Final answer:
Thomas Paine's idea of rejecting a hereditary monarchy and advocating for equality contributed to the American Revolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The idea by Thomas Paine that contributed to the American Revolution was the concept of equality and the rejection of a hereditary monarchy.
Paine argued in his critical work Common Sense that while a king could be useful, there was no justification for a hereditary monarchy. He believed that if a king did not serve the interests of his subjects, there was no reason to have a king at all. Paine also pointed out that the British government had failed in its duty to the colonists, prioritizing its own interests over the needs of the colonies.
By appealing to both practical-minded merchants and principled philosophers, Paine's pamphlet resonated with a wide audience and helped colonists understand why continuing as colonies was not a viable solution. It provided a strong case for independence and inspired many to support the American Revolution.