Jonah Patel
Thomas Paine's Common Sense is a pamphlet published in 1776 that lays out Paine's theory for why the American colonies should declare independence from Great Britain. It was a scathing critique of the injustice of rule by a king and promoted the idea of American exceptionalism. Paine's persuasive writing attracted public support for the revolution and influenced the leaders of the rebellion to declare independence. Paine's ideas about the need to form a new nation and his espousal of religious freedom found their way into the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Published | 1776 |
| Author | Thomas Paine |
| Format | Pamphlet |
| Length | 47 pages |
| Argument | Against rule by a king; for American independence and self-governance |
| Tone | Polemical, impassioned, persuasive |
| Impact | Inspired American Revolution, shifted sentiment toward independence, influenced U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights |
| Legacy | Best-selling American title, still in print |
Explore related products
$9.99 $9.99
What You'll Learn
Thomas Paine's condemnation of monarchy
In his 1776 pamphlet "Common Sense", Thomas Paine made a forceful case for American independence from Great Britain. Central to this argument was Paine's condemnation of monarchy as a form of government, which he viewed as absurd, useless, and evil. Paine argued that monarchy was an affront to God and that it was the source of war and confusion.
Paine's criticism of monarchy extended beyond a specific ruler or dynasty; he opposed the very idea of monarchy itself. He wrote, "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. The state of a king shuts him from the world, yet the business of a king requires him to know it thoroughly; wherefore the different parts, by unnaturally opposing and destroying each other, prove the whole character to be absurd and useless."
Paine further argued that monarchy was a form of idolatry, claiming that it was "the most prosperous invention the Devil ever set on foot for the promotion of idolatry". He pointed to the history of the Jews in scripture as evidence, noting that the Jews were without a king for thousands of years and that their form of government was closer to a republic. According to Paine, it was only under a national delusion that the Jews requested a king, and even then, their request was rebuked by Gideon, who said, "I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you. THE LORD SHALL RULE OVER YOU."
Paine also criticised the inherent instability and unpredictability of monarchy, where every succession is a revolution, and the government changes with the temper of each succeeding monarch. He highlighted the expenses and luxuries of kings, as well as the oppression and vices such as bribery, corruption, and favouritism that often accompanied their rule. Paine wrote, "He will take your sons and appoint them for himself for his chariots and to be his horsemen, and some shall run before his chariots...and he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers...and he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give them to his officers and to his servants...and he will take the tenth of your men servants, and your maid servants, and your goodliest young men."
Jefferson's Constitution Interpretation: Strict or Loose?
You may want to see also
The pamphlet's influence on the American Revolution
Thomas Paine's pamphlet 'Common Sense' was published anonymously in January 1776, at a time when reconciliation with Great Britain seemed unlikely, yet independence seemed unthinkable. The pamphlet was a scathing critique of the injustice of rule by a king, and Paine argued that the American colonies should declare independence and form a new nation. Paine's writing was in clear and persuasive prose, appealing to the common capacities of all people to evaluate the case for independence.
'Common Sense' was a huge success, selling an estimated 500,000 copies and becoming the all-time best-selling American title at the time. It was read aloud at taverns and meeting places and shifted American sentiment towards independence. Paine promoted the idea of American exceptionalism and the need to form a new nation, attracting public support for the revolution and pressuring rebellion leaders to declare independence.
Paine's pamphlet was particularly influential because it was published at a time when the populace was at the height of its radicalism. Paine's skills were in persuasion and propaganda, and his conviction and fervour, along with his assertion of Christianity, ensured the pamphlet's success. Paine's ideas about government being a "necessary evil" that should be responsive to people's needs, and his espousal of religious freedom, also appealed to those who resented being forced to pay tithes to churches they didn't belong to.
Paine's influence persisted even after victory over the British, and some of his ideas found their way into the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Paine's examination of the relationship between the king, the peers, and the commons led him to identify two tyrannies in the English constitution: monarchical and aristocratic tyranny. He argued that since all men are equal at creation, the distinction between kings and subjects is false and that the divine right of kings could be refuted using biblical passages. Paine also criticised the constitutional monarchy promoted by John Locke, arguing that limits on the power of the monarch were insufficient and that power would eventually concentrate in the hands of the monarch.
Charles Pinckney: Constitution Contributions and His Legacy
You may want to see also
Paine's views on the English constitution
Thomas Paine's 47-page pamphlet, 'Common Sense', published in 1776, was a scathing attack on the injustice of rule by a king and the English constitution. Paine, an English immigrant, made a forceful case for American independence and self-governance. Paine's pamphlet promoted the idea of American exceptionalism and the need for a new nation, thereby attracting public support for the revolution and pressuring rebellion leaders to declare independence.
Paine identified two types of tyranny in the English constitution: monarchical and aristocratic tyranny, exercised by the king and peers, who rule by heredity and contribute nothing to the people. He criticised the English constitution by examining the relationship between the king, the peers, and the commons. Paine argued that since all men are created equal, the distinction between kings and subjects is false. He further questioned the divine right of kings by quoting several biblical passages.
Paine also criticised the constitutional monarchy, a form of mixed state promoted by John Locke, in which the powers of government are separated between a Parliament or Congress, which makes the laws, and a monarch, who executes them. Paine argued that the limits placed on the monarch's power in a constitutional monarchy were insufficient, and that power would eventually concentrate in the hands of the monarch, allowing them to transcend any limitations.
