Why would the colonists loyal to the British object to Thomas Paine's Common Sense?
It wasn't common sense to them, it was sedition. He advocated revolt.
Check these sites. Then post your answer and we'll be glad to critique it.
http://www.earlyamerica.com/earlyamerica/milestones/commonsense/
http://www.bartleby.com/133/
To understand why the colonists loyal to the British might object to Thomas Paine's Common Sense, you need to consider the content and impact of the pamphlet.
1. Content of Common Sense: Thomas Paine's Common Sense, published in 1776, presented arguments for American independence from Britain. Paine passionately criticized the British monarchy, advocating for self-governance and the establishment of a republic. He denounced hereditary rule, monarchy, and colonialism, arguing for the rights of the common people and promoting the idea of revolution.
2. Loyalists' perspective: Loyalists were colonists who remained loyal to Britain and the King, opposing the idea of American independence. They believed in the authority of the British government and thought that the existing relationship, with the colonies under British rule, should be maintained. They were often influenced by cultural, economic, and political ties to Britain, as well as a belief in the benefits of being part of the British Empire.
With this in mind, here are a few reasons why colonists loyal to the British might object to Common Sense:
1. Loyalty to the British monarchy: Loyalists strongly supported the British monarchy and its authority over the colonies. Paine's attack on monarchy, calling it "absurd" and "repugnant to reason," would have been seen as an affront to their deeply held beliefs.
2. Fear of instability and chaos: Loyalists may have argued that the ideas presented in Common Sense, such as revolution and the establishment of a democracy, would lead to instability and chaos. They believed that the existing system, with British governance, provided stability and order.
3. Economic concerns: Loyalists often had economic ties to Britain, benefiting from trade relationships and other economic advantages. They might have feared that American independence, as promoted in Common Sense, would disrupt these economic connections and negatively impact their livelihoods.
It's important to note that while Common Sense had a significant impact on mobilizing support for American independence, it was not universally embraced by all colonists. Understanding the perspectives of loyalists provides insight into why they might have objected to Paine's influential pamphlet.