Essay on American Lit.

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Thomas Paine has been able to open the eyes of American citizens to new ideas and arguments. In his essay Common Sense, he provides a number of arguments about Great Britain and the American government. He wrote an essay that included the thoughts that many of the citizens of America were thinking about, but didn’t act upon. He also provided several examples to explain his point of view. Furthermore, through the essay Common Sense, readers are able to see why Great Britain was not much of a help to America. America had been connected with Great Britain for a long period of time. Paine argues that there have been many disadvantages for America while being connected with them. Being united with Britain has led America to acquire many enemies and limitations. It has brought unwanted enemies among them, which has cost them money. Though Great Britain has protected America during hard times, it has not been beneficial to them. For example, in the essay Paine says, “Great Britain tends directly to involve this continent in European wars and quarrels (328).” Paine believes that Britain has not brought us any advantages, but only disadvantages that have brought America down. Thomas Paine also argues in his essay that Great Britain has not been the best protection for America. Many citizens believe that we need Great Britain to succeed, but Paine disagrees. He argues that Great Britain has only been using America for its trade and benefits. America is a country of commerce, leading them to be a target for Great Britain. They only protected America for their own interest. For example, in the essay it says, “But she has protected us… defended the continent at our expense as well as her own… she would have defended Turkey from the same motive, for the sake of trade and dominion (326).” Great Britain cannot be the parent country when they are selfish and ungenerous. If America did not have the trade and goods it has, Great Britain would be supporting another country. In other words, Paine believes Great Britain is not the parent country to America. Great Britain has been a protector to America, but Paine believes there is time for change. He believes that America should build its own government and form a constitution. By doing so, they will build trust within America and be independent from Great
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