Option a. In their written works, both Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Paine inspired people to stay committed to the cause of American freedom.
Explanation:
Thomas Paine and Benjamin Franklin were products of the Enlightenment Era and dedicated their lives' work to inspire people and societies to make positive developments in different areas, such as science, politics and religion. Thomas Paine was an English-born American political theorist and activist who wrote one of the most famous pamphlets distributed during the beginning of the American Revolution, named "Common Sense". He consistently wrote in favor of America's independence from Britain and supported other revolutions in Europe as well. Benjamin Franklin was an American statesman and author who, in 1776 helped to draft the Declaration of Independence and was also a key player in the negotiations of the Treaty of Paris that secured American independence. Both authors dedicated their written works to inspire people to stay committed to the cause of American freedom.