Thomas Paine's View Of American Independence

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense was an influential pamphlet that inspired most American colonists to seek for their independence. Through his pamphlet, he professed negligence in the form of government of Great Britain. He highlighted several grievances of the unjust laws forced by the London Parliament that limited a policy of foreign relations, and the territorial advantage the colonies possessed over Britain. All his claims influenced most colonists a will for freedom from the chains that bound them to Britain. This idea of independence was integrated into the consciousness of men and became a common desire. In the political document, Paine took the growing revolutionary sentiment to focus on the guilt of the British monarchy for the suffering of the colonies. The Common Sense harshly criticized the British crown. “In England a king hath little more to do than to make war and give away places; which in
plain terms, is to impoverish the nation and set it together by the ears (Paine).” Much of his criticism is focused on the irrationality of the monarchy as a form of government and the British system of parliamentary monarchy, which were institutions based on inequality. Even though Britain did not have an absolute monarchy, he was behaving tyrannically with the colonies, putting their interests above the will and needs of the settlers. Therefore, what Common Sense dictated was the need for independence of the colonies and the establishment of a republic. It included a proposal for organizing the newly independent republic. He persuaded for “a government of their own” that protects the people rights and that truly represents the people’s say. In effect, his argument enhanced an important step to the beginnings of a democratic form of government formed by an elected president and delegates in a Congress which contrasted the abusive and authoritarian characteristics of a monarchy. Paine stated that colonies have little to gain by maintaining its link with Britain. He thought that commerce may be better conducted, but only after America became independent. He also provides that if the colonies are held together with Britain, the same “European contentions” that have arisen in the past would reemerge in the future. Consequently, it is best to remain politically neutral and away from negative impacts caused by America’s connection with Britain (Paine 4). To reverse this situation Paine first focuses on the present size of the colonies, and its current capabilities. It presents the territorial advantage of the thirteen colonies over the island of Great Britain. It seems inconceivable that such a small island could still govern the extensive colonial land. Also. he presents an inventory of the British navy and reveals how America could build a navy with a comparable size. Paine recommends this as a way to ensure the defense of America and prosperity in trade. And though, if the Americans are rebelling now, they can use the vast amounts of the land in the west as a way to pay part of the debt that will undergo. Shortly after its publication, the spirit of argument Paine echoed in the American Declaration of Independence. He awoke in the settlers motivation needed to trigger the first successful anti-colonial action in the American history. In response, “of the argument that America has flourished under her former connection with Great Britain”, Paine replied that such an argument fails and realizes that the colonies have evolved and no longer need the help of Britain (Paine 2).
Therefore, it caused a splitting of political opinions, on one side Americans that wanted to be independent of the British crown named Patriots, and in the other Loyalists that opposed to fight against the mother country. Loyalists stated that Britain has protected America, and therefore deserves an alliance, but Paine replied that Britain has only cared of America with the intention of securing their own economic welfare. He adds that instead of caring for the colonies Britain has attacked them, therefore, they do not deserve the loyalty of the Americans. Nonetheless, the Patriots side inspired by Paine’s beliefs remained more notable than the Loyalists that later rebelled against Great Britain (Cohen & Kennedy 141-143). As a result, these movements caused the first significant steps toward an independence of the
colonies. Given these points, the Common Sense presented controversial topics of a republic government that protect the rights of the people. Unlike, monarchy and aristocracy that have looked for their own benefit. He tried to convince the settlers of the several advantages the colonies have over the small island of Great Britain and presented the accurate reasons how the English crown have economically damage the colonies. Definitely, this document convinced many colonists and became a principal cause that impulsed the independence of America.