Thomas Paine (1736/7-1809) was an influential British-American thinker, revolutionary, author, and intellectual. Born in England, Paine emigrated to the American colonies in 1774, where he became an ardent supporter of American Independence. Considered one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Paine's COMMON SENSE proved to be an instant bestseller during the revolution through its explanation of the absurdities of British rule. In the 1790s, Paine moved to France, where he became a supporter of the French Revolution and a member of the National Convention. After narrowly escaping execution during the Reign of Terror, Paine continued to support the revolution and remained in France until the rise of Napoleon.