Question

What is Adams's opinion of Common Sense?

a) The pamphlet did more to help the colonies win their independence from Great Britain than Washington's military leadership.
b) Washington's victories alone would not have achieved independence if the pamphlet had not convinced colonists to support the cause.
c) If more colonists had read the pamphlet, they would not have supported Washington in his revolution against Great Britain.
d) If the United States had not won its independence and established freedom of the press, the pamphlet could not have been published.

Answer 1

Adams likely valued 'Common Sense' highly, as it played a pivotal role in convincing colonists to support independence, which was crucial for the success of the American Revolution.

Step-by-step explanation:

Adams's opinion of Thomas Paine's Common Sense would likely align with the idea that the pamphlet did more to help the colonies win their independence from Great Britain than Washington's military leadership. This is because the pamphlet Convinced colonists to support the cause for independence and a republican form of government by presenting "simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense." It explained the illogical nature of a hereditary monarchy and the injustices imposed by the British government on the colonies. Common Sense was instrumental in shaping public opinion in favor of independence, leading to the creation of the Declaration of Independence by the committee to which Adams belonged. Therefore, Convincing colonists to support the cause was essential to the success of the revolution.