Megan Boccardi's Discussion Sections
For this week please read the Declaration of Independence and Thomas Paine's Common Sense from the on-line reader. Consider the purpose of these documents. How do they expand the rights of the individual? Why do these documents move beyond their purpose? How do these documents assess the relationship between the colonies and Britain?
posted by Megan Boccardi at 9:09 PM
53 Comments:
Common Sense and the Declaration of Independence are documents that seem to persuade the American colonists that everything about England is wrong, and America should not have to be subject to rulings from a one man government. They preach liberties that all men should have, and by hinting at rebellion, warns the colonists of what may happen in the near future. Common Sense refers to Britain's rule in America, and how it should and will not last much longer. The documents arise feelings of anger, and leaving colonists with need for independence and liberty.
Both the Declaration of Independence and Thomas Paine's Common Sense eventually lead to the independence of the Colonies of America. Both of these documents are evidence that the colonists were being treated poorly by the British. These documents were not only eye openers to the colonists but also denounced the British Rule and discussed freedoms that all men should be granted.Common Sense ignited anger in many people which lead to the Revolutionary War when the Declaration of Independence was a sigh of relief for many. This meant that they would soon be freed from Britians Rule. Paine's Common Sense was written before the American Revolution in 1776. After the commencement of the Revolution, the Declaration of Independence was written and signed by many of the founding fathers in the U.S.
The Declaration of Independence tells the people of America that no one man should be above all others, that the people give the power to the government. It tells how poorly the English crown has been treating its’ colonist – the history of Great Britain only shows repeat injuries and absolute tyranny. With the king set out to harass the common people in his colonies.
Thomas Paine’s seems to go a little deeper. He tells a story of a great society that with natural liberty unites into a great country forming branches of government by which the whole society has chosen its delegates to represent them. As far as the relation with the English crown, Paine tells the people that they are ruled by tyranny (that calls himself king), and that this tyranny tries to drown out all common voices with no regards but for himself. Further more he recites that the Bible called the Jewish kings one of their great sins, with the invention of a king being the most prosperous invention the Devil has ever dreamed of. Finally, Paine mentions how France and Spain are not and never have been our enemies, and true justice can only be obtained through independence.
Peter Wiegert
The Declaration and Common Sense established a real stance in the confrontation between Britain and America. The Declaration declared independence and blatantly listed all the reasons why. These included the King of England's habits of manipulation to force the colonies into submission and frequent claims on behalf of the colonies for better political conditions. These documents expanded the individual's rights by actual establishing that Americans were being shorted by Britain. They were not being treated fairly but never took a stance because they accepted their role as colonists. Due to these documents, the "Rights of Englishmen" were not only forgotten but Patriotism was ignited and the struggle began. Statements like "Not even brutes consume their young" firmly established England and the King as the enemy.
Thomas Paine’s pamphlet common sense supported the ideas of the Americans and helped to lead to the Declaration of Independence, and the American Revolution. Among many of the ideas that come from Common Sense, one that particularly stands out is the picture of Britain being a mother to America, and how ridiculous this mother is treating its child. Through all the taxes and things like it, Britain is being abusive to their child, America. This idea is perhaps one of the most important ideas from Common Sense, since it highlights the British’s mistreatment of the American colonies, which further fueled the colonist anger toward the British. Due to ideas like this, popularity of this document spread throughout the colonies and greatly influenced the history of the United States.
-Danny Wiele
The Declaration of Independence and Thomas Paine's Common Sense were both documents stating that independence from Britain's rule, was in the best interest of the colonies. Paine's Common Sense, which was popular amongst colonists, led colonists to unite and rebel against a country that had for so long, denied them their natural rights. Often treated unfairly and as a child by the British, the colonies took the first real step towards patriotism and being proud of what they had worked for and established.
