1.What impact did Thomas Paine’s writing of “Common Sense” have on gaining support for the American’s cause?
2.What is the significance of the “signing” of the Declaration of Independence by members of the Continental Congress?
1.
http://www.connecticutsar.org/patriots/paine_thomas.htm
2. The signatures of the members of the Continental Congress showed that the American leaders stood behind and backed the Declaration.
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1. Thomas Paine's writing of "Common Sense" had a significant impact on gaining support for the American cause during the American Revolution. To understand its impact, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Read or familiarize yourself with Thomas Paine's "Common Sense." This pamphlet was written and published in 1776 and played a crucial role in rallying the American colonists to support independence from British rule.
Step 2: Analyze the arguments put forth by Paine in "Common Sense." Paine's pamphlet presented arguments in clear and straightforward language, appealing directly to the common people and challenging the legitimacy of British monarchy, advocating for American independence, and questioning the need for monarchy altogether.
Step 3: Evaluate the influence of Paine's ideas on public opinion. "Common Sense" was widely read and discussed, leading to increased public support for the cause of independence. Paine's passionate language and persuasive arguments resonated with many colonists who were hesitant or undecided about breaking away from Britain.
Step 4: Consider the timing of the publication. Paine's pamphlet was published at a critical moment when the Continental Congress was debating the issue of independence. The publication of "Common Sense" helped shape the public discourse and swayed opinions in favor of independence, ultimately pushing the colonists towards a unified call for sovereignty.
Step 5: Study the aftermath of the publication. Shortly after "Common Sense" was released, there was a surge in popular support for independence, with many colonists embracing the ideas put forth by Paine. This increased support played an essential role in building momentum for the American Revolution and ultimately helped in achieving independence from British rule.
2. The signing of the Declaration of Independence by members of the Continental Congress holds great significance in American history. To understand its significance, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Study the background of the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration was a document adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, which proclaimed the thirteen American colonies' separation from British rule. It declared them to be independent states and laid out the principles upon which the new nation would be built.
Step 2: Understand the role of the Continental Congress in drafting and approving the Declaration. The members of the Continental Congress were representatives from each of the thirteen colonies and were responsible for making decisions and leading the American resistance against British rule.
Step 3: Analyze the act of signing the Declaration. The act of signing represented a united front and commitment by the representatives of the colonies to the cause of independence. It signaled their willingness to stand together, despite the risks and potential consequences, and to pursue the establishment of a new nation based on the principles outlined in the document.
Step 4: Consider the significance of the signatories. The signers included prominent figures such as John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and many others who played crucial roles in the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. Their signatures symbolize their personal commitment to the cause of independence and their willingness to stand up against the British Crown.
Step 5: Reflect on the lasting impact of the signing. The act of signing the Declaration of Independence marked a crucial turning point in American history. It was a bold and definitive statement of the colonies' intentions and set in motion a series of events that eventually led to the establishment of the United States as an independent nation. The signing of the Declaration also served as a powerful inspiration for future generations, firmly establishing the principles of freedom and self-determination that continue to define the United States today.