Thomas Paine’s 1776 pamphlet arguing for American independence from Britain was Common Sense.
Published anonymously in Philadelphia on January 10, 1776, the 47-page pamphlet presented political arguments in language intended for ordinary colonists rather than only lawyers and lawmakers. Paine attacked hereditary monarchy and argued that a distant island should not rule a large continental society.
Common Sense became an immediate publishing sensation. It was sold throughout the Thirteen Colonies, read aloud in public places, and helped make independence a subject of broad popular discussion. Paine donated his writing income rather than claiming profits from the pamphlet.
A common mix-up is confusing Common Sense with The Crisis, another revolutionary work by Paine. The Crisis began appearing later in 1776, after the Declaration of Independence, and encouraged American soldiers and civilians during the war. Common Sense came first and helped prepare public opinion for separation from Britain.