Thomas Paine was a writer and advocate for change who made major contributions to American history and media. He is described as the "godfather of the American nation" due to his influential writing and support for the American Revolution. His most famous work, Common Sense, echoed the revolutionary spirit and condemned British rule, supporting independence. It was widely popular and helped encourage colonial support for the revolution. Paine played an important role in the founding of the country through his writing and advocacy for independence, though his name is not always included among the Founding Fathers.

1. Sydnie Baker
JAC 408-01
Prof. Dawkins
9/24/13
The Godfather of the American Nation: A Brief History Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine was truly an advocate for change and a man with an uncommon ability to
contrive it through the power of his pen. Paine’s contributions to American history and media are
unparalleled. W.E. Woodward describes him as, “the godfather of the American nation.” His
skill as a writer paired with his tenacity allowed him to make an imprint on American media
forever. Though his name is not always included with the Founding Fathers or the birth of
journalism, his role in the revolution was irreplaceable. His words not only inspired soldiers and
other patriots during the Revolution but encompass a legacy of hope for all those who read them.
The story of Thomas Paine is testament to his perseverance and passion. He was born on
January 29th, 1737 in Thetford, England. At the age of 12 he failed out of school and became an
apprentice at his father’s business, where he also failed. Paine worked as a tax officer for several
years and was discharged twice before writing his first work in 1772,The Case of the Officers of
Excise. This piece argued for pay raises for officers. It was the first of many works that sought to
bring change to unjust circumstances. Two years later he met Benjamin Franklin and moved to
Philadelphia where he began his lifelong work as a pamphleteer and patriot.
In 1776, Thomas Paine penned his most influential work, Common Sense. The pamphlet
echoed the monumental changes occurring in the newly founded America. He wholeheartedly
supported the revolution and wrote about his feelings toward British rule. Anthony R. Fellows
writes, “In it he condemned monarchy, saying it was folly of a strong, self-reliant people to take
orders from a nation across the seas. He also pointed out that many British rules, conceived by

2. stupid officeholders, were utterly senseless, lacking all sound ideas of America and her people.”
(Fellows, p.46) Thomas Paine wrote without discretion for his dislike of colonial Britain. He is
an example of why the first amendment was established and one reason why it always be
imperative in this country. American journalism owes him for his ability to defy the status quo
and write about the injustices of the people.