Common Sense By Thomas Paine

Historical Context About The Author: Born on January 29, 1737 in England to an impoverished Quaker family. Had many different jobs including a corset maker, merchant seaman, a school teacher, even a job as tax collector. With the advise and help from Benjamin Franklin, Pain Immigrated to the American Colonies in 1774.

Major Events of the Time The American Revolution is entering it’s second year, hoping for a reconciliation the colonies have yet to declare their independence from England. Refusing to even look at the Olive Branch Petition, King George issues a Declaration of Rebellion against the American colonies. Revolutionary forces under the command of Col. Ethan Allen capture Montreal.

Intended Audience The intended audience of common sense was the common people, due to it’s simplistic language and not the American Aristocratic Class.

Paine’s Viewpoints On The Major Issues Of His Time Proposes a radical idea that ordinary people can participate in government. Paine not only called for Independence, but also argued that America does not need a king.

Main Points of Common Sense The colonies were founded by people from many different nations, not just Britain. “Europe, and not England, is the parent country of America.” America will constantly be at war with Britain’s enemies and will never be at peace. “That she did not protect us from our enemies on our account, but from her enemies on her own account, from those who had no quarrel with us on any other account, and who will always be our enemies on the same account.” America is to big to be ruled by an island. “There is something very absurd, in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island.” “For as in absolute governments the king is law, so in free countries the law ought to be king; and there ought to be no other.”  “A government of own is our natural right.”

Historical Significance It convinced many colonists to seek political independence from Great Britain. It was a great influence to other pro- independence writer like Benjamin Rush. It was instrumental in helping bring about the Declaration of Independence.