Common Sense: An Influence on American Independence
analytical Essay
1222 words
What would influence you to fight for American Independence? Would your family's’ views, your friend’s views, or the views of a political pamphlet influence you? In the beginning of the American Revolution, a man by the name of Thomas Paine wrote a political pamphlet that would influence many Americans to fight for independence from Britain. Thomas Pain used several ideas that include government is a necessary evil, America will eventually be independent, Britain will always oppress the American Colonies to influence the American People, and the importance of allies. Thomas Paine was born on January 29th, 1737 in Thetford, England. He began working for his father at the age of 13 which is when his formal education ended. He became a tax-collector and began teaching himself to further his short-lived formal education. Paine was released from his tax-collecting job for pushing for higher wages stating that higher wages would reduce corruption (Claeys). A few months before the American Revolution began he moved to America after meeting Benjamin Franklin who urged him to move to America (Henretta and Brody). Paine had not entertained the idea of independence from Britain when he arrived in America. He thought it was “a kind of treason” to break away from Britain. It was not until the Battle of Lexington in 1775 that he considered “the compact between Britain and America to be broken” (Claeys). This idea of a broken compact allowed Thomas Paine to write a political pamphlet. Thomas Paine published his political pamphlet entitled, Common Sense, on January 10th, 1776 in Philadelphia (Claeys). At this time, his pamphlet did a great job of rallying Americans together and even gave the war a purpose: to seek full independence from... ... middle of paper ... ...itten (Claeys). There were several factors that influenced the American People to fight for their independence. One such factor was Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. This political pamphlet ignited American spirit and gave purpose to the war. It gave reasons why government was a necessary evil, why American independence was inevitable, why British oppression was inevitable, and why foreign allies were important. These radical ideas allowed the American people to band together to stand up and fight for their independence from the British Government. Works Cited Claeys, Gregory. Thomas Paine: Social and Political Thought. Boston: Unwin Hyman, 1989. ebook Collection (EBSCOhost). 16 25 2013. Henretta, James A and David* Brody. America: A concise History . Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2010. Document. Paine, Thomas. Common Sense. Philadelphia : R. Bell, 1737. Document .
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how paine argues that america has the "largest body of armed and disciplined men under heaven" which is needed to break the hold that britain has over the colonies.
- Analyzes how thomas paine's political pamphlet, common sense, influenced many americans to fight for independence from britain.
- Analyzes paine's argument that the american people will be oppressed if they continue to be ruled by the british government.
- Explains claeys, gregory, thomas paine: social and political thought, boston: unwin hyman, 1989. henretta, james a, and david brody, america: a concise history.
Related
- analytical
- comparative
- Thomas Paine’s Common Sense was a powerful and successful propaganda weapon used to promote his idea of independence from Britain. In order to prove that seeking independence was necessary at this time in history, Paine wrote about the relationship between society and government, his opinions about the British monarchy and the King, and the freedoms he believed had been stolen from the colonists. Common Sense was written in terms that were easily relatable to the colonist of this time period. After they finished reading his work, many colonists’ opinions about the British were swayed by his strong words. Even though Paine arrived in America quite late, he was able to make a significant difference by changing the colonists’ views, which ultimately
In this essay, the author
- Explains that thomas paine's common sense was a powerful and successful propaganda weapon used to promote his idea of independence from britain.
- Analyzes thomas paine's views on the distinction between society and government, stating that government is an evil, while society is a blessing.
- Analyzes how paine's hatred and concerns about the king and monarchy were another reason he called for a revolution.
- Analyzes how paine argued for starting a revolution before conditions in new england got worse.
- Analyzes how paine called for declaring independence because he felt it was a good time for america to revolt due to its size and navy, as compared to britain's.
- Explains that not all people who read common sense agreed with paine's ideas. he believed the slave trade was a sin and that it was the devil’s work.
- Analyzes how thomas paine's common sense was able to reach a wide audience because he was an understandable writer and used the bible to appeal to his audience.
- Describes thomas paine as the "father of the revolution" who composed and distributed powerful and effective arguments to the masses of freedom-hungry colonists.
