Thomas Paine's Common Sense - 5 Minute History - Brief Summary

Summary

Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense,' published in 1776, was a pivotal document that swayed the American colonies towards full independence from Britain. Paine argued against hereditary monarchy and for elected leaders, influencing the colonies to embrace independence as their future. Its accessible writing style and revolutionary ideas played a significant role in the eventual drafting of the Declaration of Independence.

Takeaways

• 📚 'Common Sense' was written by Thomas Paine and published in early 1776, becoming a key document that inspired the American colonies to fight for independence.
• 🏛️ At the time of its publication, the colonies had been in revolt against England for about nine to ten months, and there was a significant debate over whether to pursue full independence or improved representation within the British political system.
• 🤔 Thomas Paine was born in England and had a diverse background, including careers in the naval trade and teaching, before moving to the American colonies in 1774 on Benjamin Franklin's encouragement.
• 📰 Paine took a job as an editor of the Pennsylvania Magazine, where he was influenced by the British treatment of the colonists and developed strong views against England.
• 📜 'Common Sense' was published anonymously, with Paine hiding his name, and its central thesis was that the colonies needed independence, not just better representation from the British government.
• 👑 Paine argued against the idea of hereditary kings, stating that rulers should be chosen by the people, and he famously wrote, 'Of more worth is one honest man to society and in the sight of God than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived.'
• 🏛️ The pamphlet is divided into four sections: the origin and design of government, monarchy and succession, thoughts on the present state of American affairs, and the present ability of America.
• 🌳 In the third section, Paine emphasized that independence was crucial for America's future and not just partial representation.
• 💪 The fourth section, 'On the Present Ability of America,' argued that the colonies had the natural resources and growing population to sustain themselves as an independent country.
• 🌐 'Common Sense' was a huge success, influencing the majority of colonists in favor of full independence and ultimately contributing to the decision to write the Declaration of Independence five months later.

Q & A

What is the significance of 'Common Sense' in the context of American history?

'Common Sense' is a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that played a crucial role in inspiring the American colonies to fight for their independence. It was published in early 1776 and argued for the necessity of full independence from England, rather than seeking improved representation within the British political system.

What was the situation in the American colonies prior to the publication of 'Common Sense'?

Prior to the publication of 'Common Sense', the American colonies had been in revolt against England for about nine to ten months. The First Continental Congress had met in the summer of 1775, where George Washington was appointed as the general of the Continental Army. There was a significant debate over whether to pursue full independence or to seek improved representation within the British system.

Who was Thomas Paine and what was his background before writing 'Common Sense'?

Thomas Paine was born in England and had tried various careers, including the naval trade and teaching. He met Benjamin Franklin in London, who encouraged him to move to the American colonies. Paine arrived in 1774, just two years before the revolution, and took a job as an editor of the Pennsylvania Magazine. He was inspired by the British treatment of the colonists and began to form harsh views of England.

Why did Thomas Paine decide to write 'Common Sense'?

Thomas Paine was convinced that he needed to write 'Common Sense' in early 1776. He believed that the colonies needed independence, not just improved representation from the British government. He also argued against the idea of hereditary kings, advocating that rulers should be chosen by the people.

What was the structure of 'Common Sense' and how was it divided?

'Common Sense' is an 80-page pamphlet divided into four sections. The first section is titled 'Of the Origin and Design of Government', where Paine argues for the importance of elections. The second section, 'Of Monarchy and Succession', criticizes hereditary kings. The third section, 'Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs', emphasizes the need for independence. The final section, 'On the Present Ability of America', argues that the colonies are capable of sustaining themselves as an independent country.

What is one of Thomas Paine's most famous lines from 'Common Sense'?

One of Thomas Paine's most famous lines from 'Common Sense' is: 'Of more worth is one honest man to society and in the sight of God than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived.' This line encapsulates his belief in the value of an honest individual over hereditary rulers.

What was the impact of 'Common Sense' on the American colonies?

The pamphlet 'Common Sense' was a huge success and pushed the majority of colonists in favor of full independence. It was written in an accessible style and was widely published in newspapers throughout the colonies. Its impact was significant in swaying public opinion towards the idea of independence.

How did 'Common Sense' influence the Second Continental Congress?

Five months after 'Common Sense' was published, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. Largely due to the popularity of Paine's pamphlet, they decided to write the Declaration of Independence, officially stating their desire to break away from England.

What was the global political context during the time of 'Common Sense'?

At the time of 'Common Sense', England was the biggest world power, having just won a major war against France. Every country in the world was under some form of monarchy. Thomas Paine's call for independent elections was a bold and forward-thinking idea that challenged the status quo.

Why was Thomas Paine's argument for independence considered radical at the time?

Thomas Paine's argument for independence was considered radical because it went against the prevailing system of monarchies worldwide. His ideas challenged the established order and proposed a new form of government where rulers were chosen by the people, not born into power.