Argumentative Essay On Common Sense By Thomas Paine

861 Words4 Pages
History confirms the break between Britain and the United States was a war of independence, known as the American Revolution. This war physically and mentally broke the bond between Britain and one of her largest colonies, who decided that since they were in a new territory, they would be responsible for themselves. In his document entitled Common Sense, Thomas Paine reasons with the reader that the American population should revolt against the actions of the British monarchy, demonstrating that the voice (and rioting) of the people are potentially stronger than the government itself. This essay will demonstrate that Thomas Paine’s arguments parallel those of another group that defied the government and essentially set the revolt in motion: the sailors. This paper will first explore Paine’s arguments, and then the…show more content…
These arguments, although they do not specifically state to physically riot against authority, become enabling factors by which the population should rebel. To begin with, Paine argues that the population of each individual colony would be subjected to better living should they be responsible for their own governing laws. Rather than follow the set rules of the British monarchy, Paine suggests the citizens should “establish a common interest with every part of the community, [and] they will mutually and naturally support each other.” (Paine, 49) Next, he argues that the British monarchy is very complex, contradictory, and unfair to its citizens. For instance, Paine notes that the monarchy “first excludes a man from the means of information, yet empowers him to act in cases where the highest judgment is required.” (Paine, 50) The contradictory case does not just end here, it is also witnessed in the fact that the monarchy continues through the act of hereditary succession – whereby the King’s descendent automatically becomes heir to the throne. He

More about Argumentative Essay On Common Sense By Thomas Paine

Open Document