The Real Revolution in “Common Sense”

Thomas Paine Didn’t Just Call for Independence — He Tried to Destroy the Idea of Kings By early 1776, many American colonists were angry with Britain — but that did not necessarily mean they opposed monarchy itself. In fact, many still believed kings were natural, legitimate, even divinely sanctioned rulers. That is what makes Thomas […]

Thomas Paine to Obama: Why America’s “Original” Founder Still Matters Today

Introduction In this interview: “Paine knew this. He knew that he had to dissuade Americans from feeling any attachment to the king, to parliament, and to the idea of the British constitution.” Watch this section in the video below (00:04:56). From “Common Sense” to the “Crisis” papers, Thomas Paine challenged power and inequality. His writings […]

How Thomas Paine Became Thomas Paine: The Origins of “Common Sense”

Introduction In this interview: “Americans, of course, think of the Revolution and they think of the Declaration of Independence. But let me make it clear. During the Revolutionary War, people thought of Common Sense as the document of independence.” Watch this section in the video below (00:44:46) Thomas Paine arrived in America in late 1774 […]