Common Sense's Impact On American Independence

Essay by serge25High School, 11th gradeA+, January 2007

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In 1775, a corset-maker's apprentice came from England to America. This promising man named Thomas Paine wrote the pamphlet that had the biggest effect on winning American independence from the British motherland. This pamphlet changed many people's opinions and convinced many others of his views. Basically, Common Sense described the scenario at the time and mapped out the possible solutions, despite the widespread fear of the public to voice their opinions. Ultimately, its impact would lead to a series of events that would liberate America from Britain.

The Americans were shocked into awareness as they realized their inconsistencies. Thomas Paine's pamphlet opened the eyes of many Americans by stating points, like the ridiculous concept of having a huge country under the rule of a smaller one. Paine also proposed several solutions, one being a democratic republic. Though Paine was not the first to raise this concept to the level of the public eye, the masses approved of it.

Moreover, colonists soon took action.

As Paine's pamphlet suggested, colonists were preparing to create a democratic republic. Indeed, words sprung into action as Thomas Jefferson helped compose the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson, a brilliant writer, wrote the declaration and it was approved on July 4, 1776, hence the name Independence Day. Common Sense was the most responsible for promoting American independence, mainly due to the fact that it influenced Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence. More proof is that it led to more events that ultimately led to independence.

After the years following the approval of the Declaration of Independence, physical confrontation began. In 1777, the Americans came out on top in the Battle of Saratoga. This war was a huge upset for Britain, but on the contrary, it was an incredible boost for the morale of the Americans.