Thomas Paine And His Pamphlet example essay topic

Thomas Paine's Common Sense On January 10, 1776, the American colonies were in a mild state of rebellion against Great Britain. Then, Thomas Paine wrote a highly- circulated pamphlet Common Sense accelerating the Americans towards independence. This composition was the strongest driving factor in the move towards independence. Colonists, literate and illiterate, loyal and patriotic, knew of the bold ideas brought up by Thomas Paine. Even undecided leaders and congressional members heeded Tom Paine's proposals, bringing a more patriotic voice to power. The writings suggested the first ideas Republicanism, which proposed a type of government that ( (basic definition of Republicanism) ).

Since its introduction, Republicanism became the goal of the nation and later became a central point in the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Paine and his pamphlet, Common Sense, played a vital role in the American colonists' move towards independence because it offered Americans a clear message of why it was in their best interests to break away from Great Britain. Thomas Paine's Common Sense contained powerful arguments affecting all people in the colonies, despite their social and financial status. First, many of those loyal to Great Britain converted to the Patriot cause after learning of the evils of the monarchy.

Prior to Paine's publication, colonists sent numerous petitions to the king, which were simply disregarded by King George. Common Sense targeted him and created a concrete enemy for the colonies to concentrate their hatred on. Second, this widespread awareness forced a large transition in the political lives of average people. All but one percent of colonists in Great Britain supported independence and became more involved in government affairs. Large groups of colonists would pressure their congressional delegates for their lack of progress in separation and would talk to them about the changes they wanted, procreating a more democratic rule. Colonists influenced delegates and put matters more into their own hands rather than relying solely on the decisions, management, and guidance of the leaders.

In Maryland, about seven thousand men even showed their overwhelming support of independence by preparing themselves for battle. Though many were now advocates of independence, stronger and more distinct differences appeared between those patriots and loyalists. Long before the Revolutionary War, about half of the American colonists were undecided on their stance on the situation with Great Britain. After the release of Paine's pamphlet, most of these undecided colonists were forced to choose sides. Many of them joined the patriotic campaign, while few others who remained loyal faced penalties. Thomas Paine defined a Tory with such disregard, influencing state governments to take extreme measures when dealing with a loyalist.

Any person who did not support the independence cause, should be dealt with in a way that will keep them from obstructing the acceleration towards liberty. Some were arrested, lost their land, and faced cruel treatment from other Americans. As you can see, Paine created stronger discrepancy among the Americans, yet fabricated solid support for patriotism within the colonies. Patriots and Tories were treated the exact opposite in places where British troops were stationed.

Captured colonists were sometimes forced to sign loyalty oaths, while those same colonists had to give outrageous excuses for exhibiting allegiance to Britain. One printer named David Bruce willingly signed an allegiance oath when he was taken by soldiers, but he escaped detestation from colonists by saying his copy of Thomas Paine's pamphlet put his life in danger. He was pardoned by the state and avoided captivity in Britain. Due to a change in public opinion, the Second Continental Congress began to make more aggressive decisions. Previously, the Second Continental Congress feared the instability of a Republican government, but they started considering the idea after all of the delegates read Common Sense.

This idea of a perfectly liberal form of government soon became the goal of the nation. Thomas Paine furthered this by not only calling for the separation from Britain, but also wishing it to be an asylum for liberty. "Until an independence is declared, the continent will feel itself like a man who continues putting off some unpleasant business from day to day, yet knows it must be done, hates to set about it, wishes it over, and is continually haunted with the thoughts of necessity". In Paine's point of view, independence and war were inevitable; hence, there is no reason for further postponement. As Paine intended, his views had a direct influence on the Declaration of Independence, which was formulated only six months after the publication of Common Sense.

It entails his hatred of monarchy, sensible justifications for separation, and resentment towards Britain. Many scholars praise Thomas Paine as being one of the most influential people in the history of the United States. He is placed on the same pedestal as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. In reality, these people also admired Paine's writings. Benjamin Franklin honored Thomas Paine from the times he was in England until the Americas. He believed that Paine possessed the passions needed to accomplish great things, but he knew his views would not be appreciated in London.

Benjamin Franklin sent him over to the United States with two letters of recommendation and instructions on how to begin a writing career. He gave Paine a place to stay, a printer, and a newspaper. George Washington, however, originally supported a reconciliation with Great Britain. After reading Common Sense, he experienced a change in opinion and hoped his fellow countrymen would do the same. As a General, he required all his troops to read the pamphlet. It gave them inspiration to persevere when times were tough during the war.

Paine's words also influenced Washington's view on how to deal with Tories. Since they are a intimidating sect of British allies, Washington had some seized to eliminate threat. For these reasons, George Washington felt highly indebted to Thomas Paine for his compelling words. Other leaders held Thomas Paine in high esteem alongside many well-known, monumental revolutionizer's. John Adams said, "I know not whether any man in the world has had more influence on its inhabitants or affairs for the last thirty years than Tom Paine". Thomas Jefferson wrote a few letters about Thomas Paine and his pamphlets.

One such letter acknowledges Paine as one of the most eloquent writers he ever met. A few others applaud Paine's sentiments. Paine's style, indeed, had a large impact on its efficiency. Paine also made price affordable, so that the largest audience consisting of Whigs and Tories could purchase and pass on his writings. His simplicity made it easy for these colonists to understand the political situation. He succeeded in his purpose to make a informative pamphlet, offering a reasonable argument that required only the knowledge of simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense to comprehend.

He stated, "As it is my design to make those that can scarcely read understand, I shall therefore avoid every literary ornament and put it in language as plain as the alphabet". Thomas Paine's persuasive argument Common Sense, as a matter of fact, exceeded anybody's expectations. It became the America's first bestseller. About one hundred fifty thousand copies were sold from its release in January 1776 through July in the same year. For a modern- day author to be as successful, one would have to sell about ten million copies in the United States alone.

In addition to the copies sold, a comparable bestseller would need to be reprinted in the newspapers, sold by bootleggers, preached in Churches, purchased by the poor, discussed with the illiterate, circulated in army ranks, and acknowledged by the world. Another factor that made Thomas Paine's pamphlet a great accomplishment was the timing of its release. A few months prior to its publication, American colonists reluctantly attempted to end the tension with Great Britain through reconciliation. King George, however, simply bypassed the important peace petition sent to him by the Second Continental Congress.

This gesture forced many delegates to enter a state of rebellion, but since independence was not yet a majority decision, their influence on actions was minor. As time passed on, leaders thought separation was more appealing, considering the treatment they were receiving from the mother country.

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