The original relationship between the colonies and Britain could be defined as a "we created you, so you have to abide by us" idea. The documents came to assess the relationship between the colonies and Britain as one that was unfair and that only met with the wants and needs of the Parliament. After the American Revolution and to instill that the British never regained their reign over the colonies, the Declaration of Independence was created.
Both Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and The Declaration of Independence expand the rights of the individual by stating that no man shall be more powerful than the other. Paine states that in the early ages of the world, there were no kings; the consequence of which was there were no wars; it is the pride of kings which throw mankind into confusion. In other words, God created all men equal, and when kings came to rule, all men were confused by the overpowering rule of one man. Men only knew of one king to worship and that was God. The Declaration of Independence expands the rights of an individual by stating, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government. In other words, we the people of the United States are given the privilege to vote for the head of our government. Even though it seems like we give one man more power, we are the ones who put him there, and we are also the ones who vote to pass laws and bills. Therefore, the president is not in complete control. These documents move beyond their purpose in order to explain the independence of man and the wrong aspects of a king. These documents are what helped the colonies escape the grasp of the Britain monarchy. They helped explain how man should be equal and have a say in the way he should be governed. Thanks to these documents, our country is the way it is today, a democracy, not a monarchy.
Common Sense and the Declaration of Independence are both documents created to influence the common people of the American colonies. The colonial elite needed the support of the commons if they wanted to overthrow the British crown in America. The documents changed the outlook on personal rights by stating how if the rights of the people were below the rights of the government, then uprising is essential. This changed how the colonists thought as a whole and started a snowball effect that ended with the Americas being free.
First off, I'd like to say nice work on the question, very deep. Secondly, do you really think everyone's going to read the WHOLE Common Sense, I mean...I did, but everyone else? pshh. Anyway, the Declaration of Independence and Common Sense expanded the rights of the people in this time period by telling them that they have been mistreated. The Dec. of Ind. told them that they were all equal human beings, meaning they were no less than anyone in America, but also no less than any person in Great Britain. Thomas Paine brought the rain (how bout that one Boccardi?!) when he bellowed to the colonists about their rights to life, liberty, and all their property. Also, the Declaration of Independence gave the people the right to overthrow their government if it was not fulfilling the needs of the people's natural well-being. These rights and MORE, broadened the colonists horizons and opened their eyes to the possibilities of never-ending freedom from all oppression, whether it be taxes, soldiers, or history papers. These documents assess the relationship between the colonies and Great Britain as a bad one. Great Britain did all of this stuff without the colonist's agreement(taxes and trade restrictions and standing armies), and the colonists were not the least bit happy about it. The reason that these documents are so important is the fact that they move beyond their purpose. They inform their readers of what is going on and serve as a match in the middle of a gasoline drinking contest, by insulting the monarchy of Great Britain and declaring their INDEPENDENCE!!!
The Declaration of Independence and Common Sense gave the American people something to believe in. It gave them hope that things would get better. It made them believe that all people were equal and that their rights as Americans were being overlooked. This made a revolution possible and brought freedom foward. These documents went against the British rule in America and told the people that they should have a say in what laws are passed. These documents made it possible to stray away from the British monarch.
Kyle Whitehead
The Declaration of Independence was written primarily to state and address the grievances of the colonies. It was the embodiment of all the issues that the colonies had with Britain. Stating over twenty five different reasons for wanting to absolve, the Declaration of Independence gives a very detailed account of America’s grudges toward England. The purpose of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense was very similar, however, less formal and more accusative. It was written to inform the populace of the unfairness that the King of England was showing toward the colonies. It was written to inspire open discussion and debate against Britain’s attitude and disposition.
From a purely legislative and political view, both documents offer no legal rights to its readers. However, what they do is explain the purpose of government in a free society and how it is brought about. To sum up the Declaration of Independence, people have certain rights as humans and governments are formed in order to keep these rights safe. Since governments are created by the people it rules, the real power lies with the people to up hold the government or to abolish it and start anew. The Common Sense operates off of similar and related ideas, but it does not come right out and say it like the Declaration of Independence does.
