Thomas Paine\'s Common Sense

Thomas Paine's influential pamphlet, Common Sense, provided the inspiration for America's independence from Great Britain. Common sense reflected the common belief that British rule was often heavy-handed, unnecessary, and even unfounded. Thus, the success of Paine's Common Sense can be attributed to Paine's ability to tap into the beliefs of his audience, the American people.

Paine's Common Sense is divided into four key sections, plus an introduction. The first section describes Paine's thoughts on the origin and design of government and the relationship of these spots to the English constitution. The second section presents Paine's arguments against the validity of the English and monarchy in the colonies. Section three is an examination all of American political life in the late 1770s. The final, fourth section, describes the present ability of America to exist as a nation independent of British rule.

Paine's arguments for American independence are based on his understanding of the difference between government and society. To Paine society is what is good and constructive, and what joins people together. In contrast, government exists to protect human life, liberty, and property. Essentially, Paine then argues that British government is abundant with contradictions and inefficiencies that were damaging to American society.

Paine argues that man is born into a state of equality, and that the monarchy defies this natural state. Thoughts, he argues that British monarchy and hierarchical rule is essentially abominable and against the laws of nature.

The American situation, according to Paine, is such that America has in fall passed the need for British help or rule. He disputes the idea that Britain has protected America, and instead argues that Britain's interest in America has only been within the context of Britain's self-interest. Thus Britain is not deserving of American loyalty. Further, he argues the colonies have little or nothing to gain from an attachment to Great Britain. He notes that the time for independence is immediate, and better representative democracy would best serve the colonies. He provides a number of practical guidelines, including the building of a substantial American navy to protect America as security and trade interests. Finally, he argues that as long as America is a colony of Britain, it will have little respect from other nations, and will only be seen as a rebel.

Paine expressed the inevitability of America separation from Britain. He wrote, "I HAVE never met with a man, either in England or America, who hath not confessed his opinion, that a separation between the countries, would take place one time or other."

Background

Common Sense was first published on January 10, 1776. Paine's influential text was published during the context of great public dissatisfaction with English rule of the American colonies. Previously, in 1775, America and Britain had begun the Revolutionary war, in which America sought to end unfair British taxation. Further, the famed Boston Tea Party of 1773, and the subsequent British are reaction of restrictions to reassert control over America had helped lay the groundwork for Americans' dissatisfaction with British rule. Thus, Common sense tapped in to this widespread public sentiment, and extended to the arguments that America should seek complete independence from Great Britain, rather than simply asking for freedom from unfair taxation.

In writing Common Sense, Thomas Paine targeted specifically the current inhabitants of the American colonies. Paine was attempting to persuade his fellow Americans that the colonies should separate both politically and economically from British rule. Paine wanted nothing less than for Americans, as a whole, to reject British rule. He was certain that America is struggle for independence was grounded in solid moral reasoning. Wrote Paine, "The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind" (p. 4). Paine's text was aimed at consolidating public opinion on the importance and necessity of war in a context where many Americans were unsure of the war's purpose.

Paine's careful choice of words reflected his intention to persuade. His word choice was often powerful and clear. Words were chosen to incite feelings of pride in America, and to promote feelings of dissatisfaction with British rule. For example, in describing the unfairness to British rule, Paine described the "laying of a Country desolate with Fire and Sword, declaring War against the natural rights of all Mankind" (p. 4). Similarly, Paine described America as a proud and powerful nation on its own merits, a concept that was rapidly gaining favor in the colonies. Paine wrote "not a single advantage is derived" from connection with Great Britain.

Ultimately, Common Sense fulfilled Paine's objectives, and the popular text became a focal point for unifying public opinion for the cause of American independence. Paine himself became a popular public figure, and closely associated with the independence movement. The publication of Common Sense was a key factor in turning American public opinion to words a call for independence from Great Britain.