Thomas Paine's Common Sense encouraged the colonists to establish independence from Britain, as he attacked the principles of hereditary rule and monarchical government. Paine believed that society is constructive when people work together towards common goals, with the government's role being to protect citizens from their own vices. In his first passage, Paine criticized the monarchy and the power imbalance it holds, with Britain abusing this power to create inequality in society. He believed that birth does not give anyone natural right to rule, encouraging corruption and war through the lineage of rulers. This was one reason Paine believed colonists should break away from England. Another reason was that they did not have to rely on British aid anymore, as Britain had taxed them without representation and had never truly protected America. Britain's loyalt
...y was based on interest, not attachment.
Thomas Paine compares America's flourishing under British rule to a child thriving on milk in their youth. However, he believes that America could have thrived even more if they were not burdened with tedious taxation and laws. Paine argues that declaring independence from Britain would secure the "peace and friendship of all of Europe" and grant Americans a free port unregulated by the Navigation Acts. Moreover, independence would enable America to establish a navy just as formidable as Britain's and expand their country under a truly balanced government. Although independence may lead to debt, Paine encourages them to pursue it now while their population is smaller, so they can receive help from other nations. Finally, he asserts that for democracy to thrive, all colonies should have equal weight.
Source: Fonder, E. (2004). Voice
of freedom: A documentary history. New York: W. W. Norton.
Fonder, E. (2012). Give me liberty: An American history. New York: W. W. Norton.
Thomas Paine (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.Sparseness.com.
Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" critiques hereditary rule and monarchy, arguing that they create an unbalanced monopoly of power. Paine finds fault with the distinction between kings and commoners, claiming that Britain abuses this power to create societal inequalities. He believes that birthright leaders perpetuate corruption and civil war as they are unable to change an oppressive system imposed upon them.
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