Common Sense By Thomas Paine Summary

Thomas Paine, born in Britain on January 29, 1737, immigrated to America in late 1774, only a few months before the revolutionary war began on April 19, 1775. In January, 1776, Paine released his writing “Common Sense”, a call to arms for all those with doubt about whether or not America should withdraw from British reign completely; consequently, claiming their own independence. Moreover, it was a show of support for all those who had made the decision to secede. The “47-page pamphlet sold some 500,000 copies, powerfully influencing American opinion” (History, n.d.). His thoughts and philosophies were an integral part for uniting the general consensus surrounding the reasons for separation and also were an antecedent to the Declaration of Independence which would be composed six months later.
In Common Sense, Paine begins his argument broadly, capturing the abstract subtleties that describe both government and religion. As the writing progresses, He narrows the focus to particulars that encapsulate what the colonials are currently experiencing. The events that led up to the writing and release of this work are well documented. In 1763, England found victory in the French and Indian war but as a result incurred great debt. This was rectified by increasing taxes on the colonials, the Townshend Acts of 1767,

Accordingly, there are those who think England protects America which should also warrant the same loyalty as above. Paine’s counters to these assertions are 1) America has developed beyond the need of Britain’s assistance for sustainability and 2) that Britain’s motives ulterior in nature. That they were only protecting America to the extent that it meant good fortune for Britain. To make matters worse, Britain’s protection has evolved into invading the very land they are supposed to be