Robert Joseph Roecklein Jr., Thesis Supervisor Robert Joseph Roecklein Jr., Thesis Supervisor Ralph Lowell Eckert, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Thomas Paine Common Sense
Abstract:
Thomas Paine is a noted political author and American Revolutionary. His most popular writings were the pamphlet Common Sense and the Crisis papers. Each of these writings contributed significantly to the American cause. The purpose of this project is to explore the idea that Common Sense, and his other lesser known works, were the decisive factors influencing the Colonial decision to break away from Great Britain in 1776. It is also the objective of this paper to trace the philosophical development of Paine’s works from his earliest writings through his experiences in France during the French Revolution.
