Common Sense Paper

Common Sense Paper

“Common Sense”
In 1776, Thomas Paine expressed his opinion that the American colonies should separate from the British government and gain independence. He wrote “Common Sense”, a pamphlet that expressed what he thought the colonies should do and why they should separate themselves from the British government. Paine wanted the Americans to create a “new form of government –a modern republic- based entirely on popular consent.” (www.nps.gov) “Paine challenged many common American assumptions about government and the colonies’ relationship to England.” (A People & A Nation p. 163)
Thomas Paine expressed his feelings on the King of Britain in “Common Sense.” The king to Paine was negative at all times. As I read this part of the pamphlet, I thought Paine described the King as not caring what the people thought. The king did as he pleased without listening to other people’s ideas. I think Paine made excellent points when talking about the King. He felt the people needed to be able to have a say in things that might have needed to be changed. The King held American’s back from having a Congress they needed to be independent, because he was in control of the people. Paine was trying to make the colonies realize they needed to be free from the king to live a normal independent life. Paine also seemed angry when talking about the king. The king, he declared, was a “royal brute”, a wretch” who only pretended concern for the welfare of the colonists.” (A People & A Nation p. 164) I think Paine said these things about the king to make people realize he was begin serious that the king was no good and they needed to get out from under his control soon before it was to late.
Thomas also talked about his feelings on the Navy in America. He believed America needed a Navy fleet because America is the “natural produce” for tar, timber, iron, and cordage. I do think he was right when he said America needed a navy fleet. The Americans were depending on the British at the...

Similar Essays