Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense, the 1776 pamphlet that argued for American independence in direct, accessible language. Published anonymously in Philadelphia in January 1776, it challenged monarchy and hereditary rule while presenting independence as practical and morally justified.
Common Sense circulated widely among colonists. Its inexpensive format and plain style helped political arguments reach readers beyond lawmakers and wealthy merchants. Paine dedicated the work to the cause of liberty and used biblical and historical references familiar to his audience.
The pamphlet did not itself declare independence, and Congress adopted the Declaration months later. Paine continued writing for the revolutionary cause with The American Crisis essays, whose opening line about difficult times became famous. America250 programs often pair Common Sense with the Declaration because both show how arguments in print helped build public support for independence.