Thomas Paine Behind the American Revolution
by
Katiana Holmes
25590 Prospect Ave. Oasis TownHome Apartments Unit #31B, Loma Linda, CA 92354
Telephone Number: 1(
909)4357700
Email: [email protected]
AP United States History/ Redlands High School 1(
909)4375500/
Grade 11
Mr. Wilder
November 28, 2016
One of the most influential men of the American Revolution was Thomas Paine for his works
Common Sense and Rights of Man . Paine’s articles significantly impacted social and political
developments while encouraging bystanding authors to speak on injustices against America, thus
propelling America’s Revolution forward and past British rule. Thanks to the Movable Printing Press,
documents such as those of Thomas Paine’s, were widely distributed to the public. Citizens that
grouped over discussion of political changes began to read such inspiring articles, as education became
of high demand. After gaining various ideas of different authors like Paine, societies soon formed to
share political thought and parties such as Federalists and The Sons and Daughters of the American
Revolution emerged. Small and large political parties endlessly circulated laws and belief systems that
often contradicted or interfered each other’s political desires. Such dilemmas called for the need of
further action in reconstructing the Constitution and organizing an efficient American government.
Conveniently, Thomas Paine’s belief system was a leading ideology that adhered to improvements,
influencing American pride and nationalism. In addition, his beliefs were read by other influentials and
were studied throughout the Revolution.
Initially, America was not as confident in breaking from British rule, truthfully as being under
Britain’s thumb was what the colonies were always used to. Therefore, Paine having had addressed the
value of American Independence from Britain was the first major step in turning society against the
crown. Incorporating nationalistic ideals to advertise Britain’s offenses on America brought out the
public’s popular support that the U.S was capable of more than Britain estimated. Paine’s use of
Nationalism inspired the country to believe that America truly deserved freedom from British
oppression. In his political pamphlet Common Sense , he claims, “ Until an independence is declared the
continent will feel itself like a man who continues putting off some unpleasant business from day to day,
yet knows it must be done, hates to set about it, wishes it over, and is continually haunted with the
thoughts of its necessity,” (Paine, "Common Sense", 1776). His quote reveals how he was able to
connect to the people’s emotions from hardships they faced, and compelled his audiences to rebel
against suppressive British forces to achieve independence. Relating to the people and addressing their
need for separation from the crown captivated society to eventually protest for political changes. Such
revolutionary action took place in response to views on British injustices. For example, the rebellion
against the Stamp Tax resulted in the Boston Tea Party destroying British property in refusal to pay
taxes without rightful American representation in Parliament. Additionally, Thomas Paine’s Rights of
Man addresses the necessities for the American people to protest for change. As every changing
generation passes, remaining under traditional oppressive thought is useless for the reason that, “The
defects of every government and constitution both as to principle and form, must, on a parity of
reasoning, be as open to discussion as the defects of a law, and it is a duty which every man owes to
society to point them out,” (Paine, Rights of Man, 1792). Topics that he discussed sparked civil
rebellion to the extent that after the several Revolutionary Wars, Britain finally acknowledged American
independence. However, from that point on, America was alone to develop its own ways of economy,
political strength, and government organization. Although America pursued government as an
advantage
for unity and strength, Thomas Paine remained skeptical.
Thomas Paine believed that government was a negative influence. He quotes in Common Sense
that, “Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in
its worst state an intolerable one…,” (Paine, “Common Sense”, 1776). Elaborating further, he
addresses how government in general is not efficient because he believed that government often
demonstrated acts of tyranny over American interests. This was proven true through the Quartering
Acts that housed British troops in American homes, invading American privacy and defying their
constitution. Although Thomas Paine distrusted government, people continued his political beliefs
through the philosophy of limiting government power in order to allow the people to represent
themselves. Boldly and emphatically stated, Paine’s ideas encouraged other spectating authors to speak
out against governmental suppression throughout the Revolutionary era.
