The Influence of Paine's "Common Sense" Analytical Essay

The Influence of Paine's "Common Sense"
Analyzes the historical context of Thomas Paine's "Common Sense".
# 153404 | 1,975 words | 5 sources | MLA | 2011 | US
Published on May 29, 2013 in History (Leaders) , Literature (American) , History (U.S. Birth of the Nation 1750-1800)


$19.95 Buy and instantly download this paper now

Description:

This paper explains that Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" is one of the most influential political English literature ever written because of its unparalleled ability to invoke emotion and inspire readers. Next, the author relates that Paine argues that the perfect time for American Independence is now, the selling of western lands to pay off colonial debt, the creation of a navy to stimulate trade and provide protection, the utilizing of natural resources to begin industry and trade for could help bring independence to the colonies. The paper concludes that Paine, as a champion for American Independence, inspired a nation during its darkest and scariest hours thus holding a huge part in early U.S. history. Footnotes are included.

From the Paper:

"Paine also drew inspiration from the Proclamation of 1763, or rather, what little of an effect it had on the colonists. The Proclamation of 1763 was issued by the British government in an effort to reduce violence between the colonists and Indians; it forbid "colonists to settle west of the Appalachian Mountains." The language of the proclamation made sure to refer to the colonists as the "loving subjects" of Britain. But regardless of what the proclamation said, the rapid population growth of the colonies forced many colonists westward. What really upset Paine, though, was the fact that Britain would even pass the proclamation at all! Britain was almost four thousand miles away, yet they still passed legislation that would dictate how the colonists' used the land that they helped fight and die for. The Proclamation of 1763 was another example of the "long arm" of Britain reaching into the business of the colonies. Many colonists had taken up arms and enlisted in the French and Indian War, and now they are being told that they can't even reap the fruits of their labor. The proclamation proved impossible to enforce, but its influence is seen in Paine's Common Sense."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • Debbie Roberts, History 131, 3/10, Common Sense discussion, Yavapai College
  • Hollitz, John, Thinking Through the Past (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2000), 8-19.
  • James L Roark et al., The American Promise, (Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2010)
  • Miller, Roger LeRoy., Daniel K. Benjamin, and Douglass C. North. The Economics of Public Issues. Boston: Pearson Education, 2008. 21-25
  • Paine, Thomas, and Thomas P. Slaughter. Common Sense and Related Writings. Boston: Bedford/St. Martins, 2001.

Cite this Analytical Essay:

APA Format

The Influence of Paine's "Common Sense" (2013, May 29) Retrieved June 04, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/analytical-essay/the-influence-of-paine-common-sense-153404/

MLA Format

"The Influence of Paine's "Common Sense"" 29 May 2013. Web. 04 June. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/analytical-essay/the-influence-of-paine-common-sense-153404/>

Comments