A Nation Declares Independence A Call For Independence beginning 1776 most colonists still hoped 4 peaceful end 2 quarrel w/ Britain Colonists Divided beginning 1776 most colonists still neither Patriot/Loyalist even in CC support 4 independence limited 2 1/3 delegates John Adams found difficult 2 convince ppl 2 independence cause complained loyalists used prospect independence 2 frighten ppl Common Sense January 1776 50 pg. pamphlet called Commen Sense published Philadelphia by Thomas Paine broad support 2 American independence called King George III ?royal brute? ridiculed idea o? being ruled by kings Americans better off if governed themselves 500,000 copies sold btwn Jan & July 1776 George Washington, ?Common Sense is working a powerful change in the minds of men.?