Thomas Paine, an Anglo-American writer, immigrated to America from England in 1774, when the tensions between the colonists and the latter were at their height.
He wrote a 50-page pamphlet, Common Sense, where he used moral and political arguments to convince people from the 13 colonies to fight for independence from England.
The pamphlet was published on January 10th, 1776 and sold more than 500,000 copies within a few months.
The pamphlet much influenced the creation the Declaration of Independence, ratified on July 4, 1776 and paved the way to the American Revolution.
Other notable events on January 10th:
In 1984, The Vatican and the US re-established diplomatic relations after a 117-year break.
In 1946, The first United Nations General Assembly met in London.
In 1861, Florida seceded from the Union, joining the Confederacy soon after.
“Common Sense” by Thomas Paine – Museum of the American Revolution by Joy of Museums
