Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine the Known Philosopher
By
Aysha Martin
History 1112: World civilization since 1500
March 13, 2014
Thomas Paine was known as a philosopher and writer, but he was not associated with these careers until 1774 when Paine made his journey to America. During this time America and Britain were at odds with each other. Britain was forcing authority on America and creating a division between the two that could never be mended. It was this concern that sparked Paine’s interest and gave him a passion for the colonist‘s independence. Paine understood there were no grounds for the Colonies to continue their dependence on Britain. He began his stand with the publication of Common Sense, a political pamphlet. He wanted to be the voice for the common man and promote an urgent need for independence from Britain. Common Sense was a key element in increasing the focus on the rising revolution. The pamphlet placed blame on the British government for the distress of the colonies. Paine’s writing stated Britain was taking advantage of America through taxes and by using its corrupt power to keep the colonist in submission. It was this writing that became a stepping stone for the American Revolution and the changes that would soon follow. Thomas Paine's drastic thinking and legendary writings were what helped provoke the Colonies to fight for liberty and freedom. It was his writings that provided the inspiration necessary for many colonists to support the movement for independence from Britain. Paine had no idea that his writing of Common Sense would start such a revolt. In retrospect, he was simply trying to give the colonists a voice and wanted his own opinion to be heard. He knew what the people were experiencing and wanted to help further the cause. In response to Paine’s writing, Congress wrote its own document requesting independence from Britain. The British government rejected the Declaration of Independence, which ultimately led to the War
By
Aysha Martin
History 1112: World civilization since 1500
March 13, 2014
Thomas Paine was known as a philosopher and writer, but he was not associated with these careers until 1774 when Paine made his journey to America. During this time America and Britain were at odds with each other. Britain was forcing authority on America and creating a division between the two that could never be mended. It was this concern that sparked Paine’s interest and gave him a passion for the colonist‘s independence. Paine understood there were no grounds for the Colonies to continue their dependence on Britain. He began his stand with the publication of Common Sense, a political pamphlet. He wanted to be the voice for the common man and promote an urgent need for independence from Britain. Common Sense was a key element in increasing the focus on the rising revolution. The pamphlet placed blame on the British government for the distress of the colonies. Paine’s writing stated Britain was taking advantage of America through taxes and by using its corrupt power to keep the colonist in submission. It was this writing that became a stepping stone for the American Revolution and the changes that would soon follow. Thomas Paine's drastic thinking and legendary writings were what helped provoke the Colonies to fight for liberty and freedom. It was his writings that provided the inspiration necessary for many colonists to support the movement for independence from Britain. Paine had no idea that his writing of Common Sense would start such a revolt. In retrospect, he was simply trying to give the colonists a voice and wanted his own opinion to be heard. He knew what the people were experiencing and wanted to help further the cause. In response to Paine’s writing, Congress wrote its own document requesting independence from Britain. The British government rejected the Declaration of Independence, which ultimately led to the War