Thomas Paine's influential pamphlet, Common Sense, provided the inspiration for America's independence from Great Britain. Common sense reflected the common belief that British rule was often heavy-handed, unnecessary, and even unfounded. Thus, the success of Paine's Common Sense can be attributed to Paine's ability to tap into the beliefs of his audience, the American people.

Paine's Common Sense is divided into four key sections, plus an introduction. The first section describes Paine's thoughts on the origin and design of government and the relationship of these spots to the English constitution. The second section presents Paine's arguments against the validity of the English and monarchy in the colonies. Section three is an examination all of American political life in the late 1770s. The final, fourth section, describes the present ability of America to exist as a nation independent of British rule.

Paine's arguments for American independence are based on his understanding...
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