How Thomas Paine Influenced The American Revolution
Thomas Paine helped to inspire the American Revolution. In “Common Sense”, published in January 1776, Thomas Paine said that the Colonists should aim for complete independence from Britain. Among the arguments he used were that Britain governed the Americans for its own benefit, not theirs, and that, in any case, the distance between the two nations made governing from England very inefficient. The pamphlet sold in its thousands and was very influential. It helped to turn a local uprising into a War of Independence and Thomas Paine was given the title ‘Father of the American Revolution. Another work of Paine’s that is crucial to the revolution is “The Crisis.” argues American independence, of course, but begins with theoretical thoughts on
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His writing touched hearts and the lives of his peers. Paine had influenced many people and the right ones. Some could say Paine’s works did not shape the revolution but only the minds behind the matter; i.e. George Washington. In the article “Thomas Paine’s Revolutionary Reckoning” written by William Hogeland, he says “While others groused that Paine mistakenly believed Washington shared his vision of the American Revolution as the first step in a global movement for equality Washington was inexperienced and indecisive, Paine conjured a romantic image of a wise and heroic leader that, as the war progressed, proved to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Ever since, Paine had allowed himself to believe that Washington shared his vision of the American Revolution as the first step in a global movement for social equality.” However, Paine and Washington were two completely different people says Hogeland, “Washington and Paine were unlikely comrades from the outset. In 1776, Washington was a Virginia planter with deep roots in America, august in manner if not yet experienced in military achievement. Paine was an English urbanite, a refugee from failure as tobacco shop owner and excise officer who had arrived in Philadelphia in 1775 and found a last-ditch vocation as writer and activist. Washington was reserved; Paine talked constantly. Washington was fastidious about clothes and cleanliness; Paine was not
His writing touched hearts and the lives of his peers. Paine had influenced many people and the right ones. Some could say Paine’s works did not shape the revolution but only the minds behind the matter; i.e. George Washington. In the article “Thomas Paine’s Revolutionary Reckoning” written by William Hogeland, he says “While others groused that Paine mistakenly believed Washington shared his vision of the American Revolution as the first step in a global movement for equality Washington was inexperienced and indecisive, Paine conjured a romantic image of a wise and heroic leader that, as the war progressed, proved to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Ever since, Paine had allowed himself to believe that Washington shared his vision of the American Revolution as the first step in a global movement for social equality.” However, Paine and Washington were two completely different people says Hogeland, “Washington and Paine were unlikely comrades from the outset. In 1776, Washington was a Virginia planter with deep roots in America, august in manner if not yet experienced in military achievement. Paine was an English urbanite, a refugee from failure as tobacco shop owner and excise officer who had arrived in Philadelphia in 1775 and found a last-ditch vocation as writer and activist. Washington was reserved; Paine talked constantly. Washington was fastidious about clothes and cleanliness; Paine was not