| Thomas Paine (1737-1809) author of Common Sense a pamphlet published in 1776 that provided inspiration to colonists still undecided about America's break from Britain. Paine asserted a new nation, independent from Britain, might eventually become "...an asylum for mankind!" He served in the Continental Army and observed the hardships of American troops fighting the world's most powerful army. He then published The Crisis series pamphlets which began by stating, "These are the times that try men's souls." He refused to accept the profits from his writings and wound up destitute after the Revolution. |