Paine justifies the need for separation by explaining that the colonies have little to gain from British rule. If the states become independent, they have more opportunities for commerce with the rest of Europe. He also stresses that, if they were to remain attached, the same problems they have had in the past will reappear. The conflict of British need for profit and the American desire for autonomy could only be ended by declaring independence.
Thomas Paine wrote a series of articles known collectively as "The Crisis" to support his argument for independence from England during the Revolutionary War. Thomas Paine 's reasoning for writing this collection of articles is rather sound. The call to arms in this document calls “tens of thousands” to arms to battle Great Britain and their unfair rule over their country. Paine was justified in his writing, the unfair rule of the British government did need to be “called out” sort of speak.
Paine wrote Common Sense in order to convince the colonists that it was time to separate because they were not in charge of their economic well-being. For over hundred years, the American colonies had been dependent on England, their mother country, because she offered aid and support (83). However Paine stated, England was only concerned with its own well-being and economic interest and cared little for the colonies (84). The colonists “plan is commerce, and that, well attended to, will secures the peace and friendship of all Europe; because it is the interest of all Europe to have America as a free port. Her trade will always be a protection, and her barrenness of gold and silver secure her from invaders” (86).
One reason was the salutary neglect that Britain were doing on the colonies. Another reason was the unfair acts that the British government continued to place on the colonies without any restrictions. A principle that Thomas Paine brought up was the idea of a small distant land ruled a large continent being contrary to common sense. He also said that for people to pledge allegiance to a king whose government was corrupt and whose rules were unreasonable was not right.
Chris Shannon: Mr. Paine, how did you get to America and what was your role in the American Revolution? Thomas Paine: At first, I was an excise officer in England. I was dismissed, though, after writing that a raise in pay would be the only way to end corruption in the field. I was lucky enough to run into Benjamin Franklin while he was in England though, and he told me that I should move to America and gave me some contacts in the colonies, so I could get a job once I moved there (Foner) I arrived in America on November 1774 and went to work for the Pennsylvania Magazine for about a year and a half.
If all that was said about Thomas Paine was true, then I don’t see why we don’t recognize him as one of the Founding Fathers. Jefferson, himself, even stated that Paine did as much labor as any other man. The only reason I can think that we as Americans haven’t officially recognized him as a Founding Father is because of all that was said about him. Thomas Paine had a way with words and freely expressed them without a care. In 1794, there is an excerpt on Christianity in the book The Age of Reason that was very harsh.
Throughout the excerpts of Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” he makes many compelling points on why America during that time was in the perfect position for independence. In the first paragraph Paine writes about how the economy of the colonies could thrive if they were not under the rule of the Britain. He makes points on how if America was not limited in trade by Britain and the colonies had its own legislative branch the economy would be a lot stronger. In the second paragraph Thomas Paine talks about how in the past if the colonies tried to rebel their military would not have been ready but during the time “Common Sense” was written the American military was ready. Another factor in why Paine supported Colonist independence was because it was
In an interaction with Thomas Paine through his essay “The Age of Reason,” I noticed many saddening facts about his life. One belief Paine puts forth in his essay is that he believes in one god. However as the reader continues, Paine explains that he does not believe in the God of the Bible, the Trinity, or any such thing. The question that surfaced as I finished reading his piece was, “if Paine’s god is not the one defined by the Bible, then what god does he believe in?”
“The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind” (Paine 1). With the Revolutionary War beginning in 1775, and the publication of Common Sense, by Thomas Paine, only a year later, this statement was widely recognized and addressed the issue at hand: the fight for independence. According to Paine’s assertion, America’s desire for peace and freedom is a basic necessity of life; it is what all men desire. Despite this innate thirst for liberty, many residents of America’s thirteen colonies were fearful of Great Britain, and because of this fear, complied with Great Britain’s every whim. Consequently, most colonists were hesitant to fight against the mother country for independence.
Common Sense was an important stepping stone towards independence. Thomas Paine was a person who advocated and supported egalitarian principles. He believed that all people are equal and deserved equal rights and opportunities. Thomas goal was to influence to people in the Thirteen Colonies to stand for independence from Great Britain. The thirteen colonies were a group of British colonies on the east coast of North America.
“Common Sense” also played a major role in shaping a colonial squabble into the American Revolution. When Paine wrote “Common Sense” many colonist considered themselves to be “aggrieved Britons”. Paine wanted the whole world to be free, his
In his discussion, Paine argues out that apart from gaining international respect, America would advance its own security and commerce by being able to trade with other partners in Europe and the globe. He mentions that all Europe should benefit from America’s goods not only Britain. He explains that by saying British are not the only people who settled the continent but different parts of Europe, so British should not be the only European country to benefit from the colonies. As a result of all the reasons above, the colonies needed no reason to continue submitting to Britain authority and should gain their
Paine stated that when the colonies finally succeed in obtaining their freedom from Britain, America would benefit from trade with other countries. However, obtaining freedom would be difficult because many countries did not want freedom for the colonies. Many countries in Europe wanted to get a piece of America for themselves. The global significance of the American struggle for independence was human rights and freedom. 3.
Paine is against America having a connection with Britain and a single person having power. As Paine expresses, King George III is not and should not be able to be in power of the colonists because mankind is created to be equal and therefore kings should be “disapproved by nature” (Paine 217). Not only does Paine express his anger at the topic of a ruler for all, he also voices that America is connected to whatever Britain does and whatever problems Britain has: implying that America has no say what so ever under Britain (Paine 218). Paine is suggesting that Britain is not only hurting but also is subordinating America and its colonies, so a declaration of independence is in need.
Before this many Colonists did not know of the harsh injustices done by the British. They also did not believe that the cause for revolution was urgent. Thomas Paine showed them that the cause was urgent by explaining the wrongs the British had committed and why King George was a tyrant. He also showed them that America did not need the British Empire 's protection. This quote shows his reasoning “Small islands, not capable of protecting themselves, are the proper objects for kingdoms to take under their care; but there is something absurd, in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island.”
