Thomas Paine's Separation Of Imperial Britain

Words: 837
Pages: 4
Open Document
America came into being through a fairly unique set of circumstances, both from geopolitical and cultural perspectives. The climate of philosophical thought and the geographic separation of the Atlantic ocean allowed the divergent development of a new nation, much like the isolation of an island can result in divergent evolution of species. The environment itself was different than the crowded British isles, causing the colonists to develop skills and thoughts more appropriate to an agrarian, democratic society. The local, state, and Colonial needs were different than those of Imperial Britain, and this functioned as a drive for evolutionary governmental, social, and cultural changes. The issues American colonists had with Great Britain drove them to strive for equality in many aspects of american culture.
One of the most influential events to allowed radical new ideas to flourish during the …show more content…
In 1776, Thomas Paine published a pamphlet called Common Sense, in which he called for a separation from Britain due to their oppressive rule. Paine noted that many colonists do not share his opinions because of “a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it the superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom” (Paine). “Common Sense” encouraged a free and democratic society where no one man could abuse his power. Thomas Paine's ideas of a democratic republic spread and was adopted by many colonists. Massachusetts was one of the earliest US colonies to established local and state-level government through voting and meetings. The idea of self rule was so alluring in part because it allowed citizens to enact legislation that supported local needs instead of the priorities of the Crown. It also meant that any average colonists could be a leader, no matter what family or socioeconomic class they were born
Show More

Related Documents: Thomas Paine's Separation Of Imperial Britain

ID 12214PlanningSheetRestrictionsTaxationRepublicanValuesResistanceagainstBritish Essay

Supporter/Persuader: Thomas Paine­ Common Sense 1 ID#: 12/2/14 Colonial resistance began between 1763 and 1776 and by this time they were becoming more and more resistant towards British rule. British policies toward the American colonies over the years caused a growing tension between the two, until finally America decided to resist and reject the imperial policies. The policies of Britain threatened…

Words 790 - Pages 4

Essay on Study Guide

causes of the American Revolution. There are many causes of the American Revolution. The primary ones are: the French and Indian War, Treaty of Paris, Stamp Act, Proclamation of 1763, the Intolerable Acts, and Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. a. Explain how the end of the Anglo-French imperial competition as seen in the French-Indian War and the 1763 Treaty of Paris laid the groundwork for the American Revolution. The future of the North American continent was largely determined by the French and Indian…

Words 3082 - Pages 13