In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host Bill Benson dives into the parallel lives of notable American religious thinkers and believers, focusing on Thomas Paine's revolutionary influence in America and France. The podcast traces Paine's arrival in both countries on the cusp of revolution, highlighting the discontent with unjust taxes that led to the American Revolution and the French Revolution respectively. It details the socio-political environment of 18th century France, emphasizing the burdensome tax system, the refusal of the clergy and nobility to pay taxes, and the resultant fiscal crisis that pushed the common people towards revolution. The episode meticulously describes the events leading up to the storming of the Bastille, marking the beginning of the French Revolution on July 14, 1789, and the subsequent actions taken by the National Constituent Assembly to abolish feudal privileges and pave the way for a meritocracy and constitutional governance. The podcast concludes with the impact of these revolutionary actions on France and the roles of Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson in supporting these transformative events. 00:18 Exploring the Lives of American Religious Thinkers and Believers 00:43 How to Get the Book and Stay Updated 00:55 Diving into American History with Roger Williams and Cotton Mather 02:47 The Revolutionary Journey of Thomas Paine 04:25 The French Revolution: A Detailed Chronicle 15:12 The Aftermath of the French Revolution and Its Global Influence