Thomas Paine published the pamphlet Common Sense in 1776 to advocate American independence from Britain.
Common Sense appeared anonymously in Philadelphia on January 10, 1776, under the full title Common Sense; Addressed to the Inhabitants of America. Paine wrote in direct, accessible prose rather than the heavily formal style common in political debate, helping the pamphlet reach a broad colonial audience.
The work challenged monarchy and hereditary rule while arguing that the American colonies should create an independent republican government. It was printed and distributed widely, read aloud in taverns and meeting places, and became one of the most influential pieces of revolutionary political writing.
Paine later wrote The American Crisis during the Revolutionary War, beginning with the famous phrase about trying men’s souls. That work is distinct from Common Sense. Rights of Man, another major Paine title, was published later and responded mainly to the French Revolution.