed they were created to control people.

Paine openly supported Deism. He called Deism "the only true religion." He meant a belief in one God and following moral virtues. He believed this was the path to happiness after life.

Thomas Paine's Legacy

Historian Jack P. Greene said that we are all "Paine's children" in a way. He believed Paine's ideas about political society changed the world.

Harvey J. Kaye wrote that Paine's pamphlets inspired Americans to declare independence. His words also gave the new nation a democratic spirit. Paine's famous phrases include:

• "The sun never shined on a cause of greater worth."
• "We have it in our power to begin the world over again."
• "These are the times that try men's souls."

Paine's writings inspired many political groups in Britain and the United States. Liberals, libertarians, feminists, and progressives often see him as an important thinker. His ideas also influenced many British freethinkers.

Abraham Lincoln's Admiration

In 1835, when he was 26, Abraham Lincoln wrote a defense of Paine's deism. A friend burned the paper to protect Lincoln's political future.

Historian Roy Basler said Paine strongly influenced Lincoln's writing style. He noted that Paine's ideas were similar to Lincoln's later thoughts.

Thomas Edison's Respect

The famous inventor Thomas Edison greatly admired Paine. He said:

I have always regarded Paine as one of the greatest of all Americans. Never have we had a sounder intelligence in this republic.... It was my good fortune to encounter Thomas Paine's works in my boyhood... it was, indeed, a revelation to me to read that great thinker's views on political and theological subjects. Paine educated me, then, about many matters of which I had never before thought. I remember, very vividly, the flash of enlightenment that shone from Paine's writings, and I recall thinking, at that time, 'What a pity these works are not today the schoolbooks for all children!'

Influence in South America

In 1811, a book of Paine's works translated into Spanish was published. It circulated widely in South America.

Uruguayan national hero José Gervasio Artigas learned about Paine's ideas from this book. Many of Artigas's writings, including the Instructions of 1813, were inspired by Paine.

Memorials to Thomas Paine

Many memorials honor Thomas Paine.

• The first memorial is a 12-foot marble column in New Rochelle, New York. It was built in 1839.
• New Rochelle is also home to Thomas Paine's Cottage. This was part of a farm given to Paine for his service in the American Revolution. The Thomas Paine Memorial Museum is also there.
• A statue by Gutzon Borglum (who sculpted Mount Rushmore) was placed in Parc Montsouris, Paris, in 1948. It shows Paine arguing for the life of King Louis XVI.
• Another statue by Georg J. Lober was put up in 1950 near Paine's home in Morristown, New Jersey.
• A statue by Sir Charles Wheeler was erected in 1964 in Paine's birthplace, Thetford, England.

In 2002, Thomas Paine was ranked No. 34 in the 100 Greatest Britons poll by the BBC.

See also

In Spanish: Thomas Paine para niños