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Common Sense
"Nothing but independence...can keep the peace of the continent...A government of our own is our natural right: and when a man seriously reflects on the precariousness of human affairs, he will become convinced, that it is infinitely wiser and safer, to form a constitution of our own in a cool deliberate manner, while we have it in our power..." We need to be free now before things get any worse. If we wait, it will only be harder. -
What is the Common Sense?
It was the first work asking for Independence for the 13 colonies from Great Britain. -
Who is Thomas Paine?
England-born political philosopher and writer Thomas Paine (1737-1809) helped shape many of the ideas that marked the Age of Revolution. Published in 1776, his highly popular “Common Sense” was the first pamphlet to advocate American independence. -
Why did Paine argue so forcefully for independence?
He argued because he knew the high class and the King had money and the colonist were poor and had an awful life. He just wanted liberty and freedom. He knew if he didn't fight for it then it would disappear. -
How did Enlightenment was an influence on the American Revolution?
Thomas Paine shared ideas as wanting life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as which they put in the declaration to make there poor life better. -
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How many copies were sold?
Within months 120,000 copies were sold in the rebellious colonies. -
Thomas Paine
"But Britain is the parent country, say some. Then the more shame upon her conduct. Even brutes do not devour their young, nor savages make war upon their families..." Don't call Great Britain our caretaker--they have been abusive to us! -
What was the effect of the Publication of Thomas Paine's Common Sense?
Paine wrote a 79 page pamphlet arguing, telling simple facts and common sense about why the 13 colonies should have American independence from England. -
Who is Thomas Paine?
Thomas Paine
