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Birth
He was born in Thetford, England. -
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First Marriage
He married Mary Lambert. Soon, she went into labor, and both her and her child died during birth. -
Stamp Act
Another reason for Thomas Paine to write against Britain, this act taxed letters, packages, and other mail products. -
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Second Marriage
He married his landlord's daughter, Elizabeth, but formally divorced her after three years. This was just before he was to embark on his journey to America. -
The Case of the Officers of Excise
Paine had written this pamphlet on behalf of the excise officers of London, who had very low wages. He had spent too much time on it, causing him to be relieved of his duties as an officer.
This was his first pamphlet, as accounted for. -
Tea Tax
This tax drove colonists over the edge, and provided Paine some leverage against the British. The tax on tea, the colonists' favorite drink, made the King look like a monster. -
Immigration to America
Paine moved to America to pitch in with the American Revolution.
This was the first step to becoming the influential writer he was. In London, he met Benjamin Franklin, who aided him on his way. -
Pennsylvania Magazine
After his immigration, Paine acquired a job with the Pennsylvania Magazine in which he covered a wide range of articles as a journalist.
This was how he published most of his pamphlets. -
Common Sense
This widely acclaimed pamphlet was read by all, establishing a reputation for him. He was then known, officially, as a revolutionary propagandist.
In Common Sense, he attacked the ideas of a monarchy and convinced people there was no reason to agree to Britain's terms.
Not only did this single-handedly convince large masses of people to rebel, its success aided him to perservere and continue writing. -
The Crisis I
The first of many articles written in the Pennsylvania Magazine under the same name,
This one was for the support of the soldiers who perservered when times were tough, and when times were easy. -
The Crisis II
The second of these articles. This one talks about how Paine has no fear of the consequences of his articles, and people should be ready to sacrifice themselves for their country. -
The Crisis III
The third of the Crisis articles. This one preaches the importance of collecting knowledge as you move on.
Reminded people to look back on their pasts. -
The Crisis IV
This, the fourth addition, continued to aid the war effort. This one talks to people about whether or not they deserve the blessings of freedom. In order to deserve independence, they must undergo the trials related. -
The Crisis V
In this addition of Thomas Paine's articles, he wrote about how violence isn't always the answer, and those who object the use of reasoning are fools. This reminded the army that they needed to think through their strategies, instead of mindlessly killing people who stood in their way. -
The Crisis VI
This article was addressed directly to members of the British Parliament and their proclamations passed. Paine was criticizing what they had written about the benevolence of Great Britain. This was a direct address to someone taking part in the Revolution, something Paine didn't normally do. -
The Crisis VII
Although I couldn't completely decipher this one, it seems as though Paine was speaking against Great Britain, and claimed they were delusional. This was more of his propaganda. -
The Crisis VIII
Now five years since fighting started, Paine speaks about what the King had said, that he will grant no mercy to the colonists who oppose him. Paine said that there is no chance that he will win now. This definately boosted the morales of soldiers, and granted hope to patriotic colonists. -
The Crisis IX
Thomas Paine wrote about how the colonists would have already won the Revolution if they hadn't let their guards down during the short time of peace that had occured. Trying to add awareness to the soldier's ranks, he spoke as if he were the general himself. -
The Crisis X
This article speaks about no matter what country you're from or what side you support, we all have one thing in common--curiosity. -
The Crisis XI
In this, Paine adds to the rumours going on about how the British Cabinet was weakening, stating that their speculations were true. He agreed that the war would be coming to an end soon, and that the colonists would prevail, making himself a highly influential and supportive figure. -
The Crisis XII
Paine responded to the King's offer to repeal all unfair acts and stop the Revolution once and for all. With all the other colonists in agreeance, he stated that they will not settle for anything less than independence. -
The Crisis XIII
After defeating the British in the Revolution and claiming independence, Paine warns the colonists to preceed with caution and responsibility, as their country is in a sensitive state. He says that they can enjoy their victory, but they need to be sensible. -
The Rights of Man
In this pamphlet, Thomas Paine not only soiled his reputation, but ridiculed what he had been fighting for. He said the country needed a dictatorship because of man's selfish nature. His ideas were completely rejected. -
The Age of Reason
This three-part pamhlet completely ridiculed the idea of institutionalized religion, specifically Christianity, and questioned the legitimacy of the bible. Since most of the colonists were Christian, they thought him mad. -
Death
Only six people attended his funeral because he had been ostracized for questioning Chrisitianity in The Age of Reason.
