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Thomas Paine's Struggle For Independence In The United States

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Originally, Americans did not want complete separation from Great Britain. Though the British protected the colonists with with their second to none army, several events and ideas led the colonists to declaring independence. One of the many reasons the colonists decided to completely separate with Britain were the effects of the Prohibitory Acts. According to ‘The Prohibitory Act’; “all manner of (the American colonies’) trade and commerce is and shall be prohibited; that any ships found trading shall be forfeited to his Majesty, as if the same were the ships and effects of open enemies; and that for the encouragement of the officers and men of his Majesty’s ships of war that men, marines, and soldiers on board shall have the sole interest and property of all ships, vessels, goods and merchandise, which they shall seize and take.” This implies that The American Colonies were completely cut off from all trading. The Prohibitory Act states that Britain will seize any ships or vessels headed to or from the American Colonies. Though they were still being protected by the British, this angered many americans, especially those who traded for a living and those who owned businesses, and was a large factor …show more content…

Paine’s Common Sense stated that “…any submission to, or dependence on Great Britain, tends directly to involve this continent in European wars and quarrels, and sets us at variance with nations, who would otherwise seek our friendship, and against whom we have neither anger nor complaint. As Europe is our market for trade, we ought to form no partial connection with any part of it. It is the true interest of America to steer clear of European contentions, which she can never do, [with] her dependence on Britain... ” This meant that Great Britain was holding the Colonies back by limiting their trade and keeping them from having certain

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