Who wrote Common Sense and what was its message?

On January 9, 1776, writer Thomas Paine publishes his pamphlet “Common Sense,” setting forth his arguments in favor of American independence. Although little used today, pamphlets were an important medium for the spread of ideas in the 16th through 19th centuries.

What caused Thomas Paine to write Common Sense?

What motivated Thomas Paine to write Common Sense? After the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, Paine argued that the colonists’ cause should be not just a revolt against taxation but a demand for independence. He put this idea into Common Sense.

What was Thomas Paine famous for?

Thomas Paine was an England-born political philosopher and writer who supported revolutionary causes in America and Europe. Published in 1776 to international acclaim, “Common Sense” was the first pamphlet to advocate American independence.

What did Thomas Paine think Common Sense?

Common Sense was an instant best-seller. Published in January 1776 in Philadelphia, nearly 120,000 copies were in circulation by April. Paine’s brilliant arguments were straightforward. He argued for two main points: (1) independence from England and (2) the creation of a democratic republic.

Who was the author of the book Common Sense?

Common Sense. “We have it in our power to begin the world over again.”. — Thomas Paine, Common Sense. Common Sense was first published anonymously by Thomas Paine in January of 1776 and is regarded by many as the most important piece of writing of the American Revolution. Although descent among the colonists was growing over

When did Thomas Paine publish his pamphlet Common Sense?

Thomas Paine publishes “Common Sense” On January 9, 1776, writer Thomas Paine publishes his pamphlet “Common Sense,” setting forth his arguments in favor of American independence. Although little used today, pamphlets were an important medium for the spread of ideas in the 16th through 19th centuries.

How many copies of Common Sense were sold?

The public did not agree and by Paine’s own estimates Common Sense sold over one hundred fifty thousand copies in its first printing (not counting England and Ireland). Eventually over five hundred thousand copies were sold. By today’s standards Common Sense would be considered a bestseller.

What to make of Common Sense after 200 years?

Yet not only does Common Sense voice some of the deepest aspirations of the American people on the eve of the Revolution but it also evokes, with superb vigor and with perfect intonation, longings and aspirations that have remained part of American culture to this day. What is one to make of this extraordinary document after 200 years?