Thomas Paine's "Common Sense"

Definition

'Common Sense' is a 1776 pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that argued for American independence from British rule. It presented compelling arguments for the need to break away from monarchy, promoting ideas of self-governance and the rights of individuals. The pamphlet played a significant role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing support for the American Revolution, marking a crucial shift in the political landscape of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Common Sense' was published anonymously in January 1776 and quickly became one of the best-selling pamphlets in American history, selling over 100,000 copies within months.
2. Paine's arguments emphasized the natural rights of individuals and criticized the monarchy as an illegitimate form of government, which resonated with many colonists seeking change.
3. The pamphlet directly challenged British authority and called for the establishment of a democratic republic based on popular sovereignty.
4. Paine's writing style was accessible and persuasive, using plain language to reach a wide audience and inspire ordinary citizens to support independence.
5. The impact of 'Common Sense' was profound, as it laid the ideological foundation for revolutionary sentiments and helped catalyze discussions about freedom and government among American colonists.

Review Questions

• How did Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' challenge existing political structures and influence colonial attitudes toward independence?
  • 'Common Sense' challenged existing political structures by presenting a strong argument against monarchy and advocating for a democratic government based on popular consent. Paine's direct and relatable writing style made complex political ideas accessible to ordinary colonists, effectively shifting public opinion towards supporting independence from British rule. This shift played a pivotal role in mobilizing grassroots support for revolutionary actions.
• Evaluate the significance of Enlightenment ideas in shaping Thomas Paine's arguments in 'Common Sense' and their impact on revolutionary thought.
  • Enlightenment ideas significantly influenced Paine's arguments in 'Common Sense,' as he incorporated concepts like natural rights, social contract theory, and the importance of reasoned governance. By articulating these Enlightenment principles, Paine legitimized the desire for independence and framed it as not only justified but necessary. This connection between Enlightenment thought and revolutionary action inspired many colonists to view their struggle as part of a broader quest for liberty and self-determination.
• Analyze how 'Common Sense' acted as a catalyst for both immediate actions during the American Revolution and longer-term changes in political ideology in America.
  • 'Common Sense' served as a catalyst for immediate actions during the American Revolution by galvanizing public sentiment towards independence and encouraging colonial leaders to take decisive steps against British rule. Its powerful rhetoric helped unite disparate groups under a common cause, leading to increased participation in protests and military enlistments. In the longer term, Paine's ideas contributed to the formation of a new political ideology centered on democracy, individual rights, and self-governance, laying the groundwork for future democratic movements both in America and globally.

Related terms

Enlightenment: An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, influencing revolutionary ideas.

Social Contract: A philosophical concept suggesting that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed, highlighting individual rights and the responsibility of rulers.

American Revolution: The conflict between the thirteen American colonies and Great Britain from 1775 to 1783, leading to the founding of the United States as an independent nation.