Read the following excerpt from The History of England. How did "Common Sense" affect the English population?"By this time the public mind had been prepared by various productions issued from the press, to entertain thoughts of independence. Paine turned his wit to this subject, and in 1776 he brought out his famous pamphlet, called 'Common Sense,' which contained bolder sentiments than any written by all the other various pamphleteers. His production met with unparalleled success. Copies were distributed throughout the colonies, and 'Common Sense' became literally the study of the whole American world. It was even read, admired, and eulogised in England by men of sense and talent: Burke calls it 'that celebrated pamphlet which prepared the minds of the people for independence.' Its chief merit, however, seems to have consisted in rough, sarcastic wit, which was well calculated to flatter the prejudices as well as to inflame the resentment of the American people. The effects it produced were wonderful. Multitudes were brought over by it to the cause of independence, who but a few months before would have regarded the proposition with abhorrence. As for the writer he at once gained by it the topmost pinnacle of the temple of popularity. The legislature of Pennsylvania voted him £500; the university of the same province conferred on him the degree of Master of Arts; he was elected member of the American Philosophical Society, founded by Franklin; and he was subsequently made clerk to the committee of foreign affairs, while he was consulted by all members of government and congress as an oracle."Works CitedFarr, E. and E.H. Nolan. The History of England. London, 1860.         People of "sense and talent" read the pamphlet and praised it.         The English were appalled by its lack of loyalty and stark rebellion.         They criticized it for its "rough, sarcastic wit," which fueled "the resentment of the American people."         They awarded Paine positions of honor and monetary stipends.

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Read the following excerpt from The History of England. How did "Common Sense" affect the English population?

"By this time the public mind had been prepared by various productions issued from the press, to entertain thoughts of independence. Paine turned his wit to this subject, and in 1776 he brought out his famous pamphlet, called 'Common Sense,' which contained bolder sentiments than any written by all the other various pamphleteers. His production met with unparalleled success. Copies were distributed throughout the colonies, and 'Common Sense' became literally the study of the whole American world. It was even read, admired, and eulogised in England by men of sense and talent: Burke calls it 'that celebrated pamphlet which prepared the minds of the people for independence.' Its chief merit, however, seems to have consisted in rough, sarcastic wit, which was well calculated to flatter the prejudices as well as to inflame the resentment of the American people. The effects it produced were wonderful. Multitudes were brought over by it to the cause of independence, who but a few months before would have regarded the proposition with abhorrence. As for the writer he at once gained by it the topmost pinnacle of the temple of popularity. The legislature of Pennsylvania voted him £500; the university of the same province conferred on him the degree of Master of Arts; he was elected member of the American Philosophical Society, founded by Franklin; and he was subsequently made clerk to the committee of foreign affairs, while he was consulted by all members of government and congress as an oracle."

Works Cited
Farr, E. and E.H. Nolan. The History of England. London, 1860.
 
 
 
 
People of "sense and talent" read the pamphlet and praised it.
 
 
 
 
The English were appalled by its lack of loyalty and stark rebellion.
 
 
 
 
They criticized it for its "rough, sarcastic wit," which fueled "the resentment of the American people."
 
 
 
 
They awarded Paine positions of honor and monetary stipends.
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