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...
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:…
