Regarding Thomas Paine's Common Sense...
1. According to Paine, peaceful negotiations and reconciliation between the American colonists and England were no long possible after what single specific historical event?
2. According to Paine, how has our connection to England made the American colonies weaker in a military-political sense?
3. How does Paine combine geography and religion to support his contention that British authority over the American colonies is unnatural?
4. What is the purpose of Paine’s discussion of the political conditions in Boston? In other words, what is Paine hoping to inspire among colonists who live in areas that are geographically, economically and politically distant from Boston?
5. What does Paine believe to be the ultimate authority for any new government created in the wake of the American Revolution?
6. Identify and explain one specific metaphor used by Paine to illustrate or support his arguments concerning the need of the American colonies to revolt from England.
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1. According to Thomas Paine, peaceful negotiations and reconciliation between the American colonists and England were no longer possible after the Battle of Lexington and Concord. This battle, officially marking the beginning of the American Revolutionary War in 1775, demonstrated that armed conflict had already begun and that the relationship between the colonists and England had deteriorated to a point where peaceful resolution was unlikely.
To find this answer, one can read Thomas Paine's Common Sense, specifically looking for the section where he discusses the events leading up to the American Revolution and the breakdown of peaceful relations.
2. Paine argues that the connection to England has made the American colonies weaker in a military-political sense primarily due to the distance and time it takes for instructions and decisions to travel between England and the colonies. He highlights the difficulties of governing a vast territory from across the ocean, potentially leaving the colonies vulnerable and unable to respond quickly to emerging threats or adapt to new circumstances. Additionally, Paine suggests that Britain's involvement in European conflicts and wars could draw the colonists into conflicts that aren't in their best interest.
To find this answer, one can read Paine's Common Sense, paying specific attention to his arguments about the disadvantages of being politically connected to England.
3. Paine combines geography and religion to support his contention that British authority over the American colonies is unnatural. He argues that the distance between England and the colonies, which creates physical separation and different circumstances, makes it difficult for England to govern the colonies effectively. Paine also mentions how the different religious beliefs and denominations in the colonies, particularly the diversity of Protestant sects, exacerbate the divide between the colonies and England. By highlighting these differences, Paine suggests that a government originating from a distant power cannot truly understand or represent the interests and needs of the American colonies.
To find this answer, one can review Paine's discussion in Common Sense about the relationship between geography, religion, and the legitimacy of British authority over the American colonies.
4. The purpose of Paine's discussion of the political conditions in Boston is to inspire colonists who live in areas distant from Boston to recognize the injustices and oppression imposed by British rule. Paine uses the situation in Boston as a specific example to illustrate the tyranny of the British government, including the presence of British troops, the suspension of local government, and the violation of colonists' rights. By drawing attention to the hardships faced by Boston, Paine aims to evoke empathy and solidarity among colonists throughout the colonies, urging them to stand up against British oppression.
To find this answer, one can examine Paine's discussion of Boston and its political conditions in Common Sense, focusing on his arguments and appeals to the broader colonial population.
5. According to Paine, the ultimate authority for any new government created in the wake of the American Revolution should derive from the people themselves. Paine explicitly states that the foundation of political power should rest on the consent and support of the governed, emphasizing the principles of popular sovereignty and self-governance. He rejects the notion of monarchy or inherited power, advocating for a democratic republic where the people have a direct say in the formation and governance of their government.
To find this answer, one can explore Paine's arguments about the source of political authority and legitimacy in Common Sense, particularly his discussions on the role of the people in establishing a new government.
6. One specific metaphor used by Paine to support his arguments concerning the need for the American colonies to revolt from England is the imagery of a "common thief." Paine describes the British monarchy as a thief who takes away the wealth and resources of the American colonies, leaving them impoverished and in a state of subservience. This metaphor emphasizes the idea that the colonial relationship with England is exploitative and unjust, urging the colonists to reject this oppressive rule and fight for their rights and independence.
To find this answer, one can search for Paine's use of metaphors in Common Sense, specifically looking for instances where he employs imagery to convey his arguments about the necessity of revolution.