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Was Thomas Paine And His Vision For The Future Of An Independent America?

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In the mid-1700s, tensions between American colonists and British officials escalated as debates arose over the future of the colonies. Amidst this turmoil, Thomas Paine, an influential thinker and writer, encapsulated the burgeoning desire for independence in his pamphlet "Common Sense." First published in January 1776, it quickly became a bestseller, profoundly influencing American politics and public opinion. This essay examines Paine's views on monarchy and hereditary rule, his arguments for American independence, and his vision for the future of an independent America. Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" opens with a scathing critique of monarchy and hereditary rule, viewing them as illegitimate and irrational forms of governance. In "Common …show more content…

He criticizes the arbitrary laws imposed on the colonies. Paine writes, “There is something exceedingly ridiculous in the composition of monarchy; it first excludes a man from the means of information, yet empowers him to act in cases where the highest judgment is required” (8). This lack of representation and self-governance fuels the colonists' desire for independence. Looking forward, Paine envisions a bright future for an independent American nation. He advocated for a representative democracy where the government derived its power from the consent of the governed. He believed that America’s geographic isolation from Europe, abundant natural resources, and the industrious spirit of its people provided a strong foundation for a prosperous and just society. Paine wrote, "We have it in our power to begin the world over again. A situation, similar to the present, hath not happened since the days of Noah until now" (53), expressing his optimism for the future of an independent America. Additionally, Paine highlights several advantages that an independent America would have. He points out the geographic isolation from Europe, which would protect the new nation from the conflicts and entanglements of European politics. Paine notes, “As Europe is our trade market, we ought to form no partial connection with any part of it” (15). This isolation would allow America to focus on its development without external interference. Furthermore, Paine emphasizes the abundance of natural resources and the industrious spirit of the American people as key factors that contribute to the nation’s

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