Common Sense: Role Of The Underdog

Common Sense

William Shakespeare once said “We know what we are, However we do not know what we can be.” Although written in the mid 1500’s, the inspiration and excitement that surrounds the role of the underdog is timeless. Even the Bible tells us the story of a small boy with a slingshot named David, who had the courage to fight the Giant. Wars have been fought, games have been one, movies and legends created, all on the portrayal of the underdog. It’s hard not to root for the group that is fighting not only the stiff opponent but also added adversity. Unfortunately before we can cheer for the little guy, or the underdog, the role of underdog must be created. The underdog is a person, or group of people, who believe and are so 100%

There were many great leaders who wanted independence. However, there were many who did not want to permanently separate from Britain and some that did not want to leave at all. Once the fighting began, and then the Olive Branch rejected, the colonies reached a point of no return. Many began to lose their nerve, and many others forgetting or questioning what they started fighting for. The moral of the colonist was being weakened by the difficult task in from front of them. In January 1776, Thomas Paine wrote a 47 page pamphlet on his arguments in favor of The American Revolution. This Pamphlet helped remind the Americans of what was at stake. His pamphlet, called “Common Sense” is known as one of the most influential writings in history. In the first two weeks he had sold over 150,000 copies in both Britain and in America. The pamphlet stated two main ideas. Paine wrote about equal rights for all citizens. He believed that citizens had basic rights including the freedom of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In his second point, Paine argues against a monarchy and favors a different form of Government. He believed in a Republican Government, which is “a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives chosen directly or indirectly by them”. He believed in this form of Government

In the end it sold more than 500,000 copies. The pamphlet not only influenced and rallied the intended colonists, but it also changed the minds of many British citizens. The pamphlet changed their position and opinion of the war. Paine’s writing was far reaching. He inspired regular everyday citizens, soldiers, colonist, british citizens and people of power. General Washington said, “ I find Common Sense is working a powerful change in the minds of many men”. Washington explained how his men were influenced by Paine’s writing and were ready to fight once again. Paine wrote as a regular citizen would, so that when the farmers and people who were fighting would feel like it was written just for them. They could read it, understand it, and also connect with it. This pamphlet was read by the founding fathers, and almost every literate person in the colonies. His pamphlet not only inspired a group of people reestablishing their will to fight, but it also made a huge contribution to the framework of the country. Paine stated that the president should be picked and that citizens should keep the rights of religion, freedom, and property. The founding Fathers agreed with many things that Paine wrote and used many of his ideas in the creation of our