1398 wordsRead More - Analysis Of Thomas Paine's Common Senseanalytical essayThrough showing colonists that the last resort to free themselves from Britain was important, Thomas Paine helped influence the revolution, while slightly influencing the Declaration of Independence. Only after Common Sense came out did the founding fathers realize they needed independence. Even they were not brave enough to stand against British rule. There are quite a few differences between the language used in the Declaration and Common Sense. While Common sense was written for common people to read, the Declaration was written in a way to get alliances with Europe. One of the alliances was with England, which Thomas Paine wanted to cut off all ties with England. The founding fathers did have more lose if they went down Paine’s route, the British could have them killed. “The state of a king shuts him from the world, yet the business of a king requires him to know it thoroughly; wherefore the different parts, unnaturally opposing and destroying each other, prove the whole character to be absurd and
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how paine spoke bluntly and plainly to win over more colonists for freedom. he wanted independence and for america to be a beacon of freedom for other countries.
- Analyzes how paine's appeal to logos was highly used in common sense, when he pointed out reasons to break free of britain.
- Analyzes how paine uses ethos to show his sense of morality. his blunt speech shows how caring he is as a leader.
- Analyzes how thomas paine helped influence the revolution, while influencing the declaration of independence. the declaration was written to get alliances with europe.
1015 wordsRead More - The year is 1776, the Declaration of Independence has been written, signed, and approved. America was now a considered an independent nation. None of this would have happened if it were not for the many thoughts, ideas, and opinions shared in Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”. There are many similarities and very minimal differences between both the Declaration of Independence and Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” because Paine had published what most of the American colonists were all wanting, the Declaration of Independence solidified those ideas into a proclamation for Independence.
In this essay, the author
- Compares the declaration of independence and thomas paine's "common sense" and explains the similarities and minimal differences between the two.
- Analyzes how thomas paine's "common sense" expresses his desire for america to receive independence from britain.
- Explains that the declaration of independence shares many of the same ideas as thomas paine's "common sense" and outlines four major themes: equality, consent, duty, and the list of 26 charges against the monarchy of england.
- Analyzes how the declaration of independence focuses on 26 different charges against the british monarchy for not being what a respectful government should be towards their citizens.
- Compares the declaration of independence and thomas paine's "common sense". both states that people have the rights to life, liberty, and property.
- Compares the declaration of independence and thomas paine's "common sense" based on who wrote the document and what their personal beliefs were.
- Analyzes how thomas paine's "common sense" has influenced the declaration of independence, the separation from britain, and the creation of our new government.
1503 wordsRead More - Thomas Paine and Thomas Jeffersonanalytical essayThomas Paine was one of the great supporters of the American Revolution. He was a journalist and used his pen and paper to urge the public to break free from Great Brittan. He wrote anonymously, yet addressed the public as he spoke out about his beliefs. The first pamphlet he published, influencing independence from Brittan, was called Common Sense
In this essay, the author
- Explains that thomas paine was a journalist who urged the public to break free from great brittan. he wrote anonymously, yet addressed public as he spoke out about his beliefs.
- Analyzes how paine believed that america needed to break free of the british clutches. he spoke out against slavery and joined the army to fight the war.
- Explains that although thomas paine had great thoughts and ideas, it wasn't until thomas jefferson helped write the declaration of independence that america came to his side of thinking.
- Analyzes how jefferson thought that the monarchy in england had gone bad. he describes the king in vivid detail.
- Analyzes how jefferson discusses wanting to be an individual country completely separated from england. the new world wants to conduct war and peace on their own terms, be able to trade freely and contract alliances.
- Explains that paine and jefferson had many common goals and set the tone for future governments to step up and make a difference.
