Great Documents in U.S. History, Volume I 1 -2 2 Document: Thomas Paine, Common Sense (1776) Historical Context Occasionally a book is published that shifts public opinion concerning an important event. ‘Common Sense by Thomas Paine was such a book. Many Patriots argued that Britain should stop its unfair taxation. Paine went further. He wrote that common sense determined that nothing less than full independence should be the American colonies’ goal. Paine’s book was published during the colonies’ crisis with Britain. Many historians believe that this book shaped public support for independence. The first edition of Common Sense was published in January 1776. This was after the war had begun but before many Americans were willing to take the final step of separation from their mother country. A second larger edition came out a month later. Common Sense sold 120,000 copies in the first three months. In a country of 1.5 million people, 500,000 copies were sold by the end of the year. It had become America's first best seller. The Second Continental Congress continued its meeting in Philadelphia in 1776. It contained representatives whose colonies had denied permission for them to vote for independence. Did Common Sense alone change public opinion? Events rarely have a single cause. But historians credit Common Sense with having the single greatest influence on public opinion. Paine had a way of expressing the ideals of the Revolution in an understandable manner. Soon Patriot conventions were being held throughout the colonies urging independence. In July independence was declared. Thomas Paine, son of a corset maker, met Benjamin Franklin in London. Following Franklin's advice, Paine came to the American colonies in 1774. Once in the colonies, Paine wrote for Pennsylvania Magazine. After writing Common Sense he joined the Continental Army in 1776. In 1776 and 1777, he published The Crisis, designed to inspire support for the war among average American colonists. After the war he traveled to Europe. He continued his revolutionary work there by supporting the French Revolution. Importance Paine understood the American Revolution’s importance to the world. No colonial people had won their independence before. Paine wrote that independence was America’s natural right. Not only did he argue for independence, but also he urged that a republican government be formed. This, Paine believed, could instruct the world. In Common Sense Paine uses the technique of first raising the opposition’s argument, then explaining why it is wrong. He also makes comparisons everyone can understand, such as the mother-child relationship compared with the colonial relationship. Although logical, Paine’s language can be emotional also. © 2006 wach Publishing { wera. oonGreat Documents in U.S. History, Volume I © 2006 Walch PublishingGreat Documents in US. History, Volume Vocabulary asserted—stated positively hath—has flourished—prospered fallacious—wrong thrived—grew well precedent—an earlier happening that should be a model for later happenings roundly—in a forceful manner a 3Great Documents in U.S. History, Volume I commerce—trade, business enriched—made rich engrossed—occupied dominion—absolute ownership motive—something that causes a person to act pretensions—goals that may not be reached devour—eat Jesuitically—done in a secret manner parasites—things dependent on something else for support papistical—relating to the Catholic Church bias—prejudice credulous—ready to believe based on little evidence asylum—a place of shelter and security persecuted—bothered by attempts to hurt civil—relating to citizens hither—to this place tyranny—harsh power emigrants—people who leave a place advocate—person who argues for something reconciliation—the act of restoring friendship fetch—bring sustain—suffer renounce—to give up submission—the condition of giving in to others variance—state of being in disagreement contentions—arguments make-weight—something of little independent value thrown in to fill a gap pleads—argues slain—killed design—plan {© 2006 Walch Publishing 4 wwe wal. comGreat Documents in U.S. History, Volume I Comprehension Questions 1 ‘What argument against independence did Paine consider first? How does he respond to this argument? How does he counter the argument that Britain protected its American colonies? For what, according to Paine, should Britain be ashamed? ‘Who does he say is the parent of America? Why? What does Paine challenge American supporters of the British to do? For what two reasons does Paine think the colonies should separate from Britain? How does Paine think the connection of the American colonies with Britain affects the colonies’ relationship with other countries? How does Paine think this connection can affect trade relations? Note: As an alternative to questions 1-8, students might list the points made in the discussion in two columns on a sheet of paper entitled “Arguments Against Independence” and “Paine's Response’ Critical Thinking 1 2. 3. What is the purpose of Common Sense? Why do you think Paine chose that title? Paine challenged British loyalists to name one advantage the colonies would have in remaining in the British Empire. Can you think of any? How, according to Paine, would remaining in the British Empire affect the colonies’ relations with foreign countries? Paine's language can be very emotional and uses exaggeration. Give some examples of this. Is Paine’s style of argument effective? Explain. Making Connections L 2. What other books in history have had a significant effect on public opinion? Paine writes that Europe is more the mother country of the colonies than Britain because Americans have come from many parts of Europe. Do you agree? Why or why not? Paine argues that the colonies would have grown even more economically if it were not for British control. Do you agree? Why or why not? © 2006 Walch Publishing 5 swwwewalch.comGreat Documents in U.S. History, Volume I Paine writes that some people argue that Britain has protected its American colonies. ‘To what event is he referring? In another part of Common Sense, Paine tells his readers, “A government of our own is our natural right.” What other document makes a reference to natural rights? Relating the Past to Our Lives 1 Have you ever read a book that changed your opinion on something important to you? Explain. Today is it more or less likely for a book to have such an effect on a public issue? Explain. Why does appealing to people's belief in common sense help in a writer's or speaker's argument? Essay Questions L pubes rans 6 es When Paine refers to “our duty to mankind,” he seems to suggest that an independent America has a mission in the world. What do you think Paine believes this mission is? Paine argues for no compromise with Britain, Was a compromise possible in 1776? | If so, what would it be? If not, why not? How would someone loyal to the British crown respond to Common Sense? Were there benefits to remaining a part of the British Empire?