January 10, 1776 — Thomas Paine publishes Common Sense
Paine's pamphlet made the plainspoken case for independence in language ordinary colonists could feel, and it spread like wildfire — selling perhaps 500,000 copies in a country of 2.5 million. It turned a simmering rebellion into a genuine movement for a new kind of nation. Ideas, printed cheap and written clear, changed everything.
Common Questions About January 10
What happened on January 10 in American history?
In 1776: Thomas Paine publishes Common Sense. Paine's pamphlet made the plainspoken case for independence in language ordinary colonists could feel, and it spread like wildfire — selling perhaps 500,000 copies in a country of 2.5 million.
Why is January 10 significant?
Paine's pamphlet made the plainspoken case for independence in language ordinary colonists could feel, and it spread like wildfire — selling perhaps 500,000 copies in a country of 2.5 million. It turned a simmering rebellion into a genuine movement for a new kind of nation. Ideas, printed cheap and written clear, changed everything.
The Daily Poll · Weigh In
What changes a nation faster?
Opinion, not a quiz — no wrong answer.
★ Forge Your Freedom
How Well Do You Know American History?
Your Freedom Score puts a number on it — 60 seconds, free. See how you rank, then get a history moment like this in your brief every day.