The real power of these documents is the ability to be the basis for actual laws and rights that we have under our Constitution. The words “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” that appear in the Declaration of Independence, appear in a similar fashion in the 5th Amendment of the Constitution “life, liberty, or property”. In both cases, the document establishes the idea that the government cannot keep you from these rights without due cause.
The Declaration of Independence and Common Sense were both written so that the American colonies could get started on the right foot towards independence. Basically the documents listed reasons why they colonies would be better off breaking away from British rule. For example, in the Declaration when it is mentioned that the judges depend on his rule because he chooses whether or not if they maintain their position or if they get replaced and he also determines their pay. This is a problem because if a known felon has somewhat of a relationship with the king they would have to be found guilty and set free because of the networking that the pull off. This is similar to Common Sense because in the document it pretty much mentions that they colonies have nothing to gain from England anymore and they will be more successful in terms of government and trade without the king’s rule and if something is not done the problems will only get worse.
All in all the two documents show that there is a weak relationship between the colonies and England.
-corey mueller
The Declaration of Independence gave rights to the individual by saying that human rights are “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. Thomas Paine’s Common Sense said, “Everything that is right or natural pleads for separation”. The Americans no longer had the rights of Englishmen, and believed that there were “natural right” in which every human was entitled to. Under British rule, they would never have these rights. Paine said on America, “…not a “British nation”. [It is] composed of people from all over Europe”. The Declaration of Independence gave all people rights whether they were British or not. The Declaration of Independence says, “Britain was deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity”, and Americans deserved and had it has an inalienable right to have justice and to have a community that they can consider a family and have blood ties to.
Thomas Paine stated it was unnatural for an “island to [be] ruling a continent”. He also sated, “The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries ‘tis time to part’”. In both these statements one can see that Britain ruling a continent is something that cannot be done now, and it would never work, and it was time to give up the colonies. The Declaration of Independence says America, “ought to be free and independent states, absolved from all allegiance to the British crown and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is and ought to be dissolved”. The relationship between the colonies and Great Britain was too much of a strain and would never be able to work out. The two places were working toward separate goals, one being to find liberty, and the other, to control land.
Both of these readings are extremely important to the seperation from Britain for the colonies. The words in these readings are all about breaking away from the conformity of the British rule. The Declaration of Independence formally stated that the colonies were unhappy with the way they had been ruled and how they decided that they were not going to be ruled by father Britain anymore and that they wanted to be their own country. They were hence declaring their independence. Also, this document sets forth how they wanted to be ruled, not exactly ruled, but governed, a new way to be run. It also showed how Britain and the colonies greatly disagreed on government type and led to the colonies' change.
Michael Gremaud
In the Declaration of independence it says that all men are created equal. That each human being should be giving the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It discusses the rights of each individual in America. It discusses the rights of the government. It says that if we as a people ever felt as though we were wronged by the government we have the right to do something. Some of these rights could be misinterpreted, or misused by certain people. When we are just given a document of rules, or rights we are supposed to follow, it gives people the idea that they can do anything they want as long as it isn’t going against these rights. People think that just because something is stated in the declaration of independence that it can be taken completely in context today. When this happens, people start to expand their rights, and start to go against certain laws. The declaration of independence separates the colonies from Britain; it says that this gives the colonies the right to be a free state separate from that of Britain. The declaration gave America, the colonies the separation from Britain and the ability to have full control over themselves, to make all their own decisions as a new and independent colonie.
