jan 1, 1776 - Thomas Paine's "Common Sense"
Description:
In Philadelphia. "Adressed to the Inhabitants of America".A 47-page pamphlet written by Thomas Paine advocating independence from Great Britain to people in the 13 colonies. Paine marshaled moral and policital arguments to encourage common people in the Colonies to fight for egalitarian government.
Aristocratic society created by monarchy identified as the source of the colonists' grievances. Argued for independence as a means of establishing a new republican order, free of the absurdities and follies of artificial distinctions.
100,000 bought in less that 3 monts -> huge impact.
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 1776
Now
~ 250 years ago