Imagine you are an American colonist living in New Jersey in 1776. You have always considered yourself a loyal subject of Britain, but the conflicts over taxation and the fighting at Lexington and Concord have left you unsure as to whether peaceful coexistence can be reestablished between Britain and the colonies. However, you have recently begun to read Thomas Paine's recently published Common Sense. What effect would this pamphlet most likely have on you?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Common Sense was a powerful pamphlet that argued that the colonies should pursue independence from Great Britain. It used persuasive and emotional language to appeal to the colonists' sense of identity and self-governance. As a result, it is likely that the pamphlet would have swayed a loyal colonist like the one described in the prompt to support the cause of independence.

Imagine You Are an American Colonist Living in New Jersey