Common Sense by Thomas Paine was a pamphlet that played a crucial role in motivating colonists to fight for independence from Britain. It was published anonymously in 1776 and immediately became a sensation, selling over 500,000 copies.
Thomas Paine, an English-American political activist, philosopher, and revolutionary, wrote “Common Sense” as a persuasive argument for the Thirteen Colonies’ independence from British rule. The pamphlet was remarkable for its accessible language, making complex ideas understandable to the average colonist. Paine argued against monarchy and hereditary succession, critiqued the British government, and presented the notion of a democratic republic as an alternative.
“Common Sense” was divided into four sections, addressing the origin and design of government in general, the British system of government, the state of American affairs, and the ability of America to conduct its own governance and commerce. Paine’s arguments resonated with the widespread discontent among colonists, many of whom were suffering under British policies such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts.
The impact of “Common Sense” was profound. It not only galvanized public opinion but also influenced key figures in the American Revolution, including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. The pamphlet’s success lay in its ability to communicate the urgency and righteousness of the cause for independence, making it a significant factor in the colonies’ decision to declare independence on July 4, 1776. Paine’s work remains a seminal text in the study of American political thought and continues to be cited in discussions about democracy and independence.