Thomas Paine: Architect of Cooperative Individualism

1. Thomas Paine: Architect of Cooperative Individualism A Presentation on the Life and Legacy of the 18th Century’s Most Remarkable Champion of Liberty Edward J. Dodson, M.L.A. Director, School of Cooperative Individualism www.cooperativeindividualism.org

2. Who was Thomas Paine? • Born, “Thomas Pain” in Thetford, England, in 1737 • Father was a member of the Society of Friends and a staymaker by profession • Mother was a member of the Church of England

3. Arrival in North America • 1774 -- Leaves England, arriving in New York, then to Philadelphia in the fall • 1774 – Calls on Richard Bache, Ben Franklin’s son-in-law • 1775 – Obtains position as editor of the Pennsylvania Magazine

4. Paine Takes Sides • 1775 – In conflict with his publisher, Paine leaves the Pennsylvania Magazine • 1775 – He concludes the Colonials must separate from the British empire. In October, at the suggestion of Benjamin Rush, he begins to write a pamphlet in defense of the break with Britain Benjamin Rush

5. Common Sense • Published in 1776 • 47 page pamphlet that denounced King George II as a royal brute • Sold a half-million copies

6. Common Sense • English radicals make sure their countrymen get to read Paine’s courageous pamphlet

7. Independence Declared, but Not Secured • 1776 – Paine joins General Nathanael Greene as his aide-de-camp. He takes on the role of war correspondent 1776 – December – The first “crisis” paper is written and spread thru the colonies

8. Diplomacy • 1781 – Paine accompanies John Laurens to France in an effort to secure French naval support and additional financial assistance John Laurens

9. The Rights of Man • 1791 – Paine’s response to Burke is completed in February and a few hundred copies are printed and sold. British authorities threaten the publisher, and all unsold copies are recalled.

10. More Rights of Man • Paine asks why people form societies, then answers the question himself

11. … and, some believe, God • Paine’s final years are taken over in the defense of his “deist” spiritual beliefs • 1804 – Writes an essay critical of missionaries who used the Bible to proselytize among the indigenous peoples of North America • 1804 on – Writes many letters and essays published in deist journals