Question

What does Paine say is his motivation for arguing for independence in Common Sense?

Answer 1

Common Sense is a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1775–76 advocating independence from Great Britain to people in the Thirteen Colonies. Written in clear and persuasive prose, Paine marshaled moral and political arguments to encourage common people in the Colonies to fight for egalitarian government.

Answer 2

Thomas Paine wrote the pamphlet “Common Sense” which inspired the colonies to ask for independence. Paine argues that society is a different institution than the government, he said that the government is an institution that only exists to protect us from our own vices but it had origin in evil but it is necessary that has to protect life, liberty, and property.

He argues that Britain has only protected America in order to secure its own economic well-being, instead of protecting them Britain attacked them and did not deserve American’s loyalty.