Richard Paine: The Abolition Of Slavery In America

Words: 319
Pages: 2

everyone through his beliefs. If Paine could look back at his impact in American history, I'm sure he would be a huge advocate for believing in yourself, and following every ambition you could imagine. He did just that. In 1774, Paine met Benjamin Franklin in London, whom inspired him to emigrate to America to find a unique life for himself. Franklin influenced Paine to be the co-editor for ‘The Pennsylvania Magazine,’ If it wasn't for Franklin, Paine would likely be stuck in his fathers footsteps, and not know any better to move past and become a greater influence to mankind. (Source 7) Paine’s first assignment for himself was writing about his anti-slavery views. In March of 1775, Paine “vigorously called for the abolition of slavery…insisted upon America’s responsibility to support the slaves following their emancipation” in his essay, African Slavery in America. Upon Franklin’s return to Philadelphia, he established the “first American Anti-Slavery Society” and not long after, Franklin appointed Paine as a founding member. (Source 2) …show more content…
Being aware of the problem was his first step, but of course, he carried out a plan, which influenced the creation on his pamphlet on independence, ‘Common Sense.’ In this essay, he argued that government, even in its’ “best state, is but a necessary evil.” (Source 5) He glorifies that in a colonies’ suffrage, the government is steady with the same miseries. In Common Sense, Thomas Paine is gratifying the ability to have freedom, and the determination for a fulfilling life. He leaves no one citizen behind, and truly is admirable for every individual’s worth. He explains in this essay what he would do to change the government, and gives advantages to changing the procedures that were previously set. Still arguing for freedom