Final answer:
Thomas Paine was initially disliked but later considered a hero due to changing views and appreciation for his role in advocating for independence and republican government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason Thomas Paine was widely disliked and later thought of as a hero can be attributed to the changing views and perceptions of historical events and figures over time. During his lifetime, Paine's radical ideas and outspoken criticism of monarchy made him unpopular with many people. However, as attitudes shifted and his role in advocating for independence and republican government became more appreciated, Paine's legacy began to be seen in a more positive light.