Lecture Notes: The Rise of Thomas Paine

Introduction

• Quote: "These are the times that try men's souls..."
• Focus: The rise of Thomas Paine, an American journalist who wrote influential pamphlets.
• Presenter: Christian Murray

Early Life of Thomas Paine

• Background:
  • Born in England.
  • Apprenticed with his Quaker father.
  • Became a privateer and later owned a store in England.
• Personal Tragedy:
  • Married Mary Lambert, lost her and their child during childbirth.
  • Lost his store.
• Later Life in England:
  • Worked various jobs and married Elizabeth Olive, later divorced.

Move to America

• Influence of Benjamin Franklin:
  • Met Franklin in London.
  • Moved to American colonies in 1774.
• Career in America:
  • Became a citizen of Pennsylvania and editor of the Pennsylvania Magazine.
  • Wrote about slavery, workers' rights, and American liberty.

American Revolutionary Context

• Colonial Rebellion:
  • Initial aim: Reconciliation with Britain for rights as Englishmen.
  • Shift towards independence.

"Common Sense"

• Written in 1776:
  • Anonymously published due to treasonous content.
• Main Arguments:
  • Critique of monarchy, favoring a representative government.
  • Independence from Britain is natural and inevitable.
  • America’s potential as a beacon of freedom.
  • England stunts American growth.
  • Conciliation has failed; independence is the only path.
• Impact:
  • Changed discourse towards full independence.
  • Influenced the Declaration of Independence.

"The American Crisis"

• Context:
  • Written from 1776 to 1783.
  • Motivated colonists during difficult times, e.g., winter at Valley Forge.
• Content:
  • Demonized Britain and loyalists.
  • Justified American cause with divine support.
  • Encouraged patriotism and resilience.

Legacy and Influence

• Paine’s Influence:
  • Made complex ideas accessible to the common man.
  • Key figure in American independence.
• Reflection Question:
  • What would motivate you to endure hardships for a purpose?

Conclusion

• Next Episode Preview:
  • Will discuss the fall of Thomas Paine during the French Revolution.
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  • Reminder of the importance of telling historical stories.