Sign Up Now
Get instant access to over 1 million+ study documents
OR
Already registered? click here to login
By creating your account, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and student honor code.
Common Sense Reaction Paper
In Common Sense, Thomas Paine argued for the independence of America from the English Crown. In doing so, he contributed at least philosophically to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, which came in 1776 and which stated in no uncertain terms that We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights[footnoteRef:2] By characterizing Britain as a brutish parent devouring her childrenthe American coloniesPaine made the case for separation, i.e., independence.[footnoteRef:3] Thanks to Paine and other influential thinkers, Congress passed the Declaration of Independence.[footnoteRef:4] [2: Declaration of Independence, 1776.] [3: Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776, 2.] [4: Independence, web file]
In Common Sense, Thomas Paine argues that the British monarchy is tyrannical and that the colonies should declare independence. He starts by making a case against monarchy in general, asserting that it leads to corruption and oppression. He then goes on to explain how the British monarchy has mistreated the colonists, violating their natural rights and depriving them of their liberty. Ultimately, Paine concludes that the only solution is for the colonies to sever ties with Britain and govern themselves.
The idea of independence is important to Paine because he believes that it is the only way to ensure that people are able to live freely and under just government. He also believes that independence will allow the colonists to create a new society based on reason and equal rights, rather than one based on tradition and hierarchy. In addition, Paine hopes that independence will serve as an example to other countries who are also struggling under tyrannical...…helped to shape public opinion in favor of independence. It was influential in the writing of other important works as well. In the months after its publication, several other important works were published that also called for independence. These include the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution. All of these documents were influenced by the ideas put forth in Common Sense, making it one of the most important works in American history.
All in all, Common Sense was written by Paine to promote the idea of the separation of the American colonies from Britain. It was polemical and combative, argumentative and biasedbut it was meant to influence and sway, and that is exactly what it did in the year 1776, when America was coming into its own. Paines Common Sense deserves no small thanks for what followed:…
Bibliography
Declaration of Independence, 1776.
Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776.
Independence, web file
American Revolution (1763-1783) American colonists went through the hard time before revolution. The 13 colonies faced various problems due to supremacy of Great Britain. They were imposed with certain illegal acts by the Britain Parliament that placed them under risk to their freedom and independence. Britain Parliament specifically enforced such series of Acts that influenced the colonists in trading. Roots and Significance of Stamp Act Controversy The Sugar Act was among the first
American Revolution's Emphasis On Individual Rights The American Revolution was in many ways a conflict over liberty -- a war between the ideology of the old world (as represented by the monarchy and the crown) and the new world (as represented by the Romantic/Enlightenment doctrine illustrated in Thomas Paine's Rights of Man). This paper will discuss the ways in which the early political experiences of our nation's forefathers gave the American
American Revolution New American History is full of many relevant events that have made a significant impact on the American History. Despite all the relevant things, it should be noted that America itself might not have been conceived if it had not been for the struggles that took place in the American Revolution. It was the starting point of the American history and the time when people were beginning to find
In a democratic society, however, the responsibility for making governmental decisions is transferred to the citizenry and it is incumbent that the citizenry be provided with at least a rudimentary education so that they are in position to make such decisions. Although the original U.S. Constitution did not initially grant women the right to vote and otherwise participate in the government, women were afforded, on a limited basis, to
The British Parliament came out with further unjust laws, designed to recoup war losses, that further fanned the flames of revolution. In 1765, parliament passed the Stamp Act, requiring all legal documents and permits, newspapers, and even playing card produced in the Americas carry a tax stamp. The law caused widespread resentment, and was never fully enforced. Economic growth The period of 1690 to 1760 saw massive changes in the social, political
American Revolution, written in 2002 by Gordon Wood on this seminal event, won the Bancroft Prize that is awarded annually by Columbia University for its distinguished portrayal of American history. In a short 166 pages, Wood conquers over 20 years in a very concise and interesting way -- despite the fact that this topic has been covered time and time again, often in a very dry fashion. The American Revolution is