Question

Thomas Paine published Common Sense in 1776 in order to present his arguments for Independence from Great Britain.

Paragraph 1. "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 the challenge; not a single advantage is derived. . ."

Paragraph 2. "Though I would carefully avoid giving unnecessary offence, yet I am inclined to believe, that all those who espouse the doctrine of reconciliation, may be included within the following descriptions."

Paragraph 3. "Interested men, who are not to be trusted, weak men who CANNOT see, prejudiced men who will not see, and a certain set of moderate men who think better of the European world than it deserves; and this last class, by an ill-judged deliberation, will be the cause of more calamities to this Continent than all the other three."

According to Paine, what kinds of people "espouse the doctrine of reconciliation" with England?



Strong men living in England


Most likely to be spies for Great Britain


Weak men and those with a prejudice towards Europe.


Honest men of good reputation

Answer 1

Weak men and those with a prejudice towards Europe.

From this paragraphs, it is clear that Paine does not see any benefit that can be derived from being dependent on Europe. He considers those of contrary opinion to be weak men with a bias towards Europe