He reminded the colonists that America was not a British nation, but a nation composed of many different people, of varied influences. Paine pointed out that there was no sense for an island to rule a continent. At a time when American colonists were on the brink of revolution, Common Sense focused on reasons for independence from Britain. The clearly defined reasoning in his writing led colonists to unite in the patriotic cause of freedom. He wrote in a language colonists used every day, making a more significant impact in spelling out the inequities which colonists faced under British rule. Because of its treasonous content, Paine wrote Common Sense anonymously.

The IntentĬommon Sense presented two main points: independence from England, and the creation of a democratic republic. He saw independence as a great cause, declaring his opposition to the British monarchy. In 1774, Paine met Benjamin Franklin in London, where Franklin convinced him to move to America at a time when the colonists were on the brink of revolution. His rebellious ideas and political ideas led him to write about various human inequities. He tried working in his father’s corset shop, and also worked as a grocer, teacher, and tax collector. Dropping out of school at age 13, he developed interests in science, religion, and ethics. Ironically, Thomas Paine was born in England. Common Sense also led to the Declaration of Independence later that year. The document played a major part in uniting colonists before the Revolutionary War for freedom from the British.

Paine wrote in such a style that common people could easily understand, using Biblical quotes which Protestants understood. The 48-page pamphlet presented an argument for freedom from British rule. Common Sense was written by Thomas Paine on January 10, 1776.

Thomas paine's pamphlet common sense