Why does Paine think that independence is the
only way to keep America from civil war?
Colonies were fighting with each other
already.
0 If America reunites with Britain, colonists who
did not want to reconcile may revolt.
The British would start fights between the
colonists.
But the most powerful of all arguments, is,
that nothing but independence, i.e. a
continental form of government, can keep the
peace of the continent and preserve it
inviolate from civil wars. I dread the event of
a reconciliation with Britain now, as it is
more than probable, that it will followed by a
revolt somewhere or other, the consequences
of which may be far more fatal than all the
malice of Britain.
​