Balancing Power: The Constitution's Design for Branches
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The role of persuasion and propaganda in Common Sense
Thomas Paine's "Common Sense", published in 1776, is a pamphlet that lays out Paine's theory for why the American colonies should declare independence from Great Britain. The work, written in plain and unadorned language, appealed to the common capacities of all people to evaluate the case for independence. It left no traditional hierarchy untouched and notably condemned the institution of monarchy as an affront to God. Paine, an English immigrant, presented a forceful and radical democratic argument for separation.
"Common Sense" can be viewed through the lens of persuasion and propaganda techniques. Propaganda, as defined by scholars like Garth S. Jowett and Victoria O'Donnell, involves a deliberate attempt to shape perceptions, manipulate cognitions, and direct behaviour towards a desired outcome. It involves manipulating representations in spoken, written, pictorial, or musical forms.
In "Common Sense", Paine employs several persuasive and propaganda techniques to advance his argument for independence. One technique is the "plain folks" or "common man" approach, where Paine's positions are presented as reflecting the common sense of the people. By writing in a style accessible to all, he appeals to the masses and encourages them to identify with his arguments. Paine also uses repetition to reinforce his ideas, a tactic that can lead to those ideas being accepted as truth.
Additionally, Paine's work reflects a form of testimonial propaganda. He leverages his role as a respected figure, having recently immigrated from England, to lend credibility to his arguments. This technique exploits the reputation or authority of the individual to influence the target audience to accept their opinions and beliefs.
Paine's timing for publishing "Common Sense" can also be seen as strategic. It was released in January 1776, when reconciliation with Great Britain seemed unlikely, yet independence remained unthinkable to many. By presenting his arguments at this precarious moment, Paine aimed to shape public opinion and encourage people to embrace the idea of independence.
Overall, Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" serves as an example of how persuasion and propaganda techniques can be utilised to influence public sentiment and shape political discourse. Through his effective use of these strategies, Paine played a significant role in shifting the American colonies' perspective towards independence and the creation of their own constitution.
People in the 15 Departments: How Long Are Their Terms?
You may want to see also
The impact of Common Sense on the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights
Thomas Paine's Common Sense, a 47-page pamphlet published in 1776, had a profound impact on the American Revolution and the subsequent shaping of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Paine's work was a scathing critique of monarchical rule and the injustices perpetrated by the British monarchy and aristocracy. He argued that the distinction between kings and subjects was false and that the divine right of kings contradicted biblical teachings. Paine's ideas resonated deeply with the American colonists, fuelling their sentiments towards independence and self-governance.
One of the key impacts of Common Sense was its role in shifting American public opinion towards independence. Paine's writing style, characterised by plain and unadorned language, appealed to the common people and empowered them to evaluate the case for independence. It criticised the British system of government, arguing that it gave too much power to the monarchy and nobles, undermining the people's elected representatives. This message struck a chord with colonists who resented being subjected to a distant and unrepresentative monarchy.
Common Sense also promoted the idea of American exceptionalism and the need to form a new nation. Paine argued that the American colonies had a unique opportunity to create a government in which people were free and had the power to rule themselves. He envisioned a "noblest, purest constitution", emphasising the potential for a fresh start and a government based on the right principles. This notion of remaking America and setting an example of freedom for the world influenced the founding principles of the U.S. Constitution.
The pamphlet's defence of religious freedom also had a significant impact. Paine's espousal of religious liberty appealed to those who resented being forced to pay tithes to churches they did not belong to. This contributed to the inclusion of religious freedom in the Bill of Rights, protecting the free exercise of religion and prohibiting the establishment of a national religion.
Moreover, Common Sense's influence extended beyond the American Revolution. Later scholars have assessed its impact on the U.S. Constitution and the development of democratic ideals. Paine's critique of the English constitution identified two forms of tyranny: monarchical and aristocratic. He challenged the notion of a constitutional monarchy, arguing that power ultimately concentrates in the hands of the monarch, permitting tyranny. These ideas may have influenced the Constitution's checks and balances and the separation of powers to prevent the concentration of power.
In conclusion, Thomas Paine's Common Sense played a pivotal role in shaping the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Its advocacy for independence, religious freedom, and a government responsive to the people's needs resonated deeply with the American colonists. The pamphlet's influence persisted even after the victory over the British, with Paine's ideas finding their way into the foundational documents of the new nation.
The White House's Staffing Secrets: How Many Employees?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Common Sense is a 47-page pamphlet written by Thomas Paine and published in January 1776. It lays out Paine's theory for why the American colonies should declare independence from Great Britain.
Paine made a forceful case against the monarchy, claiming that it was an affront to God. He argued that since all men are equal at creation, the distinction between kings and subjects is false. Paine also criticised the British system of government, which gave too much power to the monarchy and nobles, and promoted the idea of American exceptionalism and the need to form a new nation.
Common Sense was widely distributed and read aloud at taverns and meeting places, becoming an immediate sensation. It shifted American sentiment toward independence and put pressure on the rebellion's leaders to declare independence. Paine's ideas appealed to people who resented being forced to pay tithes to churches they didn't belong to, and his pamphlet may have done more than the Declaration of Independence to unify Americans and win converts to the cause.
Yes, some of Paine's ideas did find their way into the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights. For example, Paine's espousal of religious freedom and his argument for a government in which people were free and had the power to rule themselves influenced the founding principles of the US.
Common Sense was met with both praise and criticism. It was denounced by those loyal to the British Crown, such as Rev. Charles Inglis, who defended the British Constitution and proclaimed that limited monarchy was favourable to liberty. However, it resonated with the radical populace, and Pennsylvania's new constitution was aligned with Paine's principles.
