“These are the times that try men’s souls”.
Thomas Paine
wrote those words
to describe the
American struggle
for independence.
However, this
phrase could also
be used to
describe the life of
Thomas Paine.
Paine’s ideas were
always controversial. Although
he influenced many colonists to join
in the revolution his words also made
him many enemies.
Thomas Paine was born in
England. He worked as a tax
collector with his father but he was
never very successful. In November
of 1774, Paine left for America. He
arrived in Philadelphia and
immediately found himself in the
center of the debate over England’s
rule of the colonies.
Paine supported the colonists
and opposed English rule of America.
Paine believed that the colonies had
the right to revolt if the government
was going to tax them without
allowing them to vote in Parliament.
He believed that the colonies should
split away and become independent.
In January of 1776, Thomas Paine
published a pamphlet called
“Common Sense”. Paine argued
his viewpoint in this pamphlet.
Thomas Paine believed that
the purpose of government was to
provide laws and security. If a
government becomes corrupt, Paine
said, people not only have the right
to revolt – they have a responsibility
to revolt. Paine argued that England
was no longer able to govern the
colonies. They were too far away
and Paine said it took to long for
orders from Parliament to arrive in
the colonies. Paine urged colonists
to rebel.
Over 500,000 copies of
Common Sense were circulated
throughout the colonies. It was read
by soldiers, loyalists and members
of the Continental Congress. It was
published in both America and in
England. Many of Thomas Paine’s
ideas would reappear in the
Declaration of Independence.
Name: ________________________________
Thomas Paine Assignment
Task: Read the passage entitled “These are the times that try men’s souls” and then answer the
questions that follow in complete sentences. This assignment is worth 10 points.
1. Thomas Paine was born in England. Who did he side with in the Revolutionary War?
2. How many copies of “Common Sense” were printed?
3. “Common Sense” influenced what other important American document?
4. Think Question - Based on what you have read, what does Thomas Paine think is
common sense?
5. Think Question - Consider the colonial grievances that we have discussed. Next
consider Thomas Paine’s argument. Does Thomas Paine base his argument on
those colonial grievances or on something else? Explain your answer.