Thomas Paine published Common Sense in January 1776 to argue that the American colonies should become independent from Britain.
Written in clear, accessible language, the pamphlet attacked hereditary monarchy and presented independence as both practical and morally justified. Paine addressed ordinary colonists rather than limiting his argument to political elites.
Common Sense became one of the most influential publications of the American Revolution. It helped move public discussion toward a complete break with Britain several months before the Declaration of Independence was adopted.
Readers sometimes confuse Common Sense with Paine’s later series The American Crisis, which began appearing in December 1776. Rights of Man was a separate work published in 1791 and 1792, primarily in response to the French Revolution.