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Thomas Paine’s Common Sense | Primary Source Essentials
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In this episode of Primary Source Essentials, explore Common Sense by Thomas Paine and its powerful role in the American Revolution. Published in January 1776, Common Sense made a bold case for American independence, attacking monarchy and hereditary rule while calling the British king a threat to natural rights and liberty.
Paine argued for republican government, popular sovereignty, and the idea that in a republic “the law is king.” By promoting a continental American identity rooted in liberty and equality, Common Sense became a bestseller that helped build popular support for independence and influenced the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
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Thomas Paine published Common Sense in January 1776 support of the Patriot cause. Using clear, plain language, Paine rallied the colonists to support the break from Britain.
Use this primary source text to explore key historical events.
Why did Thomas Paine truly think that independence from Great Britain was “common sense”? In this episode of Primary Source Close Reads Explained, Kirk dissects Paine’s “Common Sense” pamphlet published in January 1776. At this point, declaring independence was not a foregone conclusion, and Paine’s pamphlet argued that persistent connection to the nation provided no advantage to the American people. How does Paine’s argument differ from others who wrote in opposition to Great Britain at the time? What reasons does he highlight as imperative for severing ties with the nation? How can words, written and spoken, change history? “Primary Source Close Reading: Explained,” dives even deeper into some of the most pivotal pieces that shaped the America we know today. Join BRI’s Director of Content, Kirk Higgins, as he takes a detailed look at the language contained in the most formative documents, speeches, and court cases throughout the history of the United States. Learn the true meaning and story behind the writing that fashioned the country in a way you can easily digest!