In fewer than 50 pages, historians say that Thomas Paine's words in "Common Sense," published in Philadelphia 250 years ago today, would change the course of the American Revolution and world history.

Two hundred-and-fifty years ago, on Jan. 10, 1776, Thomas Paine published words that changed the course of history: “We have it in our power to begin the world over again.” Characterized by Paine as ...

"We have it in our power to begin the world anew." Words written by Thomas Paine in Philadelphia 250 years ago in his pamphlet titled "Common Sense." In fewer than 50 pages, historians say that ...

His “Common Sense,” published 250 years ago, ignited the drive for American independence. That was hardly the end of the radical founder’s strange and winding story. By Jennifer Schuessler For Thomas ...

A government of our own is our natural right. This was the heart of Thomas Paine's argument in "Common Sense," which was published 250 years ago today. That statement might sound exactly like common ...

This is a momentous year for U.S. history. Celebrating the semisesquicentennial of U.S. independence, America 250 will reach its apex on July 4 of this year. Though John Adams missed on the date (he ...

This is an edition of Time-Travel Thursdays, a journey through The Atlantic’s archives to contextualize the present. Sign up here. Reading it now, Paine’s words are a kind of portal back to the ...

Jeffrey Rosen is CEO emeritus of the National Constitution Center and the author of “The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle Over Power in America.” Jeffrey Rosen ...