Common Sense was a widely distributed pamphlet written by the British-born colonial American Thomas Paine and published in 1776. Common Sense argued against British authority over the American colonies. The pamphlet attacked the idea of monarchy and greatly influenced colonial leaders during the American Revolution (1775-1783). In its time, Common Sense was the most widely circulated pamphlet in America.
At the start of the American Revolution, many colonists living in America supported Britain and its monarchy. Despite the colonies’ political disputes with Britain’s King George III, many Americans were not sure which side of the war to support. Additionally, colonial leaders had not decided what type of government to create if they were to win the war.
Paine had arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1774, after leaving London, England. He soon began working for the cause of independence. Common Sense was published on Jan. 10, 1776, less than a year after the start of the American Revolution. It was the first published material to openly demand American independence from Britain. Common Sense argued for two main ideas—complete independence, and the creation of a democratic republic in America.
Pamphlets were an important way to spread information from the 1500’s through the 1800’s. When addressing serious issues, many authors wrote in a scholarly style, using philosophical language and Latin phrases to make their arguments. Paine, however, used simple language that the common person could understand. He often quoted and referenced the Bible. Most Americans were familiar with the Bible and could appreciate his references. For example, he referred to George III as the “Pharaoh of England.” Paine originally published the 47-page pamphlet anonymously. Many readers at the time thought the colonial revolutionary John Adams had written the document.
Common Sense is considered perhaps the most important pamphlet in American history. It sold 500,000 copies within two years and was read aloud in taverns and public meeting places. It helped to unite common Americans and wealthy colonial leaders by appealing to their emotions and asking them to make an immediate choice in the war against the British. Paine followed Common Sense with a series of pamphlets called “The American Crisis.” The first of this series was released in December 1776.
