Thomas Paine Common Sense

Thomas Paine In early years, Paine drifted from one job to another – sailor, teacher, exciseman Over the years, he studied independently and learned to write. Became a political journalist In 1776, he published a pamphlet called Common Sense

Common Sense Most effective piece of propaganda for the colonial cause He argued that “common sense” showed that Americans owed NO allegiance to the English king –Said Parliament had no right to make laws for 13 colonies since they had their own elected legislatures He urged a complete break from England and the establishment of the American nation.

Common Sense Common Sense sold many colonists on the idea of a revolution In fact, Common Sense sold half a million copies in six months. Convinced Congress to create a formal Declaration of Independence –They chose Thomas Jefferson to write it.