Summary Of Thomas Paine's Common Sense

The French and Indian War, also known as the 7 Years War was the starting point for America’s independence from Great Britain; or the American Revolution. Both England and France were trying to stake claim to the land between the Appalachians and the Mississippi River. When Washington and his men crossed into the territory the French took them captive and this was only the beginning. Retaliations from both sides continued between the two. Eventually the conflict in America would ignite a war in Europe that would include Prussia, Spain and Austria as well. Great Britain ultimately won the territory in America; however, their financial system took a hit.
Prior to the war, Parliament had slacked in their duties and the colonies had developed a somewhat independently ran government, but then after the war the British administration decided to take control. They made a decision to move troops to North America in hopes of adding protection and assuring order amongst the citizens, but this only added to the debt problem. In an attempt to boost the economy in England, George Grenville the …show more content…
In January of 1776, a republican-minded, Thomas Paine came forward with an article he had written entitled Common Sense. In his article he made a compelling argument for America to break free from Great Britain and become their own nation with their own republican style of government. His statements appealed to both the religious and the enlightened thinkers as he paints a vivid picture of how a government should be. This was a huge turning point and months later the Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson and America gained France as an ally. General George Washington took command of the Continental army and won several victories and ultimately, in 1781 the British surrendered and the war was over. America had won her