Thomas Paine’s Pamphlets

Click a “pamphlet” to learn why it was written, what it argued, and how it shaped history.

How to use this activity

1) Click a pamphlet card. 2) Read the details window. 3) Answer the scavenger hunt.

Teacher tip: Identify Paine’s purpose, audience, and tone in each pamphlet.

Common Sense

1776
A bold call for independence written in plain language for ordinary colonists.
Click to open pamphlet

The American Crisis

1776–1783
A series of inspirational essays meant to strengthen patriot morale during the war.
Click to open pamphlet

Rights of Man

1791–1792
A defense of natural rights and the idea that rights belong to people by nature.
Click to open pamphlet

The Age of Reason

1794–1795
A controversial work arguing for religious skepticism and reason-based belief.
Click to open pamphlet