Thomas Paine was an influential writer and pamphleteer from the 18th century whose writings influenced the American Revolution and helped pave the way for independence. His most influential pamphlet, “Common Sense,” swayed public opinion and made the undecided believe that independence was necessary. Throughout his pamphlet, he provides many reasons to fight for independence from the mother country, some being more persuasive than others. To begin, Paine distinguishes between government and society by stating that government has its origins in evil. With this, he goes on to attack the British government, stating that monarchy can’t be justified in nature as the distinction between king and subject is an unnatural one, quoting Jewish…show more content… As he goes on to discuss the American situation, Paine appeals to the audience with some of his most compelling arguments. Throughout this section, he mentions opposing views that he easily rebuts. When others say that America has only flourished because of its connection with Great Britain, he states that America would have flourished just as much without a European power controlling the colony. He also easily rebuts the argument that Britain has protected them since Britain is protecting America for its own interests of trade and dominion as the British motivation for protection is "interest not attachment," proving that they don't truly care for the colonies. Paine also challenges those who believe that they must be loyal due to the fact that Britain is the mother country by saying that Europe is the parent country. Since there's many inhabitants that aren't of English descent, it doesn't make sense to be solely under the British crown's control. America has been an asylum for those who've fled from tyranny all over Europe, including those of English descent. He also brings up the fact that America is involved with European wars due to the fact that they're connected with Britain and thus have bad relations with
