J. Jones

American History I

Revolution

How does Thomas Paine justify and convince colonists of independence?

  • Why is the issue of independence of important?
  • Does America need Britain?
  • Why has England protected America?
  • How does Paine describe the true relationship between England and America?
  • Why should America break away?

Thomas Paine, Common Sense

In the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense. I request only that the reader rid himself of prejudice and allow his reason and his feelings to determine things for themselves. I ask that the reader liberally enlarge his point of view beyond the present.

Volumes have been written on the subject of the struggle between England and America. People of all ranks have entered into the controversy, out of different motives and with various goals. But the period of debate now is closed. Arms as the last resort must decide the contest.

The sun never shone on a cause of greater worth. ‘Tis not the affair of a city, a country, a province, or a kingdom, but of a continent—of at least one eighth of the habitable globe.‘Tis not the concern of a day, a year, or an age. Future generations are involved in the contest, and will be affected to the end of time by what is happening now. Now is the seedtime of continental union, faith, and honor.

By going from argument to arms, a new era of politics is opening—a new method of thinking has arisen. All plans, proposals, etc., prior to the 19th before the beginnings of hostilities—are like the almanacs of last year, which, though useful then, are useless now.

I have heard it said by some that since America has flourished under its former connection with Great Britain, this same connection is necessary for its future happiness. Nothing can be more false than this kind of argument. We may as well say that because a child has thrived upon milk, it will never need to have meat. America would have flourished as much, and probably more, if no European power had taken notice of it. The commerce by which it has enriched itself consists of the necessities of life. America will always have a market as long as eating is a custom in Europe.

But England has protected us, say some. That it has defended the continent is admitted. It would have defended Turkey for the same reason—that is, for the sake of trade and domination.

We have taken pride in the protection of Great Britain without considering that its motive was its own interests, not attachment to us. It did not protect us from our enemies on our account, but from its enemies on its own account.

But Britain is the parent country, say some. Then the more shame on it for its conduct. Even brutes do not devour their young, nor savages make war upon their families. But this happens to be true, or only partly so. Europe, not England, is the parent country of America. This new world has been the asylum for the persecuted lovers of civil and religious liberty from every part of Europe. They have fled here, not from the tender embraces of the mother, but from the cruelty of the monster. And as for England, the same tyranny which drove the first emigrants from home pursues their descendants here.

I challenge the most ardent supporter of reconciliation with England to show a single advantage that this continent can reap by being connected with Great Britain. I repeat the challenge; not a single advantage is obtained.

But the injuries and disadvantages which we bear because of that connection are

without number. Our duty to all peoples as well as to ourselves, requires us to renounce the alliance. Any submission to, or dependence on, Great Britain tends to involve this continent in European wars and quarrels. It sets us against nations that would otherwise seek our friendship and against whom we have neither anger nor complaint. Europe is too closely crowded with kingdoms to be long at peace. Whenever a war breaks out between England and any foreign power, the trade of America is ruined because of its connection with Britain.

Everything that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, ‘Tis time to part. Even the distance at which the Almighty has placed England and America is a strong and natural proof that the authority of the one over the other was never the plan of heaven. America is only of minor importance in the system of British politics. England consults the good of this country no further than this suits its own purpose. Its own interest leads it to suppress the growth of ours in every case which does not promote its advantage.

I have never met anyone, either in England or America, who has not felt that a separation between the countries would take place sooner or later. These proceedings toward independence from Great Britain may at first seem strange and difficult. But like all other steps which we have already passed, it will in a little time become familiar and agreeable. Until independence is declared, the continent will feel like a person who continues putting off some unpleasant business from day to day, yet knows it must be done. The person hates to set about it, wishes it were over, and is continually haunted by the thought of the need to do it.