Common Sense-Thomas PaineJanuary, 1776

• On Systems of Government– Governments should be simple– The English Constitution was great for its time, but

is no longer capable of delivering liberty– The English Constitution is too complex (everyone

passes the buck, and we don’t know who to blame!)

Common Sense (continued)

• On the British Government• Ancient Tyrannies:

– Monarch– House of Lords (Aristocrats, hereditary)

» Contribute nothing to freedom

• Republican Reform– House of Commons– Maybe not any better than the king

• On Monarchy• Kings need to have a lot of info, but they are shut off

from the world

Common Sense

• On Future Prosperity of America– America would have flourished even without England’s

support and protection– England has no special love for us, they defended us only in

their own selfish interests• On Traditional ties with Britain

– Europe has too many wars– Every time there is a war, our commerce goes in the tank– We need to get out now, before England actually loses a war

• On Independence– THE TIME HAS COME!!!

Broadsides• Broadsides were used from the

early days in the colonies to spread news in the form of print. A broadside was a poster printed something like a newspaper article and designed to attract the attention of people passing by. It would have been "published" by nailing it to a tree, a pole, or the side of a building. Broadsides spread important news, made announcements of public interest, and recruited men for military service. They also advertised products, services, and upcoming entertainments.

• Broadsides were also

posted to argue for or against controversial issues. Many broadsides encouraged the colonists to stick together against the British. For example, broadsides were posted arguing against the Stamp Act that so many colonists hated.

Colonial Broadside

Colonial Broadside

Broadside Activity

• In groups of three.

• 25 minutes to produce your Broadside

Broadside Activity• Each Broadside must:• Include (big) title and the

date.• Be a propaganda poster.

Your job is to stir people up, to foment revolutionary fervor.

• Explain the Act or event it is making propaganda about.

• Include a drawing/illustration.

• Be done in 25 minutes. You will then present your broadside to the class. Good luck.

The Acts and Events• The Sugar Act• The Currency Act• The Stamp Act• The Quartering Act• The Townshend Acts• The Tea Act• The Boston Tea Party• The Boston Massacre• The Intolerable Acts• Continental Congress