Common Sense Presentation by Robert Martinez Primary Content Source: American Greats, edited by R. Wilson and S. Marcus. Images as cited. http://www.leeds.ac.uk/library/adopt-a-book/pics/paine.jpg

When the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4,1776, it was an accepted fact that most colonists favored full separation from England. http://www.flickr.com/photos/29959312@N07/2805271278/

But only six months before, it was not so But only six months before, it was not so. There was still a sense that Parliament in London could resolve the disputes in a satisfactory way with the colonies. British Parliament http://www.freefoto.com/images/31/07/31_07_89---Big-Ben--The-Houses-of-Parliament--London--England_web.jpg?&k=Big+Ben%2C+The+Houses+of+Parliament%2C+London%2C+England

On January 10, 1776, an English corset-maker, who had only been in the colonies about a year, published a pamphlet called Common Sense. http://carolynsmith-kizer.com/camisole1.jpg http://2littledogs.com/paine.jpg

In clear and moving prose, Thomas Paine gathered up the random unspoken thoughts of the average colonial, and gave them the courage to accept the radical idea of self-rule. http://www.mccsc.edu/~jcmslib/silver/amrev/paineweb/thomas_paine.jpg

“Every thing that is right and reasonable pleads for separation “Every thing that is right and reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, ‘Tis Time To Part.” – Thomas Paine http://www.craigorback.com/images/books07_optimized/Thomas_Paine_cover.jpg

For the first time, the notion of independence was on the lips of every yeoman in the colonies and a new idea of a separate nationality was in their heads. http://www.flickr.com/photos/nflravens/2809044628/

Thomas Paine was the first man to string together these five words: “The United States of America.” http://www2.yk.psu.edu/~mer7/Marie/colonial_flag.jpg

Every chord of discontent in the colonies was plucked by Paine in Common Sense. http://cal.sdsu.edu/paine/images/tom_thomas_paine.jpg

To the Tories who defended the monarchy, Paine mocked King George as a “hardened, sullen-tempered Pharaoh… a French bastard… establishing himself King of England against the consent of the natives.” http://www.saintjohn.nbcc.nb.ca/~heritage/royal/images/george3.jpg

Might the relations between England and her American colonies somehow be repaired? Paine relied, “Can ye give to prostitution its former innocence? Neither can ye reconcile Britain and America…” http://www.thebbps.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/broken-vase.jpg

“…As well can the lover forgive the ravishers [rapists] of his mistress as the continent forgive the murders of Britain.” http://www.flickr.com/photos/linniekin/3045835627/

Common Sense is a brilliant piece of propaganda from the American Revolution. http://hoover.archives.gov/exhibits/RevAmerica/3-When/5g.PamphletCommonSense.jpg

It insulted the enemy, explained the reasons for revolt, and implored the masses to act. http://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/images/paine1.jpg