Common Sense Essay

Before there was a realization of the American Flag still hanging, and before the dust settled in the midst of war and declaring independence, there was “Common Sense”. “Common Sense” is a pamphlet written by Thomas Payne, consisting of a well-developed explanation as to why the colonies should be separate from Great Britain, Payne’s arguments describe Britain’s defense out of interest, their attachment leading to unnecessary war, the state of compromising, the tolerance to law making, an overall explained how Britain did not possess the true means of government. First, as an argument, Payne wrote, “We have boasted the protection of Great Britain, without considering, that her motive was interest not attachment; that she did not protect us from our enemies on our account, but from her enemies on her own account, from those who had no quarrel with us on any other account, and who will always be our enemies on the same account.” First, in the supporting of this argument conveying that Britain’s interest was reason for defense, Payne said, “her motive was interest not attachment” this meaning that there were no deep rooted ties between the two. This is an extremely valid argument because there is no point in having attachments to Great Britain for no fair reason. Secondly, Payne explained that the colonies “should be at peace with France and Spain were they at war with Britain” and said, “The miseries of Hanover last war ought to warn us against connections.” In saying this Payne conveys that the attachment Great Britain leads to unnecessary war. To support he says, “the injuries and disadvantages we sustain by that connection, are without number; and our duty to mankind at large, as well as to ourselves, instruct us to renounce the alliance: Because, any submission to, or dependence on Great Britain, tends directly to involve this continent in European wars and quarrels; and sets us at variance with nations, who would otherwise seek our friendship, and against whom, we have neither anger nor complaint.” Also, Payne mentions the “temporary stoppage of trade” saying “Europe is too thickly planted with kingdoms to be long at peace, and whenever a war breaks out between England and any foreign power, the trade of America goes to ruin, because of her connection with Britain.” With this detailed explanation this argument is perhaps the strongest of the series as a government should hold the skills to maintain order and peace. Payne also argued that “Britain hath not manifested the least inclination towards a compromise”. This argument was contradicted by its supporting text as he wrote, “A temporary stoppage of trade, was an inconvenience, which would have sufficiently balanced the repeal of all the acts complained of, had such repeals been obtained…” This is a contradiction as the acts were repeatedly repealed upon complaint. If they hadn’t been, this argument conveying the absence of compromise would have been reasonable, but with little support, it is not. Though this argument is not applicable to

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