Thomas Paine's Common Sense is a document that talks about how the British Empire was mistreating its American colonies. The colonists did not receive the "Rights of Englishmen" and thus became unhappy with this treatment. Paine said that there were certain natural rights that are enjoyed by everybody. These natural rights apply to everybody and can be taken away by nobody. As not everybody in the colonies was English anyway, the idea of natural rights showed that they all enjoyed the same rights none the less. This writing of Paine goes on to not only open people's eyes to the unfairness of the treatment of the colonists, but also influences the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration takes Paine's idea of natural rights and says that everybody has the rights to "life, liberty, and the persuit of happiness." Both of these documents end up convincing people to join the cause to liberate the colonists from this injustice. Both of these documents make their marks further on in time when they are considered during the writing of the Constitution of the United States and some of the Amendments that follow.
Both of these documents seem to have been written for the express purpose of denouncing English rule. They seem to both tout the virtues of the American Colonies while condemning the British ideologies, and they clearly expand the rights of individuals by proposing the idea of natural rights, rights that could never be removed regardless of circumstance. These writings not only clearly condemned the treatment received by Britain, but they also instilled a portion of America pride in every colonist who read them, and acted as a cohesive force to hold the colonists together in an age of increasing hostilities.
-Matt Fox
There is a common theme between the documents of Common Sense, and the Declaration of Independence. In Common Sense, written by Thomas Paine, the unhappiness of the colonists is thoroughly expressed. He states that every person should be entitled to specific rights or as he calls them, natural rights. These rights are given to everybody at birth and cannot be taken away. In the Declaration of Independence, this idea is adopted. The Declaration of Independence signifies the freedom of the colonies from British power. This document was key to not only eliminating British influence on the colonies of North America, but it established the foundation that the Constitution was based off of. The main goal of these documents was to state the unhappiness of the colonists in being controlled by Britain, and to initiate the freedom of the colonies from British Rule.
Overall, both Thomas Paine's Common Sense, and the Declaration of Independence are key documents in history that have shaped the society that we know today.
The pamphlet Common Sense by Thomas Paine led the United States to their independence from England. The reason is because somebody even though anonymous at the time stood up for their beliefs. Pamphlet Common Sense led to the simple basic rights that we take for granted everyday. The Declaration of Independence is important because it was a written declaration denouncing the Americans from England and it ended up of course serving its purpose. Common Sense moves beyond its purpose by leading to the revolution, the original purpose was just to state what he believed what was wrong with the country and what was wrong with England's rule over them. The Declaration of Independence went beyond its purpose because it led to the Revolution it not only declared independence it also gave them power to take their independence. In both cases the way they assessed their relationship with Britain was strained an very unfair. In both documents they felt felt that Britain did not have any right to control them and that they should have the say over themselves because they were closer to the issues.
The declaration of independence was written as a formal document to address the reasons of why the colonies wanted to get away from the British rule. They stated 25 reasons that they wanted their own rule. They found that the Britains were very unfair to the colonies. The Common Sense was basically the same kind of thing, it was defiantly less formal. It was written to show the unfairness towards the colonies. Both documents had very similar rights such as freedom and liberty.
The purpose of the Declaration of Independence and Thomas Paine's Common Sense seem to tell of how the government should be and what the English government is doing wrong. These expand an individuals rights by the Declaration of Independence talking about our inalienable rights as a person. Common sense speaks that because you are born, you have rights that are just given to you. These documents move past their purpose because people begin to take them to heart and beginning to fight for them. Fighting for these radical beliefs are far beyond the expectations so quickly. This assess the relationship between the colonies and Great Britain very well. It describes the fact that Britain was slowly getting on their nerves and it would only take a few people to speak out to change mind. It has to be a crazy idea that in the 1800's Thomas Paine's Common Sense is only been outsold by the Bible.
Both Common sense and the Declaration of Independence have a common message concerning the relationship between the colonies and Britain. Both of these documents express the quest for some sort of independence from a reigning power, and both express that as an individual and person, you have certain rights that you can demand from your government. Without influential documents such as these, citizens of the United states would not been able to demand preservation of their rights as provided by the constitution. Events such as the civil rights movement, and other protests concerning equality and fair treatment wouldn't have even occurred.
