Why was thomas paine's essay common sense significant to american independence? a. the ideas in the essay inspired the continental congress to present king george iii with the olive branch petition. b. the essay divided the patriots into those who wanted a break from britain and those who wanted reconciliation. c. the ideas in the essay inspired thomas jefferson while he was drafting the declaration of independence. d. the essay spurred colonists to take a stand, demand independence, and establish their own government.