Question

before the american revolution began, hesitant colonists did not support war against great britain when swaying the group, several tactics were used, including documents and illustrations. what document encoura change their opinion?

a. thomas paines common sense

b. an account of the battle of lexington

c. the olive branch petition

d. john lockes two treaties on government

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Common Sense by Thomas Paine was a pamphlet that argued for American independence from Britain, using persuasive language to sway colonists' opinions in favor of revolution.
• Option B: An account of the Battle of Lexington would describe a battle event, not primarily persuade colonists to support war (the battle happened during the revolution's start, and the question is about before the revolution began or early persuasion).
• Option C: The Olive Branch Petition was a plea for peace with Britain, not encouraging war.
• Option D: John Locke’s work was a philosophical basis for rights but not a direct document to sway colonists to support war against Britain at that time (it was written earlier and not specific to the American Revolution's persuasion for war).

So, Common Sense was the key document to encourage colonists to support war.

Answer:

A. Thomas Paine's Common Sense