Analysis Of Thomas Paine's Common Sense

In his 1776 pamphlet, Common Sense, Thomas Paine wrote, “Not one third of the inhabitants, even of this province, are of English descent. Wherefore I reprobate the phrase of parent or mother country applied to England only, as being false, selfish, narrow and ungenerous” (Paine, 23-24). After decades of civil and religious persecution in Europe, Puritans among others fled to New England in search of a land where they could live without fear. This influx of individuals that arrived in the colonies were not only composed of Englishmen, but of many individuals from different regions of Europe. And this is one of the points that Paine tries to bring across in his text. He reiterates that England has no right to call itself the mother country

1) What reasons did Thomas Paine give in his pamphlet Common Sense for why the American Colonies should declare full and complete independence from Great Britain in 1776?

If America does not end ties with Britain now, then the battles will continue on and only stop once America breaks the tie with Britain. Also, no other country will be willingly to assist America, if they were only trying to strengthen the connection between Britain and America. European countries, including France and Spain, want America to be free so they can utilize America for their trading. America’s news of independence will be heard around the world which will make other countries be willing to trade with us. This will increase the economy, therefore providing a better life for colonists. Paine hopes that independence from Britain with create America into a country that would be respected around the world, even more then Britain

Thomas Paine had many arguments for American independence but there are a few of them that are really the main focus of his thoughts for independence. The first argument that he made that was focused on independence was the relationship between the colonist and Britain. The fact that that Britain had laws to govern a colony on the other side of the world was implausible. That the island of Britain was going to give laws that the colonist of the Americas had to abided by even though the one who made the law was 3000 miles away. Another argument that he had was that George III was a tyrannical leader. There was no way that he was going to keep peace, and to rule over a colony, and expect the colony to follow all the

In a time of uncertainty and alliances Thomas Paine’s pamphlet, Common Sense provided the American people an easy way to understand the breakdown of who they were going to go to war against and why they should. Paine offered opinions with intellectual backing, opinions that were soon backed or opposed by other colonists and debated from taverns to law offices all over the colonies. In this paper, I will be discussing Paine’s intended audience, his perspective, the major problems he sees between England and the American colonies, and why his writing was so persuasive to support the revolution and weaknesses in his argument.

The king’s attitude towards the rights of man and ultimate fate of the colonists is one of complete and utter disregard. He refers to the “many material injuries which these colonies sustain, and will always sustain” by remaining under the power of the king of England (336). The heavy imposition of taxes on the colonies and complete disregard of colonial feelings proves how Paine describes Britain’s view of America as a limited one, one that only considers how America can serve England’s “purposes” (342). Paine hopes to instill the same feeling in the colonists that the king of England can never compensate for “the expense of blood and treasure we have been already put to” (341). By using rather derogatory terms to describe America, Paine hopes to give the reader the sense that Britain is far more concerned with money and resources rather than who the colonists are as human beings. His discourse portrays the king of England as an animal, and implied that he only exists to steal the resources that the colonies produce. “Even brutes do not devour their young, nor savages make war upon their families” which is how Paine feels Britain had chosen to do in America (336). Paine continues to persuade the colonists that the only leader of America shall be God, who shines his light upon those seeking independence. Thomas Paine, in Common Sense, reduces England to beast, one of which shall be cut off from

Problems including, new taxes being imposed and parliament interfering with colonial life. Paine attempts to explain this in two ways. First, he points out the history of colonial relations with Britain, specifically the problematic events surrounding the Stamp Act. Second, he attacks the structure of Britain's government, criticizing it saying that it is corrupt and unjust, and will inevitably lead the British to continue mistreating the colonists. Paine is very aware of the benefits that would be gained through developing a strong relationship with all European countries except for Britain. He goes on to explain his argument in multiple ways. First, Paine points out that it would be helpful for America to form commercial and political ties with these other nations. Second, he says that the current political arrangement, America being compliant to Britain, prevents the colonies from being able to independently engage in alliances of this sort. He finishes his argument by saying that only way the colonists will receive the opportunities offered by an alliance with various European nations is to declare independence from

At this point in time in American history, trade and agriculture were the two most profitable enterprises for the colonies therefore it would concern many people how they would fare given independence. Paine makes the case that the goods that America provides “are the necessaries of life and will always have a market while eating is the custom of Europe.” (Paine 19) an accurate assertion given that two of the largest exports were food staples corn and potatoes. The author even goes so far in claiming that England is the cause of any economic misfortune for “whenever a war breaks out…the trade of America goes to ruin, because of her connection with Britain.”(22). Common Sense uses these facts about the economy to convince those who would have to lose or gain given independence.

7. What does Paine think that America will gain by separating from England? According to Paine, America will gain by separating from England is that it would not get contaminated by the monarchy he has been criticizing. Then, America will gain wealth and most importantly it will gain independence.

While contending that Britain does not consist of a trustworthy government, when it comes to the colonies rights and justice they receive. There have been multiple instances in which the British imposed unright taxes upon the American colonies, even after they were repealed. “Until an independence is declared the continent will feel itself like a man who continues putting off some unpleasant business from day to day, yet knows it must be done” (Paine 44). The main point of Paine is that the Americans should secede from Britain. And in order to do so, the colonists must act soon. And he enforces a call to action by the American colonists in their independence from

However, Paine combats all of these notions with well-thought-out, educated details that sway those arguments. For example, the idea of England increasing the profitability of America’s trade is addressed by Paine saying, “Our plan is commerce and that, well attended to, will secure us the peace and friendship of all Europe; because it is the interest of all Europe to have America a free port. Her trade will always be a protection and her barrenness of gold and silver secure her from invaders.” (Paine, 458). Paine’s use of the lack of the readers’ common knowledge allows for a compelling argument which would enlighten audiences.

As well as how the rest of factors that come with British rule only benefit Britain and make no sense in the lives of the American colonists.

Initially, the Colonies were fighting simply to have their rights as British citizens recognized. This line of thinking changed over time, which was influenced by Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. Through this pamphlet, Paine was one of the first to put forth the notion of American Independence, putting into written word what others had only thought of. However, when Common

It is in America’s best interest to be free from Britain; this is the way Thomas Paine thoughts things should’ve been like in his years of being part of the revolution. America and Britain were both stable countries that could do well on their own. Paine has his own reasons for believing that America would be better off having no connecting with Britain .Paine thought that being free from Britain would make America have flourished a lot earlier than what it did. Also by being associated with Britain Paine’s vision of there being a country of equality would be entirely destroyed. Being attached to Britain meant that America would not be able to live freely and would live by every choice made by Britain and Paine wanted a country of equality and the best interest of the people.