Thomas Paine: Unsung Architect of the American Revolution

Introduction: Paine's Forgotten Influence

The writings of Thomas Paine were a critically influential voice that helped tip the balance of popular opinion in favor of revolution in colonial America. It is easy to forget that many of the Founding Fathers were deeply embedded in the governing structures of Great Britain within the colonies, even as they attempted to gain a greater voice for the nation in Parliament — particularly regarding the issue of prohibitive taxation. Paine alone, as a strident voice, was an early and unequivocal supporter of independence.

Common Sense and the Case for Independence

As noted by Jill Lepore in her essay "The Sharpened Quill" about Paine's legacy, it is directly documented that John Adams read Paine's anonymous pamphlet Common Sense while debating within himself the wisdom of seeking independence for the colonies. Lepore calls Common Sense an "anonymous, fanatical, and brutally brilliant" document that ultimately had the power to "convince the American people of what more than a decade of taxes and nearly a year of war had not: that it was nothing less than their destiny to declare independence from Britain" (Lepore). According to Lepore, Paine offered practical justifications for separating from the mother country — including the growing taxation burden — but also a philosophical justification that lingers in the American conscience today: America's sense of uniqueness as a free nation.

Paine was a Quaker born poor in England who traveled to the colonies after being financially ruined in his country of birth (Lepore). His Quakerism is often cited as an explanation for his strong sense of social justice and belief in equality, given that the Quaker faith lacks a strong sense of hierarchy. Paine was not formally educated, but he had clearly internalized many Enlightenment ideas, as reflected in Common Sense. His ability to translate "Lockean liberalism, classical republicanism, and Leveller radicalism… especially Newtonian rationalism" into popular language is a clear part of Paine's appeal (Lepore). Although other Founding Fathers' contributions may be better remembered — such as the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution — it was Paine's rhetoric that generated support for the radical step of breaking away from Great Britain. As Lepore observes, "Paine's contributions to the nation's founding would be hard to overstate. 'Common Sense' made it possible to declare independence."

Plain Language and Democratic Ideals

Paine was quite explicit about his intention to avoid ornamental language in order to make his writing as accessible as possible. Even though he was himself literate, despite his lack of formal education, his background made him acutely sensitive to the fact that many of his readers were not. "As it is my design to make those that can scarcely read understand," Paine stated, he would thus "avoid every literary ornament and put it in language as plain as the alphabet" (Paine). Unlike some of the Founding Fathers, Paine did not write for the upper echelons of colonial society but for the people who would ultimately fill the boots of Washington's army.

This commonplace language also underlined the democratic, anti-royalist sentiment that made the colonists' cause more appealing. It was not simply about taxation and commerce, Paine urged, but about the nature of freedom itself — and about the fact that America was defined not by who one was born as, but by what one could become. This sentiment continues to resonate in the American consciousness today. Before Washington's famous crossing of the Delaware River to attack the British at Trenton, Washington rallied his troops using Paine's words: "These are the times that try men's souls" (Paine). This stands as a testament to Paine's rare ability to understand and speak the language of the common man and soldier.

Conclusion: Reassessing Paine's Place in American History

Although not all of Paine's proposals were incorporated into the new and emerging American nation, the passion of his defense of republicanism was clearly a critical factor in rallying the necessary support of all citizens — not simply the wealthiest or most influential people, who had, ironically, benefited greatly from America's relationship with Great Britain until Britain began to raise taxes and tighten control over the colonies for its own enrichment. Without Paine, discussion of independence would have remained relatively academic, unpopular, and confined to a small segment of the population.

Paine is not simply a Founding Father; he is a critically important one. He deserves far greater recognition than he currently receives and should be studied alongside Jefferson, Adams, and Washington — all of whom were deeply engaged with his works.

Works Cited

Lepore, Jill. "The Sharpened Quill." The New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2006, www.newyorker.com/magazine/2006/10/16/the-sharpened-quill.

Monahan, Sean. "Reading Paine From the Left." Jacobin Magazine, 6 Mar. 2015, www.jacobinmag.com/2015/03/thomas-paine-american-revolution-common-sense/.