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Thomas Paine (1737-1809) – Revolutionary writer; author of Common Sense.
Thomas Paine was born in 1737 in England and came to America in 1774 with little money and few prospects. Within two years he would write one of the most influential documents in American history.
In early 1776, Paine published Common Sense, a pamphlet that argued plainly and powerfully for American independence. It sold hundreds of thousands of copies and convinced ordinary colonists that breaking from Britain was both possible and necessary.
Later that year, as the war went badly, he wrote The American Crisis, which began with the famous line “These are the times that try men’s souls.” Washington had it read aloud to his troops before the Battle of Trenton to inspire them.
Paine was a writer, not a soldier or politician, but his words did as much as any army to fuel the Revolution. He believed in plain language that everyone could understand.
Did You Know?
- Common Sense became one of the best-selling works in American history relative to population.
- He also took part in the French Revolution and was once imprisoned in France.
- He gave away most of the money his writing earned to the cause.
Free Printables: Thomas Paine
Full Profile (PDF)
A printable profile of Thomas Paine with his portrait, the story of their life, and a Did You Know section. Free for personal and homeschool use.
Bring American History to Life
If your kids love stories like these, our Exploring America’s Ghost Towns Curriculum takes them on a 414-page, K-12 journey through the real places and people who built the American West. It weaves history, geography, language arts, and more into a secular, open-and-go curriculum you can teach with confidence. Approved for many ESA and scholarship programs. Explore the curriculum here.
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