1. DO NOW
Why was “taxation without representation” a reason for revolution? Explain.

2. Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”

3. Historical Context Eve of Revolution
Many colonists feeling it is unfair for British gov’t to be taxing or punishing them without any proper representation in Parliament
Continental Congress has sent numerous letters to Parliament and the King demanding better representation and attempting to make amends
Even with this anger most colonists are not ready to go to war against the powerful British military
Only 1/3 of Continental Congress wants to go to war

4. Thomas Paine and “Common Sense”
Immigrant to the British colonies – arrives in 1774 and begins work at newspaper with Benjamin Franklin (who paid his way to America)
Very progressive thinker – true egalitarian
“Common Sense” – first real piece of protest literature  Jan 1776
Many people had this pamphlet read to them in public spaces (Literacy Rates – North: 65% and South 45%)
Aims:
Unify the colonies
Show true nature of monarchy
Address the masses not just the elites
Literary style aimed at making it easy for everyone to understand and to create “us vs. them” mentality  “good vs evil”

5. Today’s Activity
Read through the abridged interpretation of “Common Sense”
Respond to the annotations on the side – feel free to add your own annotations
When you are done, complete the following in your notes – Title it: Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”:
In your own words:
What does Thomas Paine argue are the problems with the current government structure in the colonies?
What reasons does Paine give as to why the colonies should become independent?