Who wrote the influential pamphlet "Common Sense" advocating for American independence?

Study for the GED Social Studies Test. Practice with quizzes and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready to excel on your exam!

The influential pamphlet "Common Sense," published in 1776, was written by Thomas Paine. This work played a crucial role in shaping public opinion in favor of American independence from British rule. Paine eloquently argued that it was time for the colonies to break away and establish their own government, free from monarchy and tyranny. He appealed to the common person by using simple language and compelling arguments about democracy and natural rights, making the case for independence accessible to a wide audience.

"Common Sense" not only inspired the revolutionary movement but also galvanized support among the colonists for the ideas of self-governance and liberty. This pamphlet is considered one of the most persuasive and significant documents in American history, influencing both public sentiment and policy decisions during a transformative period.

Other figures, such as Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams, were key contributors to the revolutionary cause and played vital roles in drafting the Declaration of Independence and advocating for liberty, but it was Paine's "Common Sense" that initially stirred widespread support for the break from Britain.

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