Common Sense Thomas Paine Analysis

Words: 776

Pages: 4

Open Document

Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense between 1775 and 1776. Within this pamphlet, Thomas Paine argued four main points. First he believed that proper representation in government leads to a stronger government and happier citizens. Second he argued that monarchy and hereditary succession are sinful and unsuccessful forms of government. Third he claimed through multiple examples that Britain is hurting the colonies rather than helping them and he offers an idea for a replacement government. Finally he asks the colonists to leave while they still can. Paine used both moral and political arguments in his pamphlet, Common Sense, in order to make a compelling case that could convince the colonists to fight for their own freedom and declare independence from Great Britain. Paine’s first section titled, I. Of the Origin and Design of Government in general, with concise Remarks on the English Constitution, emphasized the necessity of government and representation in government. He begins by differentiating between society and government. He believed that society was a state in which everyone was moral, infallible and happy, it was the ultimate goal. Unfortunately Paine recognized that people were inherently unmoral at times. As a result, he realized that a government that can supply protection and security were necessary. He …show more content…
He uses this section to explain to the colonists why they need to fight and separate from the British Empire. Paine talks of the potential force of an American military. He explains how we have the natural resources to create a navy more powerful than Britain’s and how we have plenty of men who are willing to sacrifice everything for freedom. Paine believes that because of Britain’s expansive empire, its naval assets are spread out two thin, which leaves them vulnerable against a strong and newly formed American

Common Sense By Thomas Paine Analysis

Common Sense by Thomas Paine was, by far, the most influential pamphlet about the colonial situation in the 1700’s. Published in 1776, the same year as the Declaration of Independence, this pamphlet challenges the British royal monarchy and advocates the revolution of the American colonies. Paine addresses many grievances he has with the British’s oppressive control over the American colonies, his biggest being their entire structure of society. Power in eighteenth century England was hereditary…

Words 906 - Pages 4

Analysis Of Common Sense By Thomas Paine

“Inclement Weather Assignment” Essay “Common Sense” was a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1776. His purpose was to give the information to the people, for them to understand and use common sense when decided whether or not to separate from England. He wanted the people to understand what was happening, so that they could form their own government and decide. The message from the piece is that the colonies no longer need Great Britain and that they are no longer dependent. This piece, as well…

Words 442 - Pages 2

Common Sense By Thomas Paine: An Analysis

Common Sense was a radical literary piece written by Thomas Paine during the Revolutionary War. It was a wartime pamphlet inspiring Americans to unite and revolt against the unjust ways of the British empire led by King George. The pamphlet described a better and unoppressed society and set forth actions Americans should take to achieve this better world. While describing the new American culture, Thomas Paine, states that “In America, the law is king.”(3) This concept challenges classic beliefs…

Words 862 - Pages 4

Thomas Paine Common Sense Analysis

In the eye opening work “Common Sense”, by Thomas Paine, Paine expresses his internal thoughts of how and why Britain is a leech to the United States. Within “Common Sense,” Paine introduces problematic Britain with ideas of how power is obtained, whether it’s violence, fear, or manipulation. Paine then proceeds to deliberately states Britain’s intentions through theoretical reasoning. He soon follows up with statements of the blossoming of America and how it’s only growing due to the fact that they…

Words 964 - Pages 4

Thomas Paines Common Sense Analysis

Thomas Paines Common Sense discusses his opinion on American Independence and the development of a democratic republic. He first introduces the government and society, detailing how they differentiate from each other, but also how they tie into each other. There are supporting facts such as the government's purpose and origins and how we as one should determine whether it has accomplished its goals. Considering a scenario which was altogether a situation that will determine what system of representation…

Words 228 - Pages 1

Common Sense Essay

Michelle Ingold Analysis of a Selection of Common Sense In 1776, only a few months before the signing of the Declaration of Independence Thomas Paine published Common Sense. This pamphlet enlightened the colonists about the overbearing nature of the English monarchy and spread the idea of Independence into the heads of the influential men of the thirteen colonies. Thomas Paine specifically wrote Common Sense with language that the common man could understand instead of the overly flowery language…

Words 1308 - Pages 6

Common Sense Essay

Common Sense “A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason”(324). Opening lines from Common Sense gives an insight of Paine, and his frustrations with the rule of England. During this time America was still under the rule of England, although many America’s were discontent with the treatment of their nation not much was…

Words 963 - Pages 4

Common Sense Essay

February 5, 2014 Common Sense Analysis In the novel: Common Sense, Thomas Paine addresses many points about the British government and how it is proclaimed to be fair and in the best interest of the people, but in reality Paine states that its actually not and that the Monarchy was too powerful. Paine says that people get society and government confused and that “society” is something that you strive for, and referred to the “government” as a “necessary evil.” The novel: Common Sense was produced…

Words 390 - Pages 2

Nancy Stanlick On The Declaration Of Independence

Thomas Paine is the author of a revolutionary pamphlet Common Sense in where he proposes the United States be granted freedom from the English, setting up a political revolution. According to Silver and Stanlick (2004). “Common Sense inflamed further the passions of the radicals and helped move moderates and fence sitters to favor independence over compromise” (Silver and Stanlick. P.38). Thomas Paine pleaded his case for the American Revolution. Thereafter comes Thomas Jefferson who…

Words 682 - Pages 3

History: American Revolutionary War and Benjamin Franklin Essay

GEORGE WASHINGTON is a man that will never be forgotten for his core values and astonishing war efforts. He will always be known for winning the war, becoming the first president, and shaping the way the constitution was written. During his youth and adulthood George Washington played a huge role in the outcome of the war, he was the commander in chief of the Continental Army in 1775–1783. George Washington was born into the gentry and was quickly put as a senior officer for the colonial forces against…

Words 1737 - Pages 7