The declaration of Independence and Common Sense both had the same purpose. The readings were made to try to break apart from the British. The documents showed reasons why the British Rule was unfair in how they treated the people. Common Sense's main purpose was to show how much the people needed a change in rule. It gave reasons why they need to be seperated because there was nothing more they could gain from British Rule. The Declaration of Independence and Common Sense was a starting step in gaining independence from Britain
-Joey Huynh-
Common sense was a major influence of the declaration of independence because of its support for the colonies' independence from britain. Paine's book advocated the immediate secession from britain and like the declaration plainly stated the case of the colonies, who opposed being ruled by an unjust and out of touch king. Both documents were strong statements of anti-british sentiments and helped solidify the public opinion that america should begin self rule, with Common sense stating the case of the american colonies' need for secession and the declaration cementing it.
Ryan Donegan
Both the Declaration of Independence and Common Sense were about the people of America trying to gain their own independence and protect their natural rights, which they felt were being taken away by their British rulers. These documents were both about liberty, freedom, and independence away from suppression and inequality. They both gave strength to the American people and their fight against, and seperation from, Great Britain, and stated the reasons why they had the right to do so. Common Sense truly supported the idea of seperating from Great Britain and protecting one's rights, which led many colonists to also join the cause for independence after reading it. The Declaration of Independence as well, being a written document, gave strength to the message the colonists were trying to uphold, of their independence from Great Britain, thier former homeland. These documents will always be remembered for the important role they played in the true revolution of the British colonies and the start of our nation today.
• The Declaration of Independence as well as the pamphlet called “Common Sense” expanded the rights of the individual while going above and beyond their intended purpose by acting as a catalyst for the creation of a new nation. Paine argued that it was ridiculous for an island to rule a continent, as well as the fact that America was made up of people from all over Europe, not just Britain. Another fine reason that Mr. Paine kindly pointed out to his fellow colonists was that if Britain was known as the mother of America, then she was treating her child awfully poorly in recent history. A very widespread common belief among the patriots that Paine expressed in his informative pamphlet was that Britain ruled the colonies for its own benefit, and did not consider the best interests of the colonists in governing them. The Declaration of Independence draws off of these views and even quote’s Paine when discussing “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” One of many important arguments against the Crown in the Declaration says “For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever,” in regards to the fact that Britain took away the colonies legislative powers, which had been evolving ever since the first colonists established law on the new continent. The Declaration basically stated all the wrongs that Britain had done against its colonies and that America was going to separate due to these wrong doings.
-Billy Kowalski
The Declaration of Independence and Thomas Paine's Common Sense held multiple things in common. Both established and clarified the rights of the individual colonies, as well as the colonists living there. While Paine's document argued that a nation should rule itself independently, it also focused more on society as a whole, and the basic principles for society. The Declaration laid the laws and legal system applied to governing the colonies. However, the Declaration focused primarily on the independence and why America was seceeding from Great Britain. Both expand the rights of the indvidual by formulating America's first sytem of government and establishing the laws to be governed by.
The documents evaluate the relationship between the colonies and Great Britain by challenging the system of rule that great Britain held over the colonies.
~griffin
The Declaration of Independence and Thomas Paine's Common Sense held multiple things in common. Both established and clarified the rights of the individual colonies, as well as the colonists living there. While Paine's document argued that a nation should rule itself independently, it also focused more on society as a whole, and the basic principles for society. The Declaration laid the laws and legal system applied to governing the colonies. However, the Declaration focused primarily on the independence and why America was seceeding from Great Britain. Both expand the rights of the indvidual by formulating America's first sytem of government and establishing the laws to be governed by.
The documents evaluate the relationship between the colonies and Great Britain by challenging the system of rule that great Britain held over the colonies.
