Paine, Thomas (1737-1809) - An Englishman who came to America in 1774, he
was a political philosopher who promoted change through revolution rather
than reform. Paine is most renowned for his activities advocating democracy.
The American Crisis Papers (1780) - A series of widely distributed pamphlets
supporting the American Revolution. The first paper, ordered by Washington
to be read to his troops, opens with the famous line, "These are the times
that try men's souls."
