“COMMON SENSE”: AN IDEA OF

INDEPENDENCE

Anna Miller

THOMAS PAINE

Born in England in 1737 Was thought of as a radical or rebel Benjamin Franklin sponsored his emigration

into America in 1774 He worked as a journalist in Philadelphia

OVERVIEW

Common Sense was published in January 1776

It was published to provoke the colonists into independence

It ridiculed King George III, the King of England of that time.

Over 500,000 copies were sold in America and England in the first 6 months.

“I'll tell you Friend, he reigns above, and doth not make havoc of

mankind like the Royal Brute of Britain.”

FIRST LINES OF “COMMON SENSE”

“In the following pages I offer nothing more than simple

facts, plain arguments, and

common sense;”

These lines show that Thomas Paine’s audience was spoken to directly, and that he wanted the

colonists to connect with his writing

TITLE PAGE OF “COMMON SENSE”

WRITING TECHNIQUE OF THOMAS PAINE

He tried to influence the Americans of how

bad they were suffering.

He repeated that they had no say on taxes.

Overall, he told the Americans that governing

themselves would be the best possible thing

to do.

QUOTE FROM “COMMON SENSE”

“Everything that is right or reasonable pleads for

separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of

nature cries, 'tis time to part.”

THOMAS PAINE PERSUADES THE AMERICANS

Thomas Paine uses different techniques to

influence the Americans.

He tries to tell them that British rule has had

a terrible impact on the

people of America.

QUOTE

“…hath your house been burnt? Hath your property been

destroyed your face? Are your wife and children destitute of a

bed to lie on, or bread to live on? Have you lost a parent or a child by their hands, and yourself the

ruined and wretched survivor?””

OVERVIEW

“Common Sense” was not the reason that America gained Independence, but it was a main factor.

In less than a year from when “Common Sense” was published, America was free.

CITATIONS “Common Sense.” Liberty’s Kids. 8 November 2009 <http://www.libertyskids.com/arch_

what_commons.html>.  Laughlin, Andy. “A Discussion and Analysis of Thomas Paine's Common Sense.”

Associated Content. 4 November 2009 <http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/921 407/a_discussion_and_analysis_of_thomas_pg3_pg3.html?cat=37>.

  "Rhetorical Analysis of Paine’s Common Sense." History. 4 November 2009

<http://socyberty.com/history/rhetorical-analysis-of-paines-common-sense/>.   “Thomas Paine.” Liberty’s Kids. 8 November 2009

<http://www.libertyskids.com/arch_who_ Tpaine.html>. 

  “Thomas Paine’s Common Sense.” Archiving Early America. 15 November 2009

<http://www.earlyamerica.com/earlyamerica/milestones/commonsense/>.  “Thomas Paine’s Quotes.” Founding Fathers. 18 November 2009

<http://www.marksquotes.com/Founding-Fathers/Paine/>.  “Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs.” Bartleby.18 November 2009

<http://www.bartleby.com/133/3.html>.