Thomas Paine's Argumentative Analysis

Prior to 1776, independence, in the eyes of the American colonists, was nothing but a foolish dream. In Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, he denounces the authority of the British government, arguing that Britain has no right to govern America. In his efforts to refute Paine, James Chalmers, a Loyalist, wrote Plain Truth, arguing that separation from Britain would be harmful to the already hurting colonies. Paine, in his attempts to persuade the colonies for freedom from Britain, presents his arguments for American independence while Chalmers, in his biting polemic, ridiculed Paine in his arguments against independence, arguing for reconciliation with Britain. In one of his points advocating independence, Paine argued that America is far too vast and complex to be ruled by a small island like Britain. Paine writes, “Small islands not capable of protecting themselves are the proper objects for government to take under their care…it is evident they belong to different systems. England to Europe: America to itself” (Paine 150). Similarly, he argues

He claimed that as long as America is a part of Britain, no other power would intervene on behalf of America. He argued that in the eyes of other foreign powers, such as France or Spain, the American colonies are seen as rebels, and any foreign help will be used to our advantage and not to the foreign countries’ benefit. Paine urges Americans to strive for independence now, for if they prolong the process, the British will take more of their land. Paine writes, “and until an independence is declared, the Continent will feel itself like a man who continues putting off some unpleasant business from day to day, yet knows it must be done, hates to set about it, wishes it over, and is continually haunted with the thoughts of its necessity” (153). This quote shows that the only way that the colonies will receive independence is if they pursue it immediately instead of