~griffin
The Declaration of Independence and Thomas Paine's Common Sense held multiple things in common. Both established and clarified the rights of the individual colonies, as well as the colonists living there. While Paine's document argued that a nation should rule itself independently, it also focused more on society as a whole, and the basic principles for society. The Declaration laid the laws and legal system applied to governing the colonies. However, the Declaration focused primarily on the independence and why America was seceeding from Great Britain. Both expand the rights of the indvidual by formulating America's first sytem of government and establishing the laws to be governed by.
The documents evaluate the relationship between the colonies and Great Britain by challenging the system of rule that great Britain held over the colonies.
~griffin
The Declaration of Independence and Thomas Paine's Common Sense held multiple things in common. Both established and clarified the rights of the individual colonies, as well as the colonists living there. While Paine's document argued that a nation should rule itself independently, it also focused more on society as a whole, and the basic principles for society. The Declaration laid the laws and legal system applied to governing the colonies. However, the Declaration focused primarily on the independence and why America was seceeding from Great Britain. Both expand the rights of the indvidual by formulating America's first sytem of government and establishing the laws to be governed by.
The documents evaluate the relationship between the colonies and Great Britain by challenging the system of rule that great Britain held over the colonies.
~griffin
6. The purpose of Thomas’s Paine’s Common Sense and the Declaration of Independence was not only to empower the individual, but also to clearly outline the wrongs that, the American’s feel Britain, has committed against its colonies. Paine discusses how every individual has a natural right to rule and this mindset allows him to begin attacking the British monarchical government. He claims that while Britain professes to have a free government where the King’s power is kept in check by the commons, in reality they continue to run a monarchy. Why would you need the commons to look after the King if he didn’t already have more power than he deserved? No one has a hereditary right to the throne because even if one man is fit to rule, his grandson may not share his grandfather’s leadership qualities. When a single man has control over the decisions of a nation, that system of government is flawed. Why, then, should the colonies subject themselves to such an unnatural and perverse form of government? According to Paine, Britain does not have their best interest at heart. Everything they do is to help themselves, and sometimes this may coincide with what’s best for the colonies but mostly it does not. America is no longer dependant on Britain, so it is their duty to stop trying to make amends and break the connection the two have shared. They shouldn’t allow someone else to control them. “Hither have they fled, not from the tender embraces of the mother, but from the cruelty of the monster; and it is so far true of England, that the same tyranny which drove the first emigrants from home pursues their descendants still,” says Paine. This statement seems a tad overdramatic and on closer examination, inaccurate. America’s early colonists came for many reasons but few came because of the need for religious or political freedom. In Common Sense, Paine uses his eloquent writing to slander Britain and everything it has done for the colonies in order to shed a more positive light on his own opinion: that America should secede from Britain and become it’s own country.
The Declaration of Independence embodies many of the same ideas. As American’s we hold this document in high esteem; it is the very essence of this country’s values. Without it, we would not be America. However, was this document constructed because the authors truly believed that “all men are created equal,” or was an extremely persuasive ploy to denounce Great Britain? As most of the document consists of a list of what laws the King has imposed on America that they are unhappy with, it seems the ultimate goal of this document is to show why America should create their own country, shed of Britain. Not only do they have a list of the King’s indiscretions, but they have adopted an ideology to fall back on. Really, the Declaration of Independence is saying we believe that everyone has a natural right to rule, and since we have no control over who is ruling us right now, we would like to change that. Therefore, it is slightly ironic that out of this document has come the evidence for equality among different races, and ethnicities. Was that what the founding fathers had in mind when they wrote those words, or were they more concerned that they were not able to create their own laws?
Cherice Jones
Thomas Paine’s article gives people all of their rights and also gives people the benefit of the doubt. He wants us to look at government and society and as two different entities. He also wants us to think of what would a world be like if the individuals just lived with out the concept of government. He is very open to saying that the government is a form of evil and that it kind of corrupts a society as a whole. He also believes that religion should be kept separate from the government. He used the Puritans for an example.
