History glossary
Common Sense
Thomas Paine's 1776 pamphlet arguing plainly and forcefully for American independence.
- Category
- Pamphlet
- Region
- British North America
- Date range
- 1776
What it means
Common Sense was Thomas Paine's influential pamphlet published in January 1776. It attacked monarchy, rejected reconciliation with Britain, and helped make independence a public and persuasive cause.
