Use the excerpt to answer the question.
A government of our own is our natural right: And when a man seriously reflects on the precariousness of human affairs, he will become convinced, that it is infinitely wiser and safer, to form a constitution of our own in a cool deliberate manner, while we have it in our power, than to trust such an interesting event to time and chance.—Thomas Paine, Common Sense
What effect do you think these words had on the American colonists?
These words likely had a significant effect on the American colonists as they were advocating for the idea of establishing their own government. The excerpt emphasizes the idea of self-governance as a natural right and highlights the importance of creating a constitution deliberately rather than leaving it to chance or external circumstances. This would have resonated with the colonists who were seeking autonomy and independence from British rule, providing them with a rationale and motivation to pursue the establishment of their own government.
Whittemore and his fellow committee-men also regarded with distrust any members of the Massachusetts assembly who might be sympathetic to similar objectives in the future.
These words by Thomas Paine likely had a significant effect on the American colonists. They provided a compelling argument for the necessity of establishing a government independent from British control. Paine's assertion that it is a natural right for the people to have their own government resonated with the colonists who were growing increasingly discontent with British rule. The idea that the formation of a constitution should be done deliberately and proactively, rather than leaving it to chance or the passage of time, likely encouraged the colonists to take action and pursue independence. Overall, Paine's words likely played a role in motivating and inspiring the American colonists to seek self-governance.
To answer this question, we can start by understanding the excerpt provided. The excerpt is taken from Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense," which was published in 1776. In this passage, Paine argues that it is the natural right of the American colonists to have their own government. He emphasizes the uncertainty and unpredictability of human affairs and suggests that it is wiser and safer for the colonists to create their own constitution in a deliberate manner, rather than leaving their future to chance and the passage of time.
Given the historical context, we can infer that these words had a significant impact on the American colonists. Paine's pamphlet was widely read and circulated during the period leading up to the American Revolution. It presented arguments for independence from Britain and called for the establishment of a new government in America.
Paine's words in this excerpt likely resonated with many colonists who were discontented with British rule and were seeking self-governance. By emphasizing the need to seize the opportunity for self-determination and not leave it to chance, Paine encouraged colonists to take action and support the cause of independence.
Overall, Paine's words in "Common Sense" played a crucial role in galvanizing public support for independence and swaying many American colonists towards the revolutionary cause.