“We have it in our power to begin the world anew.” Words written by Thomas Paine in Philadelphia 250 years ago in his pamphlet titled “Common Sense.” In fewer than 50 pages, historians say that Paine’s words would change the course of the American Revolution.
“Common Sense is a catalyst of independence. It ignites enthusiasm all over the Colonies,” Tyler Putman, senior manager of gallery interpretation at the Museum of the American Revolution, said. “It changed the course of world history.”
Paine first published “Common Sense” on Jan 9, 1776, at Robert Bell’s printing shop near what is now 3rd and Walnut streets, according to the museum. The work came at a significant moment in the feud between the American Colonies and Great Britain…