Thomas Paine, a political activist, philosopher, and revolutionary, played a crucial role in the American Revolution. Yet, his contributions are often overshadowed by those of other Founding Fathers like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. This raises the question: Is Thomas Paine the forgotten Founding Father? As historians, it is our duty to examine Paine‘s life, works, and influence to understand his true significance in the birth of the United States.
The Making of a Revolutionary
Born in 1737 in Thetford, England, Paine came from a humble background. His father was a Quaker and a stay-maker, while his mother was an Anglican. Paine received a basic education but was largely self-taught. He tried his hand at various occupations, including stay-making, teaching, and excise officer, but struggled to find success.
It was not until Paine met Benjamin Franklin in London in 1774 that his life took a turn. Franklin, impressed by Paine‘s intellect and writing skills, encouraged him to emigrate to the American colonies. Paine arrived in Philadelphia in November 1774, just as the tensions between the colonies and Great Britain were reaching a boiling point.
The Power of the Pen
Paine‘s most significant contributions to the American Revolution were his writings. In January 1776, he published "Common Sense," a pamphlet that advocated for American independence and challenged the authority of the British government and the royal monarchy. The work was an instant success, selling over 120,000 copies in the first three months alone, according to historian Eric Foner (Foner, 1976).
"Common Sense" presented a powerful argument for independence, using plain language that appealed to the masses. Paine wrote, "The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind," emphasizing the global significance of the American struggle (Paine, 1776). His words resonated with colonists who were increasingly frustrated with British rule and seeking a new path forward.
Paine‘s influence continued with "The American Crisis" series, which he began publishing in December 1776. These essays, which ran until 1783, were designed to boost morale during the difficult years of the Revolutionary War. The first essay, which opens with the famous line "These are the times that try men‘s souls," was read aloud to the Continental Army before the Battle of Trenton, helping to inspire the soldiers to a crucial victory.
Paine and the Founding Fathers
Paine‘s ideas also had a significant impact on other Founding Fathers. His arguments in "Common Sense" influenced Thomas Jefferson when drafting the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson later wrote that Paine‘s work had "prepared the minds of the people for that event more than any other single writing" (Jefferson, 1821).
Paine‘s relationship with Benjamin Franklin, whom he considered a mentor, was also significant. Franklin helped Paine establish himself in America and supported the publication of "Common Sense." Paine, in turn, defended Franklin against accusations of corruption and mismanagement during his time as a diplomat in France.
Despite these connections, Paine‘s role in the founding of the United States is often overlooked. This may be due, in part, to his later life and controversial works. Paine‘s "Rights of Man" (1791) and "The Age of Reason" (1793-1794) advocated for democratic reforms and criticized organized religion, respectively. These views were considered radical and controversial in his time, leading to his prosecution in England and ostracism in America.
The French Revolution and Paine‘s Later Years
Paine‘s involvement in the French Revolution further complicated his legacy. He traveled to France in 1791 and was elected to the French National Convention. However, his moderate views and opposition to the execution of King Louis XVI put him at odds with the more radical revolutionaries. Paine was imprisoned during the Reign of Terror and narrowly escaped execution.
After his release, Paine returned to the United States in 1802, but he found himself largely shunned by society due to his religious views and his perceived abandonment of the American cause during the French Revolution. He died in obscurity in 1809, with only a handful of people attending his funeral.
Rediscovering Paine‘s Legacy
In the centuries since his death, historians have sought to reexamine Paine‘s role in the American Revolution and his impact on democratic thought. In 1819, William Cobbett, an English radical, exhumed Paine‘s remains and transported them to England, hoping to give him a proper burial and recognition. However, the remains were lost, and Paine‘s final resting place remains unknown.
In recent years, efforts to recognize Paine‘s contributions have increased. In 2002, Paine was inducted into the National Constitution Center‘s Hall of Signers, acknowledging his importance in the nation‘s founding. Scholars like Harvey Kaye, author of "Thomas Paine and the Promise of America," have argued that Paine‘s vision of a democratic republic, with a constitution and a representative government, helped shape the political philosophy of the United States (Kaye, 2005).
Despite these efforts, Paine‘s legacy remains complicated. His radical views on religion and his involvement in the French Revolution have led some to dismiss or downplay his role in American history. However, as historian Eric Foner argues, "Paine was the greatest revolutionary propagandist of his age, and one of the most brilliant and original political thinkers of any age" (Foner, 1976).
The Importance of Remembering Paine
As we continue to study and celebrate the founding of the United States, it is crucial to remember and acknowledge the vital role played by Thomas Paine. His powerful writings, unwavering commitment to democratic ideals, and influence on other Founding Fathers helped to shape the course of American history.
Paine‘s story also reminds us of the importance of studying the lives and contributions of lesser-known figures in history. By examining the diverse range of individuals who participated in the American Revolution, we can gain a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of this pivotal event and its lasting impact on the world.
In the words of Thomas Paine himself, "The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion" (Paine, 1791). As historians, it is our responsibility to ensure that the contributions of figures like Paine are not forgotten, but rather celebrated and studied for generations to come.
References
- Foner, E. (1976). Tom Paine and Revolutionary America. Oxford University Press.
- Jefferson, T. (1821). Letter to Francis Eppes. The Thomas Jefferson Papers at the Library of Congress.
- Kaye, H. J. (2005). Thomas Paine and the Promise of America. Hill and Wang.
- Paine, T. (1776). Common Sense. Philadelphia: W. & T. Bradford.
- Paine, T. (1791). Rights of Man. London: J.S. Jordan.
| Work | Publication Date | Estimated Circulation |
|---|---|---|
| Common Sense | January 1776 | 120,000+ |
| The American Crisis (first essay) | December 1776 | Unknown |
| Rights of Man | 1791-1792 | 200,000+ |
| The Age of Reason | 1793-1794 | Unknown |
Table 1: Circulation of Thomas Paine‘s major works. Data from Foner (1976) and Kaye (2005).
