Common Sense

The pamphlet advocates for American independence from British rule, presenting a compelling argument at a pivotal moment in the Revolution. Written in an accessible style, it eschews complex philosophical language in favor of a sermon-like structure and Biblical references, making it relatable to the common populace. Its immediate success and widespread circulation marked it as a significant influence in American history, with historian Gordon S. Wood labeling it the most incendiary pamphlet of the revolutionary era.