Thomas Paine

Crusader for Liberty

General
● Born in Thetford, Norfolk, Great Britain,
● lived to be 72 years old.
● political activist as well as a philosopher, theorist and Patriot Revolutionary
● one of the founding fathers of the United States of America, and a
successful author of his time
● Some would credit Paine’s work to have won the revolution for America for
independence from Britain.
Early Years

● was his father’s apprentice, taking up stay-making (corset making) as well

as sailboat stays
● married on September 27,1759 to Mary Lambert
● his business fell apart and his wife died in labor along with their first child.
● Almost 10 years later, and several jobs later, the Paine’s moved to Lewes,
Sussex. This is where Thomas began to become civilly involved and took on
many political and leadership roles in the town.
Early Years (Continued)

● Paine remarried to his landlord’s daughter Elizabeth Ollive

● had many failed businesses in many different industries, but seemed to be

successful in politics and political action

● In 1774, he formally divorced his wife Elizabeth

● Paine moved to London, and shortly after, the American Colonies.

Education
● It may seem like Thomas Paine, one of
the most famous and influential writers in
this country’s history would have more
formal education, however he only
attended the Thetford Grammar School
from 1744-1749.
Major Accomplishments

● amazing writer in his time.

● Shortly after becoming a citizen of Pennsylvania by taking an oath of
allegiance, he became the editor of the Pennsylvania Magazine.
● Paine made the Pennsylvania Magazine one of the only successful
magazines in all of the colonies.
● Author of “Common Sense”
“Common Sense”

● Paine’s most famous work

● published in 1776 and written under an alias of “Englishman.”
● came at a time where morale and action for the patriot movement was in
decline.
● knew how to communicate to get the word across to the people of the
colonies and how to word his statements to get people to want to support
his cause.
“Common Sense” (Continued)

● He used the words of some other revolutionaries and built on them to create
concrete sentences that raised morale among the american people by the
word.
● Paine appealed to all people in all walks of life.
● It was a very brave and bold thing for Paine to do at this time as Britain and
loyalists were furious at the publication and popularity that Common Sense
had received.
“American Crisis”
● Paine also authored “The American Crisis” towards the end of the
revolution.
● during a time where General Washington’s troops were tired and war torn
● Washington read aloud Paine’s words to his men and instantly raised the
morale of the men
● They continued on to win the next battle and start a series of battles that
would give america the upper hand over the British.
Quotes

● “The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows

brave by reflection.” -Thomas Paine

● “I prefer peace. But if trouble must come, let it come in my time, so that my

children can live in peace.” -Thomas Paine

Awards and Recognition

● Paine never really received many awards during his lifetime. However, he is,

to this day, considered an extremely important Patriot Revolutionary and

leader of all despite ideology and situation of life.

Lasting Impact and Contribution

● Monument in New Rochelle

● Statue in Bordentown, New Jersey
● Plaque in Paris
● Statue and plaque in Thetford, Norfolk, England
● History books
● Scholarships and awards
Influence/ Leadership

● Even to this day, Paine remains to be viewed as a leader

● His experiences have stood up against the tests of time
● He is definitely a level 5 leader
● No other person in his time period was as influential as he was and he
dropped out of school by the age of 12
● He failed so many times in so many careers but never gave up or was
discouraged