Who wrote the pamphlet Common Sense, published in Philadelphia in 1776?

Thomas Paine wrote the pamphlet Common Sense, which was published in Philadelphia in 1776.

Paine published Common Sense anonymously on January 10, 1776, using plain, forceful language to argue that the American colonies should seek complete independence from Great Britain. Its direct style made complex political ideas accessible to ordinary readers, rather than limiting the debate to lawyers and legislators.

The pamphlet became one of the most influential political publications of the American Revolution. It sold exceptionally well for its time, circulating through multiple editions and reaching a large audience in the colonies. Paine later donated much of the money he earned from the work to the revolutionary cause.

Common Sense did not itself declare independence, but it helped change public discussion from protest against British policies toward the creation of a separate republic. Paine later wrote The American Crisis series to encourage American resistance during the war.