In this lesson, students will study the life of Thomas Paine. Students will learn about his arguments in Common Sense, The Rights of Man and The Age of Reason, and his contributions to the Revolutionary cause.

 

Handout A: Thomas Paine (1737–1809)

Handout B: Vocabulary and Context Questions

Handout C: In His Own Words: Thomas Paine on Patriotism

Handout D: Analysis: Paine and Civic Values

Thematic Essays

Introductory Essay: Explaining the Founding

Additional Classroom Activities

Glossary of Eighteenth-Century Definitions

Answer Key