Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine wrote this 48 page pamphlet and published it anonymously on January 10, 1776. Paine did so because due to the American Revolution, its' materials were considered treasonous. He would simply sign the document 'Written by an Englishman'.

Common Sense presented the Colonists with a powerful argument for independence from British rule at a time when the question of independence was still undecided. The pamphlet was written in a manner easily understood without Latin references.

(Read more about Thomas Paine's writings, which helped to shape our history, by clicking on the post title.)