Who wrote the influential 1776 pamphlet Common Sense?

Thomas Paine wrote the influential 1776 pamphlet Common Sense.

Paine published Common Sense anonymously in Philadelphia on January 10, 1776. Written in direct, accessible language, it argued that the American colonies should seek complete independence from Great Britain rather than reconciliation with the monarchy.

The pamphlet attacked hereditary monarchy and presented independence as both practical and morally justified. Its arguments reached a broad colonial readership at a crucial moment, helping make independence more acceptable to people who were uncertain about breaking with Britain.

Common Sense was sold cheaply and circulated widely, making it one of the most influential printed works of the American Revolution. Paine later wrote The American Crisis, another series of revolutionary pamphlets, and supported republican causes in Europe.