Why was Thomas Paine's Common Sense considered radical?

Question

(1 point)
• Its arguments about taxation were new and groundbreaking.
• Its rejection of the monarchy was controversial for the time.
• Its ideas about religion were controversial for the era.
• Its opposition to republicanism was opposed by patriots.

Answer 1

Thomas Paine's Common Sense was considered radical primarily because its rejection of the monarchy was controversial for the time. At the time of its publication in 1776, the idea of completely breaking away from the British monarchy and advocating for independence was a significant departure from the prevailing attitudes, which often favored reform rather than a total separation from England. Paine presented strong arguments for independence and questioned the legitimacy of monarchical rule, challenging widely held beliefs and thereby stirring considerable debate and unrest.