Common sense Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Common sense - Essay Example Common Sense was published after the eruption of open hostilities between Great Britain and the American colonies but before the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It was written at a time when the American colonists were still undecided and debating the idea of independence from British rule. Paine provided them with an argument. Many historians are of the opinion that it influenced American colonists to formally break away from Britain and inspired America during the Revolutionary War. Paine begins the pamphlet by suggesting that his readers have the right to question the King of England since his policies are affecting them. He emphasizes that one should question ideas even if they are being accepted as the truth for a long time. He also suggests that the concerns of the colonies such as tyranny, oppression and freedom will one day turn out to be universal concerns He ascertains in the end that his interests rely on a reasonable argument and have not been compromised by any political party. The pamphlet focuses on the difference between society and government. Paine wrote in a style that could be the understood by the common people. Paine wrote it like a sermon and made many Biblical references to put forh his argument and case. The importance of the pamphlet lies n the fact that it precipitated the move for independence. Even before Paine a number of people had advocated independence. But it was not until 1776, the year Common Sense was published, that a vast majority of people in the colonies actually understood the reasons for independence or a revolution. The colonies in a quandary and were debating whether they should stay loyal to England or should they press for independence. Paine’s theories of Enlightenment and independence inspired the American nation. His work fired the imagination of the people and sparked a movement by the colonists to