Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense was first published on January 10, 1776.
The 47-page pamphlet appeared anonymously in Philadelphia at a crucial moment in the American Revolution. Paine argued that the American colonies should seek complete independence from Great Britain rather than reconciliation with the Crown.
Common Sense used direct language intended for a broad readership rather than only political leaders. Its arguments helped make independence a subject of popular debate before the Declaration of Independence was adopted later in 1776.
The pamphlet is sometimes confused with Paine's later American Crisis papers, which began appearing in December 1776. Common Sense came first and was published several months before the Declaration. Robert Bell issued the first edition, while Paine later arranged revised editions through other Philadelphia printers.