10 January - Thomas Paine publishes Common Sense

 

Thomas Paine published "Common Sense" on 10 January 1776. "Common Sense" was a pamphlet that played a crucial role in influencing public opinion in favor of American independence from British rule. It was written in a clear and accessible style, making the arguments for independence understandable to a broad audience.

In "Common Sense," Paine argued for the inherent right of the American colonies to govern themselves and questioned the legitimacy of monarchical rule. He strongly advocated for the idea of a republic and the establishment of an independent and democratic government in America.

The pamphlet gained widespread popularity and became a significant catalyst for the growing sentiment for independence among the American colonists. It was widely circulated and read, contributing to the momentum that eventually led to the Declaration of Independence in July 1776.

Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" is considered one of the most influential pamphlets in American history, and its impact on the American Revolutionary War and the formation of the United States is widely acknowledged.