Thomas Paine’s Common Sense

Thomas Paine Biography 1737-1809 Wrote Common Sense to explain why colonists should go to war; Common-sense style appealed to colonists; Wrote Sense AFTER fighting had broken out

A Failure Becomes a Success Born into poverty (1737) Wife and child died while giving birth (1760) Failed in early business dealings (1760), was fired from other jobs (1765), was nearly imprisoned for his debts (1774), left 2nd wife as a result (1774) Became involved with England’s Society of Twelve, which met to discuss town politics and later met Benjamin Franklin (1774) Became editor of the Philadelphia Magazine, where he gained his writing talent (1775)

And a Success Becomes a Failure Expelled by Congress due to making bad loans for the government (1787) Wrote another pamphlet against British monarchies – charged with seditious libel in Great Britain in 1792 – arrested on another charge in 1793 in France – after his release, fled to the US in 1802 (Jefferson) Died in 1809 – only six people came to his funeral (two were freed blacks) Body was buried in a field, later dug up, and is currently missing

Common Sense Released January, 1776; Common Sense sold more than 500,000 copies; Paine suggested that PEOPLE not monarchies should make the laws; Inspired creation of Declaration later that year.

Excerpt A “ I have heard it asserted by some, that as America hath flourished under her former connections with Great Britain, the same connection is necessary towards her future happiness, and will always have the same effect. Nothing can be more fallacious than this kind of argument.”

Excerpt B “We have boasted the protection of Great Britain without considering that her motive was interest, not attachment; and that she did not protect us from our enemies on our account, but from her enemies on her own account…”

Excerpt C “But Britain is the parent country, say some, Then the more shame upon her conduct. Even brutes do not devour their young, nor savages make war upon their families.”

Excerpt D “I challenge the warmest advocate for reconciliation, to show a single advantage that this continent can reap, by being connected with Great Britain. I repeat this challenge; not a single advantage is derived.”

Excerpt E “Small islands, not capable of protecting themselves, are the proper objects for kingdoms to take under their care; but there is something absurd, in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island. In no instance hath nature made the satellite larger than its primary planet.”

Excerpt F “Nothing but independence can keep the peace of the continent. 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.”