Differences
- The pamphlet Common Sense was written by Thomas Paine whereas the Olive Branch petition was written primarily by John Dickinson.
- The pamphlet Common Sense was based around the idea that the American colonists should break away from Great Britain and become an independent country. The Olive Branch Petition was a document in which the colonists tried to reconcile with the British government.
- Common Sense was used as a piece of propaganda to inspire colonists to break away from Great Britian. The Olive Branch Petition was used as a means to save the relationship between Great Britain and the colonies.
Similarity
- Both sources discussed the mistreatment of American colonists by the British government.