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Paine’s Opinions on America’s Relationship with Britain
Introduction
Thomas Paine was an American philosopher and revolutionary who was opposed to the rule of America by Britain. Paine was one of the founding fathers of the United States and this was the more reason why he fought against the occupation of America by Britain. Paine participated in the American Revolution by moving to the British American colonies in 1774. His pamphlet, Common Sense that was produced in 1776 was his first move in his fight for the independence of America.
Discussion
Among Paine’s arguments why Britain could not rule America was because Britain was an island and it was a huge absurdity for an island to rule a continent. Paine was also against American rule because America had been influenced not only by Britain but also by all of the other European nations; therefore, it was not fit for it to be called a British nation. Paine argued that Britain was indeed the mother country for America and this was the more reason why it should not rule it. This is because, ethically no mother was supposed to harm her child so brutally as Britain did to America. The presence of America under the helm of the British influence would mean that if Britain were involved in any wars, America would be dragged into them whether it liked it or not (Paine, Sidney & Jack 150).
Moreover, America would be prevented from practicing international commerce at which it was getting better and better. Paine also argued that the distance that existed between the two nations would make the process of legislation and governing almost impossible. This is because, if a decision were to be made, Britain’s colonies would receive the decision after months or maybe even years. The new world, which was the name given to America before the Reformation, was discovered by the Puritans who believed that they had been given a safe haven by God to enable them run away from the persecution of the British. Paine also believed that Britain acquired and viewed America as just one of its conquests and colonies and America together with other colony’s best interests were not anywhere near its priorities.
He did not support the argument that America should remain under the rule of the British since it had flourished thus far saying that a baby needs to learn how to eat other types of foods even though it was doing good while feeding on their mother’s milk. The baby could not depend on their mother forever for food. He argued that the policies and arrangements that Britain had formulated in America were not guaranteed to be successful in America’s future. Paine’s central argument is one that states that good relations between America and Britain could not exist. This is because all the colonies, including America, are supposed to remain subservient to the crown and as a result are going to be mistreated. For instance, Paine highlights the Stamp Act of 1765, where taxes were imposed on a variety of printed materials. However, America’s protest against the tax was responded to be a positive action of revoking the tax but shortly after, about two years later, Britain imposed other taxes on various goods in the colonies.
In the argument for the people and human equality, he states that, arguing supported by the teachings of the Bible, a monarchy is an unfair institution and one that oppresses the people. He argues that the monarchy is abhorred by the Bible. In his belief that America should be independent, he argues supported by Biblical evidence. Paine argues that the kings have the roles of making very critical decisions regarding their nations while giving away places to those they deem fit. This in plain terms is just to spoil their nations and the colonies that they hold in the case of Britain. Monarchies and kings have caused major problems in the past and this is even referenced in the bible.
The king’s role is also to receive large sums of money as payment for his minimal role while the real work is done by his subjects who worship him day and night and pledge allegiance to his name. Paine’s argument was also centered on the fact that the colonies would be able to represent themselves in the leadership of the whole nation if Britain were to remain in power. He formulates a system of leadership where, every colony and Britain as the mother country would have a chance to produce a king. The king would come from every nation and all nations would go on a cycle until all the colonies had produced a king.
Paine believes that America, no matter what happens shall at one point be independent. He argues for this point quite passionately and defends his views stating that the rift that separates the people in the colonies and the British King is quite large. Another point that Paine stresses is how inevitable the oppression of the British shall be. This is because, the oppression that America faced while under the British, shall ever be remembered by the people of America. Moreover, even if America and Britain reconcile, the effects and the problems that have developed between the two colonies and the king shall eventually repeat themselves. For instance, Britain shall find new avenues of levying taxes, and its parliament shall interfere with the lives of the people in their colonies (Paine & Van der Weyde 78).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Paine attacks the structure of the British government claiming how corrupt it is and how inappropriate it would be to have it as a leader. America’s relationship with the other nations of Europe also comes into focus with the argument being one that would be encouraged. He paints the picture where America and all the other European countries have strong ties politically and commercially leaving Britain out of this loop. He states that this kind of relationship could not be formed if Britain remains as the mother country of America. Moreover, no other colony shall be allowed to either trade or choose the friends they want to keep. He declares that if the colonies unite and fight for their democracy and independence, they are bound to have better futures and their development is going to expand in greater ways than they would while being a colony.
Works Cited
Paine, Thomas, Sidney Hook & Jack Fruchtman. Common sense, Rights of man, and other essential writings of Thomas Paine. New York, NY: Signet Classic, 2003. Print.
Paine, Thomas & Van der Weyde William Manley. Common sense. Denver, CO: Mundus Publishing, 1928. Print.
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