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How Did Thomas Paine Contribute To Independence

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Thomas Paine was concerned about the American need and cause for independence. Until 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, hates to set about it, wishes it over, and is continually haunted with the thoughts of its necessity.” He was inspired by Benjamin Franklin and the revolution. In Common Sense he argued for the colonies independence from Britain, saying the government that denies representation should be replaced. Should not be a revolt against taxation but a demand for independence. Paine hated monarchial government and he knew that if there was any reconciliation with Great Britain it would only cause the current situations to repeat themselves. …show more content…

Franklin was a self-educated man who started school at a very young age. Although his parents could not afford to keep him in school he continued learning from books, writers, and from the world. He was so passionate about learning he educated others through conversation, writings, and his publications. He said “I considered my Newspaper also as another means of communicating Instruction.” He used Poor Richards Almanac to show wisdom upon the citizens. To teach them that they needed to work hard and save and they will be virtuous. He would use proverbs in the almanac to teach the citizens how to be more civilized people. He was not very fond of parents sending their children to Harvard though, he felt they did not learn anything there but to become conceited. He did not write these directly but under the pseudonyms of Silence Dogood and Richard

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