Introduction
In his quest to see a free America, Thomas Paine, through his pamphlet, Common Sense, presented facts and ideas of enlightenment to the Americans, in a clear and plain language, explaining why America should seek Independence from tyrannical rule by Britain. He attacked the British Monarchs as he felt that it was a stumbling block toward American Unity, progress and equality.
The father of American Independence
Besides the strong conviction that God intended that all men be free from all forms of rules, Paine also felt that Economic Independence was another reason why Americans should break away from England’s rule. The British controlled all markets and trade and had full control of who America was to do business with to keep hold of colonial Economic power. To gain economic independence, Americans had to put a government in place and this was only possible through the declaration of independence. There was general insinuation by loyalists that Americans were better off under Britain’s rule. Paine was deeply angered by this.
His conviction is best illustrated by this quote from his Pamphlet “we may as well assert that because s child has thrived upon milk, that it is never to have meat…to this I answer more loudly, that America would have flourished as much, and probably much more, had no European power taken notice of her”
Paine also felt that by seeking Independence, America will avoid being drawn into unnecessary European conflicts. Britain’s enemy did not necessarily have to be American enemies. This line best express his opinion “……because any submission or dependence on Great Britain tends directly to involve this Continent in European wars and quarrels and set us at variance with nations who would otherwise seek our friendship, and against whom we have neither anger nor complaint”
There was the need for America to build a strong empire based on pillars of freedom, truth, and religion. This was because Britain could not guarantee the existence and prosperity of American as America was “a secondary object in the system of British Politics”. England could only protect Americans when securing their interest. A strong American would become a beacon of hope to the new world order and will be a home to those who had been oppressed worldwide.
On the British monarch leadership that had historically undermined American self-governance, he felt that the composition of a monarch as entrenched Britain’s constitution was contradictory. On expressing his stand he says “There is something exceedingly ridiculous in the composition of Monarchy; it first excludes a man from the means of information, yet empowers him to act in cases where the highest judgment is required” Paine felt that Monarch rule does not make sense to Americans many miles away from Britain. The King was not in complete control of all British colonies and therefore the monarch couldn’t treat all people in those colonies equally. American liberty and peace was at risk under a monarchy as the British Monarchs had little to do “……..but lay the world in blood and ashes”
Conclusion
Today, Paine is regarded as the father of American Independence; he influenced American people and leaders like George Washington in a great way. His message was well understood by Americans of all classes; support for the British Monarch the King dwindled, culminating in the declaration of Independence.