The Arguments of Thomas Paine and James Chalmers Over the Revolutionary War

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The Revolutionary War was one of America’s earliest battles and one of many. Although, many came to America to gain independence from Great Britain many still had loyalty for the King and their laws. Others believed that America needs to be separated from Great Britain and control their own fate and government. I will analyze the arguments of Thomas Paine and James Chalmers. Should America be sustained by Great Britain or find their own passage? America is deemed to be the safe haven for all those who are escaping persecution in their country for religious rights and personal freedom. The fundamentals and foundation of America is that all are equal and all have the right for a better life. Where else in the world do you have the luxury of the pursuit of happiness and prosperity? However, because America is so diverse and sensitive to the plight of people wanting to obtain what America stands for, unfortunately we place ourselves in impossible predicaments around the world and the Revolutionary War is no different. Thomas Paine wrote the Common Sense and in this pamphlet he wrote about America’s separation and independence from Great Britain. His argument stated that America is a large continent and we are in charge of our own fate and direction (Paine 107). Paine further explained that people migrated to America to escape the control of the King and his laws. Paine introduced a theory when comparing America to a small island, that it is possible if separated we can come together and make our own laws and run the country as we see fit (Paine 109). Paine believes that we are no longer in need of Britain’s help and that we can eventually form alliances with other countries as we stand alone outside of Britain’s control. Paine’s d... ... middle of paper ... ...erall, Great Britain wanted to rule colonies to benefit themselves and only concerned for their own welfare and not that of the American people. In conclusion, without struggle and without sacrifice this country would not have gained the independence and prove that united we stand and divide we fall. Thomas Paine quite elegantly put it “however strange it may appear to some, or however unwilling they may be to think so, matters not, but many strong and striking reasons may be given to shew, that nothing can settle our affairs so expeditiously as an open and determined declaration of independence” (Paine 111). Works Cited Chalmers, James. "Plain Truth." Shi, David and Mayer, Holly. For the Record. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2013. Paine, Thomas. "Common Sense." Shi, David and Mayer, Holly. For the Record. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2013.

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