18th Century American Literature

American literature branched from the literature of the mother country, England. Some of the earliest forms of American literature were pamphlets and writings extolling the benefits of the colonies to both a European and colonist audience. One such pamphlet was Common Sense by Thomas Paine.

Published anonymously in 1776 Common Sense was one of the mostly largely circulated books at the time. The pamphlet challenged the rule of the British rule and argued for independence. Thomas Paine used plain language within the pamphlet that spoke to the common people of the colonies, and argued the independence of the colonies from British rule.

The pamphlet placed blame of the colonies suffering directly on the reigning British monarch, George III. Thomas Paine went so far as to openly mock the British monarchy saying, "But where says some is the King of America? I'll tell you Friend, he reigns above, and doth not make havoc of mankind like the Royal Brute of Britain." Thomas Paine advocated that a king fell into power without meeting any requirements, and was likely to be a complete fool. Paine advocated a republic rather than a monarchy.

The pamphlet, Common Sense, written by Thomas Paine, was an immediate best seller among the colonies,and it allowed for the diffusion of the notion of independence. The pamphlet is and excellent example of the influence of 18th century American literature among the colonies.

http://www.ushistory.org/paine/commonsense/

http://www.ushistory.org/PAINE/

http://www.marksquotes.com/Founding-Fathers/Paine/