How Did Thomas Paine Influence Society

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Thomas Paine was one of the most prominent writers during the time of the American Revolution. He influenced society in ways like no other. He engaged with his people and helped them understand modern ideas. He was able to encourage the coming together of the thirteen diverse colonies and his ideas are still used today by progressives and liberals. (Denney, Morgan, Assenza). Thomas Paine inspired and witnessed the revolutions that gave birth to the United States and destroyed the French monarchy (Nash, David). Thomas Paine was born on January 29, 1737 in Thetford, England. He was the son of a Corset maker and began working with his father at the age of 13. Later on in his early years he tried other various occupations, which turned out to …show more content…

According to Foner, “Paine had arrived in America when the conflict between the colonists and England was reaching its height”. After the Battle of Lexington and Concord, Paine argued that the cause of America should not be just a revolt against taxation but a demand for independence. (Foner, Philip S). Thomas Paine strongly supported the idea of American Independence and inspired many people to fight for it. He boosted the morale of soldiers and inspired them. According to David Nash, “He certainty was the first to make the message of individual and natural rights traverse boundaries in what, for the 18th century, was the blink of an eye” …show more content…

This pamphlet immediately became a “blockbuster” with around 75,000 to 100,000 copies published worldwide (Schoenberg, Nara). Common sense was Paine’s most famous work and was considered America’s first bestseller. Common sense was easy for anyone to read. It contained pictures, gave imagery and was easy for the “common man” to read. In the introduction he asked his readers to reexamine their views and too keep an open mind (Paine, Thomas). Common Sense pushed people to fight for their rights and to strive for independence. It is believed that "Anyone sitting on the fence that encountered Common Sense was probably no longer sitting on the fence” (Schoenberg,