Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and its effect of the American Revolution After the colonists in America decided that they were going to attempt a move towards independence, they found themselves faced with two major problems. The first problem was an internal one. The feelings regarding independence were mixed throughout the colonies and divided among classes. First off, the common people had no say in political affairs, because that was a privilege reserved for colonial elites. Second, the colonial elites were also divided amongst themselves. The radical thinking Patriots were a small minority among many devoted British loyalists who were totally against any ideas of secession. Many neutrals also did not see the value of revolution. Despite the taxation, they felt that living under British control was adequate. Thus in order for independence to be achieved, the colonists, regardless of class or political beliefs, would have to unite in favor of independence; this must include the common people who previously had no voice in political affairs. This research will prove that Thomas Paine and his pamphlet Common Sense solved the problem outlined above by uniting the colonists into one nation in two ways. First, Common Sense appealed to common people because it was written in a straightforward and simple way, so Paine's political ideas were made real and available to a common audience. This brought average colonists into political debate which created more clout in favor of revolution. The pamphlet also inspired colonists, especially those who were neutrals and loyalists “on the fence” and inspired them to join the American cause for independence. Thomas Paine was the editor of the Pennsylvania Magazine in Philadelphia. A strong supporter of independence from Great Britain, he used media as a platform to convey his views. He was willing to do what was necessary to gain independence, even if that meant going to war. Logically however, he knew that it would be unlikely that thirteen colonies, made up of craftsman and farmers, would be able to put up a defensive against the world’s most powerful military. He knew that if there was any chance of victory, the war was going to need support from all the colonists. In this context, he understood the importance of unity, and found it pertinent to publicize his views to help unite the thirteen colonies into one nation, Common Sense appeared on Philadelphia streets in January 1776. It was an instant success, and copies of the pamphlet were soon available in all the thirteen colonies. Paine's was an unequivocal call for independence, and many Americans wavering between reconciliation wit