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The Role Of Independence In Thomas Paine's Pamphlet, 'Common Sense'

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Moving Toward Independence “The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, ‘TIS TIME TO PART” (Thomas Paine, 1776). This quote from Thomas Paine’s pamphlet, “Common Sense,” urged Americans to claim their independence from the mother country. Prior to that, Samuel Adams emerged as the leader for angry American colonists whose loyalty to England had dwindled. In addition to these revolutionists, a very effective boycott of British goods was organized by members of the Virginia assembly acting independently after the assembly had dissolved. Thomas Paine’s writings, Samuel Adams’ leadership, and boycotting British goods greatly altered Americans’ perception of Britain and brought about the Revolutionary War. Samuel Adams’ interpersonal skills of leadership, organization, and coordination boosted him to the forefront of the revolution. As people grew more and more tired of the laws England had placed upon them, Samuel Adams rose up voicing his opinions of the independence they desired. The principle that it was “lawful to resist the Supreme Magistrate, if the Commonwealth cannot be otherwise preserved,” (Samuel Adams, 1740) which was his Harvard college thesis, followed him throughout his entire career. He publicly defended these rights, organized the Sons of Liberty, and staged many protests. Beginning in Boston, Massachusetts, …show more content…

By December 1776, Paine, a volunteer in the retreating American army, wrote “The American Crisis” which once again boosted their morale to continue their push for freedom. In this pamphlet, he addressed the emotions the troubled men were facing and said “These are the times that try men’s souls” (Thomas Paine, 1776). Commissioner John Adams later stated that he believed Paine had a far reaching effect on men, as well as historical events, during that thirty-year period of

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