Thomas Paine's Common Sense and Its Impact on the American Revolution

Explore a 43-minute lecture from Yale University's American Revolution course focusing on Thomas Paine's influential pamphlet "Common Sense." Delve into Paine's life, the historical context of the pamphlet's publication in 1776, and its significant impact on the American Revolution. Examine the colonial mindset during the Second Continental Congress, Paine's early life, and the major arguments and rhetorical styles employed in "Common Sense." Discover the pamphlet's widespread popularity, the Founding Fathers' reactions, and its profound social impact. Gain insights into how this revolutionary text condemned monarchy, advocated for independence, and helped shape the course of American history.