Thomas Paine published Common Sense in January 1776, when many American colonists still debated whether they should seek independence from Britain or reconcile with the Crown. Paine argued directly against monarchy and called for the colonies to break away and establish their own government.
The pamphlet quickly spread through the colonies because Paine used simple, direct language rather than the dense political writing common at the time. The National Archives says Common Sense helped inspire revolutionaries across the 13 colonies, while historians have credited it with helping shift public opinion towards independence.
