Thomas Paine (1737-1809) was one of the most influencing authors during the American Revolution, even tough he was born in England. He is, in fact, one the Founding Fathers of the United States.
His works, such as Common Sense were impregnated by very deep patriotic feelings. Common Sense was directed to the inhabitants of this early America, specially to the very numerous middle class, and instigated them to revolt against the English ruling. He explained the negative impacts of the British ways and how their dominance was unecessary. The American population should not be paying taxes to the Brithish or obey their rules. So he asked Americans to come into action and break the British system, which means, to truly start a revolution.