Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense" was published on January 10, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was a pivotal moment in the American Revolution and had a profound impact on public opinion in the colonies. The pamphlet was widely read and distributed throughout the thirteen American colonies, helping to rally support for independence from British rule.
"Common Sense" was written with a clear and concise style that made complex political ideas accessible to the general public. Paine presented a logical and passionate argument for American independence, urging colonists to throw off the yoke of British tyranny and establish their own nation. The pamphlet denounced the monarchy and the British Parliament, arguing that the colonies had the right to self-government and that the time had come to sever ties with the mother country.
One of the most famous lines from "Common Sense" is: "These are the times that try men's souls." Paine's powerful rhetoric inspired many Americans to take action and support the cause of independence. The pamphlet helped to galvanize public sentiment and played a crucial role in shaping the course of the American Revolution.