Paine never signed his name "Tom" Paine. He always used Thomas. "Tom" was invented by his detractors, and they were the only ones who used it in the beginning. "Tom" came from the attacks and slanders by his enemies (the churches and the monarchists and some of the Federalists) as a way to demean him […]
Yes. Previously it was claimed that American Crisis III was the source of this name. There are at least two private letters who use the language "united States of America", but they use "united" (small "U") as an adjective. However, writing as "Republicus" on June 29, 1776 Paine made the first public declaration calling for
Is it true that Thomas Paine first coined the phrase, “The United States of America?” Read Post »
Like most topics in American history, there are two camps of historians. One group, which has emerged since the 1960's, recognizes Paine as the preeminent Founder. As the 200 years of institutional neglect of Paine has lost its hold on scholarship, many historians and authors are correcting the record and bringing Paine to the forefront.
Why isn’t Paine recognized as a leading figure of the American Revolution? Read Post »
Not only was he in favor of it, but the concept in modern times originates with him. Even in his early writings he makes reference to it, but in Rights of Man and Agrarian Justice it becomes a central tenet in his philosophy of government. Paine says that no one should live in a condition
Was Paine in favor of a redistribution of wealth? Read Post »
No. He left for Europe two months before the Convention began, but he was not invited. His democratic views of government would have put him in conflict with most of the convention members, the wealthiest men in America.
Was Paine present at the Constitutional Convention in 1787? Read Post »
No. Several authors have made a case for Paine being the author, but the mainstream of historians have dismissed it. What can be said is that Common Sense prepared the framework and indeed much of the specific language of the Declaration. Common Sense spurred most states, cities, towns and counties to write their own Declarations
Was Paine the real author of the Declaration of Independence? Read Post »
No. Again, most of the "biographies" and myths about Paine originate from the early slander campaign by the British royalty and the Federalists, and that is where this myth started. Paine resided with the most prosperous, gentile people of his day, including Lords. They all praise his habits, temperment, and politeness. WJ Linton in a
Far from it. Paine had several occupations, most notably as an excise officer. However his abilities were used far beyond that position. For example, he was the only Councilman to serve in Lewes, England (an important commerce and redistribution center) for 6 straight years. This required political connections with the Whigs who controlled that area
Was Thomas Paine a “failure” before coming to America? Read Post »
If by "socialist" we mean a state-supported welfare system to ensure the poor and working poor lead comfortable lives, then yes. Paine supported a social welfare state. If by "socialist" we mean that wealth is produced by the working classes (in his day the farmers and the mechanics) and that they should reap the benefits
Yes. He was born in England, emigrated to the American colonies and became a citizen (took an oath to the country as an officer of the Army, and served in its government), and then was adopted by France with an honorary citizenship as well. For complete details see Thomas Paine's Citizenship Record under Articles &
No. Although many have tried to make that case (including an ex-President of this Association, William van der Weyde), Paine believed the government's role should be for promoting the general happiness and well-being of the people. In Agrarian Justice and Rights of Man he outlined the principles that would become the basis of the welfare
