Common sense proved to Americans as well as the world that America had its own destiny and goals and aspirations. Unseen before these dreams were now in the public eye as the Americans prepared for battle. Common Sense was extremely influential due to the fact that it was written by Thomas Paine who had the ear of colonial leaders as well as used many literary strategies to catch the ears of others. Common Sense, considered the most persuasive pamphlet in American history, was written and published by Thomas Paine. Although he was an immigrant, he definitely had some strong and decisive views. The argument that overwhelmed the pamphlet was in favor of the revolution and was originally published anonymously.
Thomas Paine, credited with changing the small “squabble” into the American Revolution, had the confidence in his writing that many others lacked and was, therefore, able to publish his thoughts in a very pristine matter. On top of that, Paine was also able to do this because he had powerful colleagues such as Ben Franklin and George Washington who had backed him up 100%. Both Ben Franklin and George Washington were impressed by his fantastic skills of writing, and the ability to get a point across without any complications. This clear confidence in his skills had lead Thomas to ask questions such as: Why should a huge continent be tied to a little island thousands of miles away? Why should colonists submit to laws that hurt their trade and industry? Why should the colonists show loyalty to a king who oppresses them? But the real reason that Common Sense was so well know was that it united average citizens and politicians behind the idea of independence.
Whilst asking these striking questions Paine convinced people of the idea that in the winter of 1776, was the perfect opportunity to strike for independence and create the United States. But what made this measly pamphlet so impactful? How did Thomas Paine accomplish all he did with just a simple pamphlet? Leading the pack was his use of powerful language. For example, Paine stated that ‘The cause of America is in great measure the cause of mankind’ and Thomas had then shared his ideas that current conflict was bigger than a simple disagreement of rights. This had led an attack on the English constitution, including the king of England, and aristocracy.
Alongside the striking use of language, was the shocking use of a bible. Paine understood that the Bible was the only book that most Americans could understand, and he used it with the intention of proving his statements and beliefs. Thomas even had the audacity to use it against King George III but also monarchy itself saying, ‘Monarchy is ranked in the scriptures as one of the sins of the Jews.’ Paine also attacked the constitution and before the publication of this pamphlet, most colonial Americans respected the British constitution and believed that the king was a good person. Common Sense marked an extreme breakthrough from these past beliefs. Because Paine had no respect for the balance of power that had centered around the English constitution, he said that if the king could not be trusted what good was he in the first place? The British had great faith in their “balanced” constitution, which was why this was such a break of trust, and personal values. Despite this idea of contemporization in Common Sense, there were no generally “new” opinions that Paine had expressed.
Paine had only voiced versed opinions that colonial leaders had stated time and time again. The sole difference was that the way Thomas had written. The clarity of his words was so persuasive and convincing that it united and changed the minds of many colonial leaders, including some that were unwilling to change the way they thought. The way he formatted the pamphlet, it sounded like the solution was obvious, like “common sense.” Because of the brilliant work of Thomas Paine, Common Sense sold over 100,000 copies, which was an exorbitant amount for a largely uneducated population. Common Sense was one of the most influential documents ever made, and due to this had one of the biggest effects in a lifetime. For example, Common Sense had spread the information needed to start a revolution. The information that had to be heard by an entire civilization, was spread throughout a minuscule pamphlet. Extraordinary. On top of that, Common Sense united average citizens and politicians behind the idea of independence. For example, Thomas Paine wrote “Europe, and not England, is the parent country of America.
This new world hath been the asylum for the persecuted lovers of civil and religious liberty from every part of Europe. Hither they have fled, not from the tender embraces of the mother, but from the cruelty of the monster; and it is so far true of England, that the same tyranny which drove the first emigrants from home, pursues their descendants still.” This meaning that the colonies are a safe place for people, and they have left the harshness of England for said safety. Common Sense had one of the largest impacts on history that you could ever imagine. In just a short amount of time Common Sense had nearly sold out but the idea of Revolution was sold in the minds of all Americans. Common Sense headed the unity of an entire nation to attack and revolt against what was known as the father country. A simple pamphlet did that, with just the voice of an immigrant trying to make an impact that would suppress to the future’s standards of freedom. Common sense proved to Americans as well as the world that America had its own destiny and goals and aspirations. Unseen before these dreams were now in the public eye as the Americans prepared for battle. Overall, Common Sense was so influential because it was written by Thomas Paine who had the ear of colonial leaders as well as used many literary strategies to have the extensive impact it did on society today.
