But, dated vernacular aside, Paine does make clear what he is trying to provoke, e.g. “I have never
met with a man, either in England or America, who hath not confessed his opinion, that a
separation between the countries, would take place one time or other. And there is no instance in
which we have shown less judgment, than in endeavoring to describe, what we call, the ripeness
or fitness of the Continent for independence.”
Common Sense popularized the concept that even a good government is, at best, a necessary
evil. Paine effectively demonized King George III and argued against a small island nation like
England ruling a continent on the other side of the ocean. Perhaps most importantly, Common
Sense painted a post-independence picture of peace and prosperity. More so than the battles at
Lexington and Concord, which preceded the release of Paine's influential pamphlet, it was
Common Sense that served as the spark to light the revolutionary flame.
Even though Paine, denounced as a drunken atheist, died in poverty, his legacy remains secure.
Common Sense is the precursor to all revolutionary manifestoes.
met with a man, either in England or America, who hath not confessed his opinion, that a
separation between the countries, would take place one time or other. And there is no instance in
which we have shown less judgment, than in endeavoring to describe, what we call, the ripeness
or fitness of the Continent for independence.”
Common Sense popularized the concept that even a good government is, at best, a necessary
evil. Paine effectively demonized King George III and argued against a small island nation like
England ruling a continent on the other side of the ocean. Perhaps most importantly, Common
Sense painted a post-independence picture of peace and prosperity. More so than the battles at
Lexington and Concord, which preceded the release of Paine's influential pamphlet, it was
Common Sense that served as the spark to light the revolutionary flame.
Even though Paine, denounced as a drunken atheist, died in poverty, his legacy remains secure.
Common Sense is the precursor to all revolutionary manifestoes.
TIMELINE:
March 31, 1776: Abigail Adams writes her husband John: “Remember, all men would be tyrants if they
could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies, we are determined to foment a Rebellion,
and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws by which we have no voice or Representation.”
could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies, we are determined to foment a Rebellion,
and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws by which we have no voice or Representation.”
September 3, 1783: The Treaty of Paris is signed, formally ending the war for independence.
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