Thomas Paine published Common Sense in 1776 to argue for American independence, a work highlighted by America250.
Published anonymously in Philadelphia on January 10, 1776, the 47-page pamphlet attacked monarchy and made a forceful case for separating from Great Britain. Paine wrote in direct, accessible language intended for ordinary colonists rather than only political elites.
Common Sense quickly became a publishing sensation. It was sold in print shops, circulated among communities, and read aloud in taverns and meeting places. Its arguments helped strengthen public support for independence several months before the Declaration of Independence was adopted.
A common mix-up is confusing Common Sense with Paine’s later American Crisis pamphlet series, which began in December 1776. Common Sense was the earlier work that directly advocated independence; the later essays encouraged resistance during the war. Paine’s authorship was initially concealed, and the first edition identified him only as “an Englishman.”