Question

the main reason thomas paine published common sense was to
persuade britain that it could not govern the colonies well.
let foreign countries know that the colonies were ready to fight britain.
persuade colonists that the colonies should become independent.
force southern colonies to support northern ones in the coming war

Explanation:

Thomas Paine's Common Sense was a powerful pamphlet aimed at the American colonists. It argued for independence from British rule, presenting clear - cut reasons and stirring up support for the cause of independence among the colonists.

Answer:

persuade colonists that the colonies should become independent.