Common Sense Dbq

Common Sense is considered to be one of the most important documents in American History because it was a big factor in what led to the American Revolution and the United States declaring independence from Britain. Common Sense was published in January, 1776 and later that year, the Declaration of Independence was written. Thomas Paine argues heavily against monarchy and hereditary succession on the grounds that it is against the word of the bible, and that it can cause many issues in societies in which it is implemented. Paine believed that all men were created equal. He states “Mankind being originally equals in the order of creation, the equality could only be destroyed by some subsequent circumstance;” (Paine, 79). This statement sets

He also says that men are born thinking that they have the right to rule over others. To Paine, this attitude that these men are born with leads to oppression for those who they rule over. He accuses these rulers of being foolish, wicked, and improper which are very strong and negative. These really help convey Paine’s feelings towards monarchs in his time and before his time. One of Paine’s major arguments against hereditary succession is the age in which one can take the throne in which they are born into. He explains “Another evil which attend the hereditary succession is, that the throne is subject to be possessed by a minor at any age:” (Paine, 84) and then goes onto say “the same national misfortune happens when a king worn out with age and infirmity enters the last stage of human weakness.” (Paine, 84) For him, trouble does not only lay in someone too young and immature ruling over a country, but also in someone old and weak holding his position as

He quickly disproves this argument stating “there has been (including the revolution) no less than eight civil wars and nineteen Rebellions. Wherefore instead of making for peace, it makes against it, and destroys the very foundation it seems to stand upon.” (Paine, 85). He makes the argument that hereditary succession doesn’t prevent civil wars, but in some cases it actually causes them and creates issues within countries. In conclusion, Paine very clearly voices his negative opinions towards hereditary succession and monarchy. He was able to provide biblical reasoning against monarchical forms of government, which was important, considering his audience in America. He was also able to provide logical reasoning against hereditary succession, such as the age issue that it can present. This document was successful in opening American’s eyes and persuading to not have a monarchical government when they declared independence from