Thomas Paine's "Common Sense"

Published in 1776, Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense¹" was written to join the colonists together against Great Britain. He believed that America needed to be independent from from Britain because their reliance on British trade and stability would eventually turn into a monarchy, the exact thing they were trying to escape. Paine believed that a democratic republic was superior compared to monarchy as it was important to him that everyone had a voice in their country. There were three main points in his pamphlet that inspired the colonists to fight for freedom. 

One: He believed government was necessary to give citizens structure in their country but should never be a monarchy, as it was important that colonists had the right to work together and have their voices heard. Paine believed that a healthy government should give their citizens the right to vote and make their own decisions. He wanted a responsive government, unlike Great Britain where they had no say in anything. 

Two: He believed America would flourish as an independent nation and had a unique chance to create a new country that surrounded a central government, something that was foreign during the time. By having no king, they would need to create a constitution that protected their rights, like religion and freedom of speech, which Britain did not have.

Three: He believed it was important for Americans to have a SAY in the rules created for their country. Paine believed that by having every colonist come together to share interests it would eventually create a society that citizens actually WANT. By allowing them to create their own laws that protect them, it would create a unified and strong nation. 

^{1Paine, Thomas. 1776. Thomas Paine's Common Sense: the Call to Independence. 1st ed. Philadelphia, PA.}