How Did Thomas Paine Influence Society

Born to a simple corseter, Thomas Paine grew to become one of the most influential man in history. Thomas Paine was a writer, advocate, and spokesman. He changed the attitudes of the American people with a simple pamphlet. His ability to “communicate the ideas” of “the Revolution to common farmers as easily as to intellectuals” aroused a new feeling in the hearts of a “fledgling United States” (Independence Hall). He had a grand vision for life free of British control. He was the first author to advocate for the freedom of slaves and a “member of the first anti-slavery society in America” (Constitution Society). His radical views on religion ultimately led to his social decline, with only a “few people left to attend his funeral” (Independence

This most commemorated article began soon after the battles of Lexington and Concord. This marked the first time that a pamphlet was printed to advocate for American independence (history.com). Paine wrote in such a way that it spoke to the rural farmer the same as a high class businessman. In Paine’s essay he states that “there is something very absurd in supposing a continent to be perpetually run by an island” (Lepore). Thomas Paine argues for a “solution for Americans who were disgusted and alarmed at the presence of tyranny in their new land” (biography.com). John Adams later went on to write that “without the pen of the author of Common Sense, the sword of Washington would have been raised in vain” (Lepore). He advocated for the “value of a more extensive commerce… not only a freer exchange of goods but also a broader exchange of ideas” (ebscohost)., Common Sense ended up becoming so popular that “as a percentage of a population,” it was “read or read to by more people than today watch the Super Bowl” (independence hall). Thomas forced the issue on the streets, which united a seemingly divided

After seeing the devastation around him, he decided to write the American Crisis Papers. The famous line, “these are the times that try men’s souls” came from The American Crisis Number 1 (biography.com). These words were so inspirational that “George Washington had Paine’s words read out loud to his troops at McKonkey’s Ferry on the Delaware River” (NCC Staff). Paine’s words were able to rally a tired and defeated army to win a much-needed battle (ncc staff). Thomas Paine’s faith in the Continental Army, and his willingness to financially contribute to the much needed supplies allowed the soldiers to bolster hope and defeat the