Common Sense by Thomas Paine. Summary of the book.

Common Sense by Thomas Paine

Summary of the Book

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense is a timeless classic and one of the most influential political texts of the modern era. Published in 1776, it was an immediate bestseller and a major influence on the establishment of the United States of America.

Common Sense is an impassioned plea for American independence from Great Britain. Paine argues that the relationship between Britain and the American colonies is unjust, and that the colonies should declare their independence. He makes the case for a representative government, and a republican form of government in place of monarchy.

Common Sense was written in a provocative and passionate style that appealed to the American people. Paine’s argument was so convincing that it convinced many hesitant colonists to support the cause of independence.

Common Sense is remembered for its radical arguments, but it also contains a number of practical and reasonable proposals for the new republic. Paine suggests that the government should be based on the principle of consent of the governed, and that the government should be held accountable to the people. He also suggests that the government should strive for a balance of power between the branches of government, and that the government should be limited in its scope.

Interesting Facts and Curiosities

Common Sense was written in a period of just six weeks and published anonymously in January of 1776. The book was an immediate success, with over 150,000 copies sold in the first three months.

Common Sense was the first book to make a case for American independence from Great Britain. It was also the first book to be published in all of the American colonies.

Common Sense was seen as so controversial that it was banned in Great Britain. The book was also banned in some American colonies, such as New York and Pennsylvania.

Common Sense was so influential that it was even used as a recruitment tool for the American Revolution. It was read aloud in taverns and meeting halls, and it was credited with inspiring many colonists to join the cause of independence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What is Common Sense?
    Common Sense is a political treatise written by Thomas Paine in 1776. It is an impassioned plea for American independence from Great Britain. It was a major influence on the establishment of the United States of America.
  • Who wrote Common Sense?
    Common Sense was written by Thomas Paine, an English-born American political activist and philosopher.
  • When was Common Sense published?
    Common Sense was published anonymously in January of 1776.
  • What are the main ideas of Common Sense?
    The main ideas of Common Sense are:

    • The relationship between Britain and the American colonies is unjust and the colonies should declare their independence.
    • The government should be based on the principle of consent of the governed.
    • The government should be held accountable to the people.
    • The government should strive for a balance of power between the branches of government.
    • The government should be limited in its scope.

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