People are hoping to reconcile with the Crown and be kept under English rule. The conflict with England is still new, and a majority of people view themselves as Englishmen, not colonists. However, keep in mind the context in which Paine is writing. He paints England as an abusive monster that has been killing the colonists. Most historians believe at least 150,000 copies of the pamphlet were sold, though conservative estimates place the number at around 75,000 - still, most other pamphlets of the time sold a few hundred or at best, a few thousand copies.Ĭommon Sense incited bold action, as is typical of Thomas Paine’s works. Paine granted reprinting rights to nearly everyone who asked.

Bell and Paine split due to financial arguments, and both produced subsequent editions of Common Sense. The original release was timed to coincide with one of King George III’s royal proclamations, providing a stark contrast between the harsh order for obedience and the plainly stated call to full rebellion. The pamphlet was first published anonymously in early January of 1776 with the help of Robert Bell. In proportion to population, it’s believed to have had the largest sale and circulation of any book published in American history. First released at the onset of the revolution, Common Sense was an instant success. Thomas Paine is well-known for his incendiary literature, so it’s no surprise that his pamphlet Common Sense Addressed to the Inhabitants of America, on the Following Interesting Subjects calls for a total break from England.

His pamphlet Common Sense rallied colonists around the idea that they could and should govern themselves instead of relying on Great Britain. Concerning the history of the American Revolution, one such instrumental communicator was Thomas Paine. History is made by speakers and writers who can communicate ideas effectively and persuasively. They can inspire, uplift, and instigate everything from social change to revolution. Have you ever heard an impassioned speech that motivated you to action? Did you ever read an article that completely changed your perspective? Or maybe you listened to a story that inspired you to do your best? The Reason

Original copy of common sense