Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense in 1776. By this time the American Revolution had just begun but not every colonist was in support of the war. Some colonists were wary of the repercussions of losing the war, others believed they should still remain loyal to Britain, and others worried about the colonies' ability to be successful independently. Common Sense colonial people realize why rebellion was necessary. The Continental Army received help from other countries. Prussian officer, Baron von Steuben, trained American soldiers in the art of European style warfare. France sends the Marquis de Lafayette, a loyal officer to Washington, who helped launch raids against the British prior to the Battle of Monmouth.