This is the third in a series.

Today in the world of instant communication, a post can go viral and reach millions of people within hours. But in the 18th century, one post went what was viral for the times, and it affected the lives of millions over the next 250 years.

The story starts with an advertisement in the Jan. 9, 1776 Pennsylvania Evening Post.

“This day was published, and is now selling by Robert Bell, in 3rd St. (Price 2 shillings) COMMON SENSE, addressed to the INHABITANTS OF AMERICA on the following interesting…