Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In this Monday Minute in the Archives, we're taking a closer look at one of the most influential documents in American history — now on display at the Reagan Library as part of the America 250 exhibition.
On January 10, 1776, Thomas Paine released Common Sense, a pamphlet that changed everything. Written in plain, direct language, it made a bold argument: the American colonies should break free from Britain and govern themselves. The response was immediate. More than half a million copies were sold after the first edition hit the streets.
The artifact featured here is a very rare 1776 printing by Robert Bell — one of the earliest editions of a pamphlet that helped spark a revolution.
This piece is part of the Reagan Library's America 250 exhibition, a special collection celebrating 250 years of American history and the ideals that built this nation.
Plan your visit now at reaganfoundation.org/a250
For more information on the ongoing works of President Reagan's Foundation, please visit reaganfoundation.org
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/RonaldReagan
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/ronaldreagan
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/reaganfoundation
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ronald-reagan-presidential-library-foundation
Newsletter Sign-up: reaganfoundation.org/newsletter
#reagan #ronaldreagan #mondayminute #history
In this Monday Minute in the Archives, we're taking a closer look at one of the most influential documents in American history — now on display at the Reagan Library as part of the America 250 exhibition.
On January 10, 1776, Thomas Paine released Common Sense, a pamphlet that changed everything. Written in plain, direct language, it made a bold argument: the American colonies should break free from Britain and govern themselves. The response was immediate. More than half a million copies were sold after the first edition hit the streets.
The artifact featured here is a very rare 1776 printing by Robert Bell — one of the earliest editions of a pamphlet that helped spark a revolution.
This piece is part of the Reagan Library's America 250 exhibition, a special collection celebrating 250 years of American history and the ideals that built this nation.
Plan your visit now at reaganfoundation.org/a250
For more information on the ongoing works of President Reagan's Foundation, please visit reaganfoundation.org
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/RonaldReagan
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/ronaldreagan
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/reaganfoundation
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ronald-reagan-presidential-library-foundation
Newsletter Sign-up: reaganfoundation.org/newsletter
#reagan #ronaldreagan #mondayminute #history
