Thomas Paine was convinced by Benjamin Franklin to migrate from London to Philadelphia where he began a career in journalism. He wrote Common Sense advocating for American independence from England which sparked the American Revolution. Later in Europe, Paine wrote The Rights of Man criticizing the British monarchy which led to him being labeled an outlaw. While imprisoned in France, Paine wrote The Age of Reason criticizing organized religion. He was eventually released and returned to America in 1802.

1. Thomas PaineVoice of the Common ManBy Jacob Cummins

2. In 1774 Thomas met Benjamin Franklin in London and was convinced to migrate to Philadelphia. His career turned from tax collecting to journalism and he wrote Common SenseWhich was a strong defense of American Independence from England. American Revolution

3. Thomas returned to Europe and while there he wrote The Rights of Man. This work caused him to be labeled an outlaw.In 1793 he was imprisoned in France and during his imprisonment he wrote The Age of Reason which was an anti-church text.He eventually was released and returned back to America in 1802.Rights of Man