During the American Revolution, authors engaged in political circumstances and most agreed
with Thomas Paine’s argument Independence. Similarly, another author like Thomas Paine, Robert
MiddleKauff addresses how America seemed to be the lesser of Britain as he says, “the extent of
Parliament’s authority to legislate for the colonies had not been closely examined by anyone. When it
was, it became a center of controversy. The common presumption in England, wholly unexamined, was
that all was clear in the colonial relation. The colonies were colonies, after all, and as such they were
“dependencies,” plants set out by superiors, the “children” of the “mother country,” and “our subjects,”
(Middlekauff, The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution , 17631789). Middlekauff shows the
extent of which America appeared the most immature during the eighteenth century, as foreign
countries stood politically independent from suppressive rule at the start of the Revolution. It has been
historically documented that, “Over 150 years later, the colonists believed their experience was great
enough to refuse to recognize the British king. The first decade was rocky. The AMERICAN REVOLUTION
and the domestic instability that followed prompted a call for a new type of government with a
constitution to guarantee liberty,” (USHistory.org, "Foundations of American Government", 2016). Even
after the beginning of American Independence, Thomas Paine continues to be a significantly influential
figure in American Independence. Paine continues to live up to his belief system over government and
politics specifically capturing the nationalistic views of the revolutionary era. An article on History.com
also acknowledges his successes when John Adams’ input is incorporated with Paine’s successes. The
webpage article reads, “ ‘I know not whether any man in the world has had more influence on its
inhabitants or affairs for the last thirty years than Tom Paine.’ So wrote John Adams in 1805. In an age
of political pamphleteering, Paine had become the most influential pamphleteer of all. His writings
remain
classic statements of the egalitarian, democratic faith of the Age of Revolution,” (History.com Staff,
"Thomas Paine", 2009).
Thomas Paine was notably famous for his books and pamphlets on American politics which
demonstrated the civil need to overcome suppression and live by new ideology. His work has inspired
people internally within the nation and even in foreign countries surrounding America. Thanks to
Thomas
Paine and other ideologists alike, Americans were able to build a strong, successful union that
exemplifies the importance to break from traditional beliefs and find independence. Paine stands as one
of the top leading figures of our nation today, after being behind the national idea of political
independence and guiding the nation forward through the hardships of the American Revolution.
Works Cited
"Foundations of American Government." Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association, n.d. Web. 01
Dec. 2016.
History.com Staff. "Thomas Paine." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 2009. Web. 01 Dec.
2016.
Middlekauff, Robert. The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution, 17631789.
New York: Oxford
UP, 1982. Print.
Paine, Thomas. "Rights of Man [Part the First and Part the Second." Joseph Johnson, 17911792.
Rpt.
of "Rights of Man." (n.d.): n. pag.
Paine, Thomas. Common Sense. Robert Bell, January 10, 1776. Print.
Paine, Thomas. "Rights of Man [Part the First and Part the Second." Joseph Johnson, 17911792.
Rpt.
of "Rights of Man." (n.d.): n. pag.
Personal Biography
My name is Katiana Marie Holmes and I am a junior at Redlands High School in California. I
have been an Honors student since the beginning of high school and currently I am enrolled in AP US
History. My average GPA is about a 3.4 as of my Sophomore year, last year. I graduated my
Sophomore year at my previous school, Silverado High School in Victorville, California with a 4.0 and
higher and I passed my AP exams for my AP European History course last year. I have received
academic awards ever since elementary school for acknowledgements such as Excellence in
Comprehension, Reading, and Math. I have earned awards for being an Honors Student since my
freshman year at Redlands High School up to Junior year.
I have been participant in Cope Middle School’s Percussion Ensemble: Marching Band and
Concert Percussion, Cope Middle School’s Choir, Silverado High School’s Drum Corps. and
Percussion Club, Silverado High School’s Chess Club, Silverado’s Afterschool
Math Tutoring
Services, and SIlverado High School’s STEM club for banner projects and recycling programs. When
I came back to Redlands High School my current junior year, so far I have joined Key Club and
Octagon Club for voluntary work and community service hours for charity and donations to homeless,
children, and Veterans at the Veterans Hospital in Loma Linda, CA. I have been at rallies and
fundraisers to support KEY Club along with Compact Club to gain career and work experience
information for pursuing jobs out of High School and College. I am currently applying for scholarships,
and I am an available Integrated Math I and II honors/regular math tutor, English 9, 10, or 11
honors/regular tutor, and a spanish I, II, and III tutor.
I plan to go to Crafton Hills Community College to fulfill college prerequisites before transferring
to Washington’s Bastyr University to study Holistic Naturopathy.