5
QuizMultiple Choice

The Revolution Begins

Question 5 • IL-US History A

Why did Thomas Paine publish Common Sense?

Answer
A
to convince Britain it could not govern the colonies well
B
to let foreign countries know the colonies were ready to fight Britain
C
to convince colonists that the colonies should become independent
D
to force Southern colonies to support Northern ones in the coming war

Explanation

Thomas Paine published Common Sense to persuade colonists that reconciliation with Britain was no longer the right goal and that the colonies should declare independence. Its clear, direct arguments helped build public support for breaking away from British rule. The correct choice is “to convince colonists that the colonies should become independent.”

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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