Anniversary of Common Sense by Thomas Paine

Panelists discussed the impact of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and his role in U.S. history, and how his views apply today. James Green told the story behind the publication and sale of the Common Sense pamphlet. Brian McCartin refuted some of the myths about Paine. Moderator Judah Freed offered what he felt Paine would say about American politics today. During the event, actors Ralph Archbold and Steve Gulick portrayed Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Paine respectively. Franklin praised Paine’s bravery. Paine read from his pamphlet and talked about his political beliefs. The publication in Philadelphia of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense on January 10, 1776, was a watershed of the American Revolution. At the time, a majority of colonists were still wavering about the idea of independence from Great Britain, but Paine’s pamphlet galvanized opposition to the Crown and served as the final catalyst for political separation and creation of the first modern republic. close