Common Sense

Common Sense

Thomas Paine

Open Ended

What was going on in the American colonies during the early 1700s?

Who was this man?

What was so important about this pamphlet?

Open Ended

So far, what do you know about Thomas Paine?

Thomas Paine

• Born in England in 1737

• Came to the colonies on the recommendation of Benjamin Franklin

• Held several jobs including, tax collector, teacher, corset maker

• January 10, 1776 anonymously published a pamphlet, "Common Sense" that was "pro independence"

Open Ended

What reasons do you think he may have had for publishing this pamphlet anonymously?

What did the pamphlet Common Sense say?

• America needed to be independent and free of England

• Explanation of an ideal government-one that is run by the people

• Having a king is unnatural - All men are created equal, we don't need a king

• Recommendation for a powerful American military

Open Ended

Why do you think he entitled his publication, "Common Sense"?

Quick Check

Multiple Choice

The author of this influential pamphlet was...

• Thomas Jefferson

• Benjamin Franklin

• Thomas Paine

Multiple Choice

This pamphlet was written primarily for the upper class citizens of the colonies.

• True, it was only their opinions that were important.

• False, this was written so that everyone can understand it.

Multiple Choice

This document helped to unite the colonists together, even those who had previously been undecided as to whether they should break away from England.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Thomas Paine published his pamphlet anonymously.

• True

• False

Credits

• Studies Weekly

• The Great Peacemakers

• History

• Nearpod: Linda Hochstetler

• Youtube: MrBettsClass