466 wordsRead More - Difference Between Common Sense And The Declaration Of Independencecomparative essayIn the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson appeals to patriotism. Jefferson ensures this by persuading the colonists to become self-governing. He tries to let all of the people of the New World understand that they have protested and defended themselves against the British for all of the corrupt acts the British have committed upon the colonists. Jefferson’s tone in the Declaration of Independence portrays how tiresome he has grown of the British rule after all of the deception towards Americans. Included within the idea of patriotism, is the idea of loyalty to the fundamental values and principles underlying American democracy. Thomas Paine also provides patriotism to get advocates for the movement to separate from the British forces. Correspondingly, Paine persuades Americans that they will prosper in numerous areas without the control of the British saying, “Is the power who is jealous of our prosperity, a proper power to govern us? Whoever says No to this question is an independent, for independency means no more, than, whether we shall make our own laws…” (Paine). Paine uses a demanding tone to convince Americans that if they should accept the ties with Britain, it will bring ruin and distress to the
In this essay, the author
- Compares common sense and the declaration of independence. both documents call for independence, patriotism, and government and society.
- Compares thomas paine's common sense and the declaration of independence by thomas jefferson. both documents called for the independence of the american colonies under the british crown.
- Compares the declaration of independence and common sense in terms of patriotism. jefferson's tone portrays how tiresome he has grown of the british rule after all the deception towards americans.
- Opines that government and society are similar, although they had different ideas on how to go about it.
- Concludes that both of these writers focus on how americans need to come together as one nation to separate themselves from the british in order to prosper.
979 wordsRead More - The Importance Of Independence In Thomas Paine's Common Senseanalytical essayCommon Sense Essay Thomas Paine’s Common Sense an extremely influential piece of American history that helped shaped the future of our country. It gave many reasons of why the colonies should break away from Britain and declare independence. After being published, it sold well over 100,000 copies in the first few months. Paine was able to make all the reasons of why the colonies should break away from Britain available to many people and was able to convince them that these reasons were strong and worthy.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how thomas paine's common sense is an influential piece of american history that helped shape the future of our country.
- Analyzes paine's argument that the king of britain and being under the monarchy is of no help to the colonies.
- Analyzes paine's point that the king has too much power over britain and the americas. the colonists have no say in what laws are made.
- Analyzes paine's point that if the colonies stay under the rule of britain, people from around the world will not want to migrate to the americas because of how many problems happen under a monarchy.
- Analyzes how thomas paine's common sense was able to give the people of the colonies reasons why they should declare independence from britain.
919 wordsRead More - Essay on Common Senseanalytical essayOne of the most fundamental people in the push for American Independence, Thomas Paine offers much advice in both Common Sense, and The Crisis. Paine offers very strong arguments in Common Sense, which are supported by his own reason, his sensibility, his common sense and by his ability to draw inference from what has already happened. Paine uses every element in his ability to help give more depth to his arguments and plans. However, of all the cases Thomas Paine makes in Common Sense, the ultimate goal of Paine is to incite the American Public to make a stand against British tyranny, and break from Britain altogether, and become independent.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that thomas paine offers strong arguments in common sense and the crisis, which are supported by his own reason, sensibility, common sense, and his ability to draw inference from what has already happened.
- Explains thomas paine's view that all people are born with certain inalienable rights, which by no means a government can reserve the right to take away.
- Analyzes paine's argument that american revolution is justified by the lack of other peaceful means of trying to resolve the issues at hand.
- Analyzes how thomas paine's common sense shows that he is against monarchical government, stating that power is unbalanced and vested in the hands of a single person.
- Explains that while the british have a bigger army and navy, america would be fighting on its own soil.
- Analyzes paine's argument that the colonies should break away from britain, stating that britain is the parent country, and we are her like her child.
- Analyzes how paine tries to establish that the reverend is not the single mind of the whole religious society, and each person's religion comes down to being between that individual and god.
- Analyzes how thomas paine incorporates god into his arguments in common sense and the crisis. he uses god to compare to a merciful government.
- Analyzes how thomas paine's the crisis helps to give moral support and confidence boost to those who have already begun to fight back against british tyranny.
- Analyzes how paine states in the first paragraph of the crisis that there will be those who have spoken out against the british, but now that the fighting has begun, some will not partake in fighting for their liberty.
