homas Paine was born in Thetford, England, to a father who worked as a corset maker. From his beginnings, it seems unlikely that this boy would one day publish writings that influenced two revolutions of the 18th century. "Common Sense" called for the complete independence of the American colonies, and "The Rights of Man" helped radicalize the French Revolution. By the end of his life, Paine had been forced out of Britain and imprisoned in France. His writings caused controversy, but also provoked thought. Americans can thank Paine for a work that the common man could understand, for "Common Sense" united the colonists under the banner of independence against British rule. Thomas Paine remains one of the most influential writers of the eighteenth century. His work spanned two continents and influenced two revolutions during his lifetime.