The blood of the slain, not less than the true interests of posterity, demanded separation.

Paine called his pamphlet "Common Sense".

It was published on January 9, 1776.

More than a hundred thousand copies were quickly sold and it brought decision to many wavering minds.
In the first days of 1776 independence had become a burning question.
New England had made up its mind.

Virginia was keen for separation, keener even than New England.