Thomas Paine’s Common Sense (1776) argued for
American independence as the only alternative
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense is a pamphlet that was published in 1776, at the beginning of the American Revolution. The pamphlet was written to persuade colonists to support the idea of independence from Britain.
The main argument of Common Sense was for the colonies to break away from British rule and declare independence. Paine believed that it was absurd for a small island like Great Britain to rule over a large continent like America. Paine also argued that the British government had failed in its responsibility to protect the rights of colonial citizens and that the colonies would be better off governing themselves.
Furthermore, Paine’s Common Sense was influential in shaping public opinion and played a key role in motivating the colonies to declare independence from Britain. Common Sense was widely read and distributed throughout the colonies, and it helped to galvanize support for the revolutionary cause. Its arguments resonated with many colonists who were unhappy with British rule and were looking for a way to assert their independence.
In summary, Thomas Paine’s Common Sense presented a powerful argument for independence from British rule based on the principles of natural rights and self-rule. It played a critical role in shaping American public opinion and ultimately led to the declaration of independence.
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