Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine (1737-1809) migrated from Britain to America at age thirty-seven, right on the brink of the American Revolution. Paine already had the reputation of being an English radical and intellectual. Paine utilized his skills as a pamphleteer to speak out in favor of the Revolution. Paine's famous pamphlet, "Common Sense", was published in 1776, in support of the colonies' break from King George III and Great Britain. Contrary to popular belief, Paine published the pamphlet anonymously and never earned a cent from the publication or subsequent reprints. A follow-up piece, "The American Crisis", was also published in support of the American Revolution.

In 1791, Paine released "Rights of Man", which had a tremendous influence on the French Revolution. Although Paine did not speak French, he won the election to the French National Assembly. While in France, Paine continued to infuriate the opposition to the French Revolution, particularly...