Common Sense

Thomas Paine

Maintaining “the cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind,” Paine passionately argued for independence from Great Britain and the ability of the young country to prosper unfettered by the oppressive and economically draining English.

Bibliographic Record Introduction

Contents

Man knows no Master save creating HEAVEN, Or those whom Choice and common Good ordain.—THOMSON. February 14, 1776

PHILADELPHIA: W. & T. BRADFORD, 1776 NEW YORK: BARTLEBY.COM, 1999

TO THE INHABITANTS OF AMERICA on the following interesting subjects I. Of the origin and design of government in general, with concise remarks on the English Constitution. II. Of monarchy and hereditary succession. III. Thoughts on the present state of American affairs. IV. Of the present ability of America, with some miscellaneous reflexions. A new edition, with several additions in the body of the work. To which is added an appendix; together with an address to the people called Quakers.