HISET Social Studies Practice

What significant work did Thomas Paine author?

1. The Social Contract

2. Common Sense

3. The Federalist Papers

4. Letters from an American Farmer

The correct answer is: Common Sense

Thomas Paine authored "Common Sense," a groundbreaking pamphlet published in 1776 that argued for American independence from British rule. This work was significant because it effectively articulated the case for independence in clear and persuasive language, making complex political ideas accessible to a general audience. Paine's arguments challenged the legitimacy of monarchy and rallied public support for the revolution, influencing many colonists’ opinions and attitudes towards the British government. The impact of "Common Sense" was profound, as it contributed to a growing revolutionary sentiment among the American colonists, leading to the eventual adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Its widespread distribution helped to mobilize support for the cause of independence at a crucial time in American history.