1188 wordsRead More - Thomas Paine's The American Revolutionanalytical essayThomas Paine anonymously wrote “Common Sense”, a pamphlet discussing the ideas of independence from Britain. This helped the colonists put their frustrations with their government into words. Paine wrote it so simply that anyone could understand his ideas, and it was quite persuasive. He says, “The sun never shined on a cause of greater worth.” (Baym 326) Essentially, Thomas Paine explains how independence from the monarchy would be a really wonderful thing, and he ultimately explains that this independence is inevitable. He talks about how Britain is the parent of America. He compares America to a child growing independent of its parents. Although at one point, America was “flourish[ing] under her former connection with Great Britain”, he says that now it is time for America to grow independent. He uses the example of a child who has been raised on milk never moving on to eating meat. Although the child grew a lot on milk, that doesn’t mean that he wouldn’t continue to grow by eating meat, by gaining more independence. (Baym 326) And he says that while Britain is their parent country, parents shouldn’t “devour their young,” or “make war upon their families.” (Baym 327) He’s using this extended parent example to show that America really doesn’t need a parent country anymore. This idea of total independence from Britain put a lot in perspective for Americans at the time. They became empowered and confident in this idea of
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how thomas paine anonymously wrote "common sense", a pamphlet discussing the ideas of independence from britain, which helped the colonists put their frustrations with their government into words.
- Analyzes how the "federalist papers" were written to convince the people that a new constitution would be beneficial.
- Opines that the american revolution is just the tip of the iceberg for what has made america what it is today. without thomas paine's "common sense", america wouldn't have become our own country.
- Explains that the american revolution revolutionized america's way of thinking and governing. it was a trial and error effort.
- Analyzes how thomas jefferson's words reflect the way the colonists felt. they were angry, and had every right to be.
1410 wordsRead More - Common Senseanalytical essayThe persuasion towards independence represented through the pamphlet Common Sense, is largely effective. The work portrays the unjust treatment received by the colonies from the mother country, England. Thomas Paine begins with the creation of government, as lived by the colonist, and progresses to the wrongful acts administered by Parliament and the King of England. Finally, Thomas Paine gives confidence to the unity of the colonies, and details a forceful removal of English authority.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the pamphlet common sense portrays the unjust treatment received by the colonies from the mother country, england.
- Analyzes how thomas paine explains how the colonies began governing themselves. the groundwork laid the path for the argument to take place.
- Explains how the king succession rule distances the colonies each time it is implemented, because the colonists are consistently being stuck with wrongful governing and no election power.
- Analyzes thomas paine's argument about the peace at mind and military protection provided by the mother country, and the time it would take to produce english armed services on american soil.
- Analyzes how paine expresses the need for a navy to give the colonies their own safety factor. the plan is backed with documentation and cost analysis, but there were definite loose ends.
- Analyzes how thomas paine feels england is treating the colonists unfairly and is disappointed in the way they are governed.
- Analyzes how thomas paine effectively supported his thesis in common sense. he lays his arguments down in logical order in that one point leads to another.
672 wordsRead More - The American crisis by Thomas Paineanalytical essayDuring 1776, the United States was at war to gain its own independence from the hands of the tyrant King George III and his kingdom. As the fightt continued, the spirits of the U.S. soldiers began to die out as the nightmares of winter crawled across the land. Thomas Paine, a journalist, hoped to encourage the soldiers back into the fight through one of his sixteen pamphlets, “The American Crisis (No.1)”. In order to rebuild the hopes of the downhearted soldiers, Thomas Paine establishes himself as a reliable figure, enrages them with the crimes of the British crown, and, most importantly evokes a sense of culpability.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how thomas paine, a journalist, encourages the soldiers back into the fight through his sixteen pamphlets, "the american crisis (no.1)".
- Analyzes how paine's pamphlet establishes to his audience that he is a reliable figure by establishing to claim god is with the audience and that god will not give up on them.
- Analyzes how paine infuriates his audience with the corrupted actions of the british crown.
- Analyzes how pain's language evokes infuriation, but ultimately ignites a sense of culpability into his audience. paine logically concludes that the war should only be fought as long as the audience is still alive.
- Analyzes how paine assures his audience that he is reliable, enrages them with the tyrannical actions of the british crown, and induces a sense of culpability upon them.
1086 wordsRead More