The Rights of Man

Thomas Paine (1737–1809) stands out as one of the most influential writers and political activists of the late 18th century. Born in Thetford, England, Paine moved to the American colonies in 1774, where he quickly aligned himself with revolutionary causes. He gained immediate fame with his pamphlet 'Common Sense' (1776), which argued for American independence with remarkable clarity and fervor. P...