Common Sense

Definition

Common Sense was a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1776 that advocated for American independence from Great Britain. It was one of the most influential political documents in American history, inspiring colonists to support the Revolutionary War and the establishment of an independent American republic.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Common Sense was written in a clear, accessible style that appealed to a wide audience of American colonists.
2. The pamphlet argued that the American colonies should declare independence from Great Britain, as the British monarchy was corrupt and tyrannical.
3. Paine's arguments in Common Sense were heavily influenced by Enlightenment ideas about natural rights and the social contract.
4. The publication of Common Sense was a turning point in the American Revolution, as it helped to galvanize support for independence among the colonists.
5. The ideas and rhetoric of Common Sense had a lasting impact on the founding of the United States, shaping the principles of republicanism and democracy that were enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Enlightenment influenced the ideas presented in Common Sense.
  • The Enlightenment, with its emphasis on reason, individualism, and natural rights, had a significant impact on the political thought expressed in Common Sense. Paine's arguments for American independence and the establishment of a republican form of government were heavily influenced by Enlightenment philosophers, such as John Locke, who believed that all people have inherent, inalienable rights that should be protected by the government. The Enlightenment's emphasis on the sovereignty of the people and the rule of law also shaped Paine's vision for an American republic, which would be founded on the principles of republicanism and democracy.
• Analyze the role of Common Sense in galvanizing support for the American Revolution among the colonists.
  • Common Sense played a crucial role in rallying support for the American Revolution among the colonists. Paine's clear and persuasive arguments, written in a style that appealed to a wide audience, helped to transform the colonists' grievances against the British monarchy into a coherent and compelling case for independence. By framing the conflict as a struggle for natural rights and liberty, Common Sense tapped into the Enlightenment ideals that were already taking hold in the colonies. The publication of the pamphlet was a turning point in the Revolution, as it helped to galvanize support for independence and inspire the colonists to take up arms against the British. The ideas and rhetoric of Common Sense had a lasting impact on the founding of the United States, shaping the principles of republicanism and democracy that were enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Common Sense on the political and social development of the United States.
  • The ideas and rhetoric of Common Sense had a profound and lasting impact on the political and social development of the United States. Paine's arguments for American independence and the establishment of a republican form of government, grounded in Enlightenment principles of natural rights and the sovereignty of the people, were instrumental in shaping the founding of the United States. The principles of republicanism and democracy that were championed in Common Sense were enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, laying the foundation for the American system of government. Moreover, the clear and accessible style of the pamphlet, which appealed to a wide audience of colonists, helped to foster a sense of national identity and purpose that was crucial to the success of the American Revolution. The lasting impact of Common Sense can be seen in the enduring influence of its ideas on American political thought and the ongoing struggle for liberty and self-governance that has defined the American experience.

Related terms

Republicanism:

A political ideology that emphasizes the sovereignty of the people, the rule of law, and the protection of civil liberties. It was a key influence on the American Revolution and the founding of the United States.

Enlightenment:

A philosophical movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and the natural rights of man. It had a significant impact on the political thought that led to the American Revolution.

Natural Rights:

The idea that all people have inherent, inalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which should be protected by the government.