Colonial America And Common Sense

By the late 18th century, Colonial America had a population explosion, which led to land becoming scarce very quickly. The sudden rise in population led to more diversity, weakened equality, and increased ideology. People were soon fighting over border disputes and people began thinking more revolutionary rather than the traditional ways of the past. The problems that were fought about in the Seven Years War eventually led Great Britain to tax the colonies. By doing so, the Colonial Americans were slowly losing

their loyalty towards Great Britain and realized they needed to fight for their independence. After years of being under the rule of the English crown, the idea of change has become a popular discussion mat/ter amongst the people living in Colonial America.

In Common Sense, Thomas Paine addresses some of the main issues facing Colonial America. He gives his thoughts about government, religion, and inevitability of American independence. Although many citizens agreed with him, there are the few that did not. Other men living at the time, such as Edmund Burke, Charles Inglis, and Thomas Jefferson also shared their diverse opinions about the new world.

When Thomas Paine expressed that the only purpose of the government was to "protect us from our own vices," (Paine, Common Sense) Edmund Burke would have agreed even though their ideas on how to accomplish this was different. Burke felt that giving the American colonies what they want, such as civil rights and other privileges, that peace would come naturally and they would reconcile with Great Britain. Burke's idea was that if you give them liberty and freedom, they will still be obedient to the English crown. Burke said in his Speech on Conciliation with America, "Let the colonies always keep the idea of their civil rights associated with your government - they will cling and grapple to you, and no force under heaven will be of power to tear them from their allegiance." He also considered that by doing this, the English would be securing their wealth. It's almost like saying if you give the Americans a pep rally, they'll show you support (Burke, 1775). Paine said "Until 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 its necessity" (Paine, Common Sense). By saying that he feels that British oppression was more than likely and for the colonies to seek independence as soon as possible. He also believed that monarchy granted way too much power and even though America has thrived under English rule, the colonies have developed strongly and no longer needed Britain's help (Paine, Common Sense).

On the other end of the spectrum, we have a colonist who supported the British and publicly spoke out against American independence. Charles Inglis saw a better way of life if the colonies stuck with the British. In his eyes, this would end war, increase population, increase property value, and provide better supplies. If they stuck with Great Britain, their trading would be protected and they, themselves would be protected by the British navy (Inglis, 1776). Paine thought differently. He viewed the British government as a