Answer: Thomas Paine was one of the most eloquent defenders and signatories of the United States Declaration of Independence and the French Revolution. He inspired many patriots to declare independence.
These writings played a central role in the struggle for American independence and the democratic revolution that swept the western world in the late eighteenth century. Paine gave new and modern meanings to words like "republic", "democracy" and "revolution" while establishing a vision of America as the shelter of democratic freedom. A deep believer in the people's capacity for political influence, Paine was the first major pamphlet to address a massive audience. Two centuries later, his words are still remarkable for their vigor, clarity, and ability to inspire.