AR-SP44 Tom Paine's War, with Jack Kelly

Our round round table was joined by special guest, Jack Kelly, author of the new book, Tom Paine's War, which explores Thomas Paine's dual roles as both a foundational propagandist and a soldier during the American Revolution. Unlike a standard biography, the book focuses on the limited time period in 1775-75 when Paine was serving in the army after writing Common Sense and before writing The American Crisis.

Background and Radical Origins

Paine was a working-class immigrant from England with only an elementary education. Before coming to America, he worked as a corset maker and a tax collector, though he was fired twice from the latter position for attempting to organize for better pay. He arrived in Philadelphia with a recommendation from Benjamin Franklin and quickly became a magazine editor, establishing himself within the city's intellectual and political circles.

The Impact of "Common Sense"

Published in January 1776, Common Sense was a radical pamphlet that shifted public opinion toward independence. While many Americans initially sought reconciliation with Britain, Paine argued that monarchy was a "stupid idea" and that the colonies had the power to "make the world over again". The document’s success was bolstered by "fortuitous" timing, as its release coincided with news that King George III intended to use military force to crush the rebellion.

Military Service and "The American Crisis"

Paine famously "walked the walk" by joining the Pennsylvania militia as a private after the Declaration of Independence. He later served as an aide to General Nathanael Greene. During the desperate American retreat in late 1776, Paine wrote the first of The American Crisis essays, which began with the famous line, "These are the times that try men's souls".

• Combat Correspondent: Kelly notes that Paine acted as one of America's first combat correspondents, sending dispatches from the front lines to newspapers.
• Boosting Morale: The essays served as a vital rallying cry for the Continental Army, providing the momentum needed for George Washington’s successful counterattack at the Battle of Trenton.

Ideology and Later Life

Paine was noted for being "ahead of the curve" on several social issues, including the abolition of slavery and criticizing British imperialism in India and Ireland. However, his later life was marked by controversy. After participating in the French Revolution and narrowly escaping the guillotine, he returned to America to find his reputation tarnished. This was largely due to his radical views and a public letter he wrote criticizing George Washington, who was then considered a "demigod" by the nation.

Conclusion of the Discussion

The participants conclude that Paine was a "radicals' radical" and a persistent optimist who believed in the possibility of fundamental global change. Jack Kelly describes him as a "founder for our time" because of his congeniality and his conviction that society has the power to begin the world over again.

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Order the book on Amazon . Also available as an Audio Book.

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