In 5- 7 sentences explain how Thomas Paine's Common sense, Committees of Correspondence, and Stamp Act relate to each other within American history. Is it a cause-and-effect relationship? Are they part of the same historical event or process? Do they share common characteristics or themes? Refer back to specific events, individuals, or historical developments to support your explanation.

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1 answer

Thomas Paine's "Common Sense," the Committees of Correspondence, and the Stamp Act are interconnected elements that contributed to the rise of American revolutionary sentiment in the late 18th century. The Stamp Act, enacted in 1765, imposed taxes on printed materials, provoking widespread colonial outrage and leading to organized resistance. This collective response was evident in the establishment of the Committees of Correspondence, which facilitated communication and coordination among colonies in opposition to British policies. Paine’s "Common Sense," published in 1776, further galvanized public opinion by articulating the case for independence from Britain in clear and accessible language. Together, these elements demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship where the oppressive actions of the British government (like the Stamp Act) led to increased colonial unity and the dissemination of revolutionary ideas (through the Committees and Paine’s writings). They reflect common themes of resistance, the fight for rights, and the call for self-governance, which ultimately culminated in the American Revolution.