Thomas Paine and the Influence of Common Sense Essay

Thomas Paine and The Influence of Common Sense
Name
Institution
Course number: Course name
Instructor’s Name
Due Date
Thomas Paine and The Influence of Common Sense
Thomas Paine made arguments that were popular with common Americans. The Jack Miller Center (2021) notes that his publication changed society's perception of British rule and interest in independence. America was formerly only interested in a reformed Britain, which changed when Common Sense's arguments revealed what the majority of society felt. Notably, the article’s main goal was to motivate the people to seek independence. Therefore, Paine presented the threats and harm of the British colonial power on America and presented the benefits of being independent. The article made the British responsible for the crisis affecting America in the 1770s. Paine called for unity among the colonies as the only path to independence. His arguments were received because he was connected and familiar with America's desire for freedom, rights, justice, and independence.
Paine ridiculed various aspects and relationships sustained between America and Britain. He argued that America was a big country to be ruled by a small island (Jackson, I2017). The argument was a mockery to Americans that allowed such a relationship to continue. He then presented the distance between the two countries noting that God could not have intended the colonial prerogative maintained by the British on America. America and England's distance meant that Britain was not affected by American problems and could not be effective in understanding and addressing those needs. Notably, the argument implied that America could best be managed by its government that experienced the social, economic, political, and environmental challenges as its subjects. Paine noted that colonies were unnecessarily trapped in Europe’s affairs (Jackson, I2017). America was expected to participate in any international relations affairs Britain was held up in, which affected its revenues. The argument was part of the evidence demonstrating that Britain violated its privileges as the mother country and restricted colonies’ economic development. other arguments included attack on the monarchy, the constitution, America today, and the possibility of winning the war against Britain.
Colonial examples that were supporting Paine’s argument for separation
British influence and control of America was a burden to the region. The struggles after the seven-year war highlights some of the injustices the colonies were objected to, including the British's debts that they would be part of (The Library of Congress, 2021). The close of the French Indian War in 1763 brought about new challenges and conflicts between Britain and the American colonies. Britain accumulated 177 billion pounds in debt fighting the French and its allies which meant its colonies would be taxed to cover that debt, and slow economic progress (The Library of Congress, 2021). Notably, Americans could not have a choice or negotiate the payments as they were under the government. Any action by the mother country had consequences on the colonies, including debt accumulation. The library of congress notes that paying the debt became the king's and ministers' main objective. the seven-year war was a turning point introducing America to additional pressure and exploitation from the British empire.
The British power was also concerned about maintaining order in North America that led to the violation of indigenous and European-American’s rights and freedoms. The power had poor relations with the Native Indians, which resulted in Britain situating a standing army in the region (The Library of Congress, 2021). They expected America to pay for security and defense. Notably, Britain was the cause of the war and costs generated from the standing army, yet it required America to pay. Their payment demand was absurd and unnecessary. Other rebellions followed, including the Pontiac’s rebellion and the 1763 proclamation (The Library of Congress, 2021). Other effects of the tense relation between native and European Americans included hunger among the land speculators and land-hungry settlers. George Washington was among the dissatisfied land speculators. The power established rules regulating navigation and trade that colonists evaded. The tightened rules and requirements were part of an effort to reform the imperial system and generate more income to pay the debt.
The system raised taxes that further slowed economic development in America and made the cost of living unbearable. The sugar Act of 1764 was enforced and tightened; the tax law...