Thomas Paine
By Yasmin Ajirniar
Background
Birthday: January 29, 1737 in Thetford, United Kingdom
Occupation: Journalist and InventorI was born from a Quaker and Anglican background and had limited exposure to education. I was taught, however, to be literate, and, later, I helped my father in the shipbuilding industry since Thetford was a town that had a large shipbuilding business. I later married and was to have a child, but, unfortunately, my wife died in childbirth. During that time period I began publishing articles, starting with grievances of the state of the economy. After being fired for distributing some of my works, I moved to America where I continued to write and become involved in the Revolution.
Significance of Paine's Role in the Revolutionary Period
Posts
1774: I leave for the colonies, suggested by Benjamin, to Pennsylvania. I am sorry for the losers who must sink on this island with the weight of the King's heavy conscientious.
1776: Can you not see... The opportunity has presented itself, the moment for liberation from the tyrant who claims to be King and "protects" us from justice
1776: I applaud Thomas Jefferson for his Declaration of Independence that sums our grievances to the King... but I suggest that he be more direct with his depiction of the tyranny...
1776: He refuses our Declaration... either from ignorance or apathy to our struggles, but there is no difference... He is useless and the war has begun
1776: These soldiers are war torn and dejected... I see it in each of their eyes... But I will return a flame to their eyes that will burn all of London...
1777: Though England may have its crown and its outrageous wealth, the colonists are still richer... richer in freedom and unity since we have the United States of America... England has no friend to ally with
1792: Again I find myself in a deja vu... Running from my words into another Revolution.
1796: Sunderland Bridge has been completed, 240 feet long and made of iron... any skeptics may cross as they please.
1803: How can my greatest contribution have grown to be above its own nurturing father...