Common Sense by Thomas Paine - Essay Example

Common Sense by Thomas Paine Order No. 245099 October, 08 Common Sense by Thomas Paine Common Sense was published anonymously by Thomas Paine in 1776. It became a best-seller instantaneously, in Europe and in the colonies as well, making Paine internationally famous. Paine’s pamphlet brought into sharp focus the rising revolution and soon after its publication, the spirit of the pamphlet found an echo in the American Declaration of Independence. It was written at the outset of the Revolution and inspired the colonists to reinforce their resolve to become independent. Historian Gordon S. Wood (2002) described Common Sense as, “the most incendiary and popular pamphlet of the entire revolutionary era.” Common Sense was published after the eruption of open hostilities between Great Britain and the American colonies but before the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It was written at a time when the American colonists were still undecided and debating the idea of independence from British rule. Paine provided them with an argument. Many historians are of the opinion that it influenced American colonists to formally break away from Britain and inspired America during the Revolutionary War. Paine begins the pamphlet by suggesting that his readers have the right to question the King of England since his policies are affecting them. He emphasizes that one should question ideas even if they are being accepted as the truth for a long time. He also suggests that the concerns of the colonies such as tyranny, oppression and freedom will one day turn out to be universal concerns He ascertains in the end that his interests rely on a reasonable argument and have not been compromised by any political party. The pamphlet focuses on the difference between society and government. Paine wrote in a style that could be the understood by the common people. Paine wrote it like a sermon and made many Biblical references to put forh his argument and case. The importance of the pamphlet lies n the fact that it precipitated the move for independence. Even before Paine a number of people had advocated independence. But it was not until 1776, the year Common Sense was published, that a vast majority of people in the colonies actually understood the reasons for independence or a revolution. The colonies in a quandary and were debating whether they should stay loyal to England or should they press for independence. Paine’s theories of Enlightenment and independence inspired the American nation. His work fired the imagination of the people and sparked a movement by the colonists to establish the independence of the United States. It acted as a major catalyst that led to the Declaration of Independence and this is one reason why it is considered as an important pamphlet. Its importance also lay in the fact that it insisted that America should adopt a new system of republican government rather and not simply reject British rule. It took a philosophical view of things and stressed on natural rights and not just a change in government. Later, it also helped to put together the policy of American noninvolvement in European political affairs. To some extent it influenced the independence movement in Latin America. Common Sense was the first argument for separation from British rule, the first attack on the British form of government Paine made the people dream of a new world. No other pamphlet ever accomplished such remarkable results. It was filled with reasoning, arguments, persuasions, and logic. It opened a new world filling the present with hope. The people responded in huge numbers and soon the Continental Congress declared the colonies as free and independent states. This was the beginning of a new nation. Paine wrote Common Sense to gain support for his cause of Enlightenment. He believed that his views in his writings will enlighten the people. He wanted to usher in a new era of thinking by inculcating the idea of human reason and scientific developments through his writing. Paine was convinced that forming an independent government was inevitable. He felt that it was the right thing to do. He wanted people to agree with the fact that America would be much better off without the English rule. America would have flourished even without European power. “The commerce by which she hath enriched herself are the necessaries of life, and will always have a market while eating is the custom of Europe” (Paine, 1776). It was this political and spiritual philosophy that sparked the Revolution of the United States. He succeeded in his purpose of inspiring the colonists to revolt by stirring the emotions of the colonists. The pamphlet was successful and influenced people because of the argument presented in it and also because of the way the argument was made.. It is important to know that at the time it was written virtually there was no published debate on independence. People of British origin formed a major portion of the American population and they were not for separation as they wanted to retain their British identity. At this point Paine’s pamphlet presented an open, straightforward, unapologetic argument for independence, in a language that was unprecedented and could be understood by all. It was not the first pamphlet that got so much attention. Daniel Dulany, during the Stamp Act crisis of 1765, wrote Considerations on the Propriety of Imposing Taxes in the British Colonies for the Purpose of Raising a Revenue by Act of Parliament , John Dickinsons Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, published as a pamphlet in 1768, all won public attention and praise. But they did not excite or influence the public as Common Sense did. The style and content of Common Sense appealed to the average man. In early 1776 some people had still not made up their mind about separating from Britain. However, "Paines blunt words and compelling rhetoric smashed through the remaining reserve. Within weeks, the pamphlet was in bookstalls all over the colonies" (Nash et al., 127). All that they needed was a little push and Paine’s pamphlet gave this push. Thomas Paine’s (1776) words "we have it in our power to begin the world over again," captured the imagination of colonists. Paine’s words convinced people that freedom was the essence of nationalism, an idea that holds well even today. At the time of writing, it was believed that one third of the people of the colonies wanted independence, one third wanted reconciliation, and the remaining one third did not voice any opinion. It was on this last undecided group which was mainly made up of farmers, that Paine’s arguments made a huge impact. This is what he put forth as arguments in his pamphlet: The English Constitution was in fact really not for freedom. He revealed how the king had the ultimate power in England. By granting titles and lands, the King guaranteed support for himself. By using quotes from the Old Testament he proved that God totally disapproved the notion of king. He debunked the theory of the divine right of kings. By bringing up historical facts he showed that hereditary succession does not necessarily prevent internal strife. “Thirty kings and two minors have reigned in that distracted kingdom since the conquest (of William the Conqueror), in which time there have been, including the Revolution, no less than eight civil wars and nineteen rebellions” (Paine, 1776). He argued that British policies in America were entirely in favor of and for the benefit of Britain. Here he says "I challenge the warmest advocate for reconciliation to show, a single advantage that this continent can reap, by being connected with Great Britain." “We dont need Britain for protection against her enemies nor do we need her for commerce.” According to him the British policies were not for the welfare of the Americans. Loyalists believed that American colonies need to be protected by Britain, the mother country and wanted reconciliation. Here Paine argued that loyalty and dependence on England only contributed to warfare and if the American people were independent they would be left alone to themselves and not troubled by European powers. There would be peace and economic gain too. ‘Whenever a war breaks out between England and any foreign power, the trade of America goes to ruin, because of her connection with Britain (Paine, 1776). Through these arguments Paine was able to initiate a publicdebate about independence, which was rather muted till then. He made ideas of individual rights and economic freedom available to the public. In this way he was able to influence the people. Paine’s influence was largely due to his brilliant, vibrant literary style. His metaphors were striking and his ideas were rational. Adopting a simple and direct style, he was able to communicate the idea of independence and revolution to intellectuals as well as the common trader. The ideas were not original, but the writing style was simple. He made complex ideas intelligible. According to Erin Moss (2008), “ The style and content of Common Sense are what appealed to the average colonist, bringing about the necessary attitude to break free and begin their own nation. Of all the documents published during the period, 1775 - 1776, Common Sense was the most widely read and also the most influential.  The fact that this forty seven page pamphlet was bought by some 500,000 colonists establishes its importance and influence. Sources 1. Moss Erin (2008), The Appeal of Thomas Paines Common Sens, Retrieved from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/696525/the_appeal_of_thomas_paines_common.html?page=2&cat=37 on 22/10/08 2. Nash, Gary B., et al. The American People: Creating a Nation a Society, New York: Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers Inc., 2000. 3. Paine Thomas (1776), Common Sense, Penguin Books, 1985 4. Wood, Gordon. The American Revolution: A History. New York: Modern Library, 2002. Read More