The Declaration of Independence is document that kind of contradicts what Paine is arguing. It states that all men are equal when clearly that is not the case. It also incorporates some religions beliefs, which is against Paine’s religious beliefs. The document is altered to make it seem like the people are free and that their opinion counts but in a sense it is still some kind of underlying hierarchy because the rights of people are not completely at free will. I think
I think that Paine’s argument gives people all of the freedom they desire and their natural rights. I think the Declaration of Independence limits the rights of people and the document appears deceiving inn not to do so.
Thomas Paine's Common Sense and the declaration of independence were both dreated in order to denounce great britain and give power to the people. Paine explains that every person has a voice in their government, which gives the colonies a reason to attack the monarch that is Britain. paine along with some other great minds of the time new that having one person rule over them was not in the best interest of America. even if that particular ruler is a good leader his son or grandson might not share the same abilities that he/she does. the declaration of independence was created so that no one person had power, it also gave the majority of the power to the citizens of America and was the foundation of what is now the United States of America
Nicholas Wood
Paine's Common Sense and The Declaration of Independence had a big relationship. Both of these documents were the starting point for the American Colonies to break away from the British rule. They both stated how the colonies were to be better off without the british, and the individual rights that people should have. These then became to be the start and backbone for the colonies saying both the freedom that the people deserve, and the begining government that they would have, that not being one of british rule.
Thomas Paine wrote "Common Sense" in around 1776. This document was going to appeal to the common people and defined the rebellions goals. Some of which were being agains the monarchy but being for political liberty. This pamphlet would reach out to the common people and urge them to support independence. The Decleration of Independence is tell us that we are all equal and deserve the same rights. To me it seems that Paine's document would have appealed to the common people more than the decleration of independence. Paine says, in Britain "the king was the law" and in America "the law was king."
How do these documents asses the relationship between the colonies and Britain?
These documents were an attempt by the colonies to further separate their selves from Britain. Not only did they want separation from Britain rule, they also wanted their government to be set up completely different. A government where the people would elect their leaders instead of bloodline. It wasn't until after common sense came out that people really understood what separating from Britain would entail; the destruction of monarchy. Once people had a better understanding of what the colonies could become, many were in favor of Revolution.
The decloration of independence and Thomas Paine's common sence both try to encourage the seperation form the British and their government. The both expanded the rights of individuals by stating how they are treated unfairly and saying that it is the responsibility of the people to change and overcome what they believe is unjust. These documents move beyond their purpose by making people very angry with the British and their eventually leading to te revolution. These documents discribe the relationship between the colonies and the British as being very unfair. Colonies are very unhappy with the way they arre being controlled and thay the Colonies want nothing to do with British rule and want to rule themselves.
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence hold a significant amount of importance in the start of a new nation. Both of these documents laid out the groundwork for a new nation, and the natural rights of human, in contrast to Great Britain’s “Right of Englishmen.” Paine focused on the common man, and defined the goals of the revolution. Common sense went against the monarchy and called for political liberty and equality. The Declaration of Independence focused on the nation as a whole; it invoked the right of revolution, and set in stone the natural rights of human beings. The Declaration also focused of the Common Sense ideals of the principles of the new nation. Both documents brought America together to start a revolution.
- Moira Evens
These documents sole purpose was to ignite a feeling of patriotism in the colonists so they would hold together against the overwhelming British influence. the Declaration talks only of the wrong going that the English have committed toward the colonists. they say "he" meaning the king with his unjust policies. these policies are viwed as unjust by the colonists because they claim they have stated many times that they wish to be independent from British rule and influence. In "Common Sense" Paine talks about how the English only want to keep a hold onthe colonists for economic purposes not because they care for their people, DUH! Of courses thats the only reason America was a country that had a lot to offer in the eyes of the English and they were not aboput to let that go. Paine also states that the English monarchy only got involved in colonial conflicts when they felt that they had something to gain from their involvement.
The Declaration of Independence and Thomas Paine's Common Sense did help the colonies see that independence from Britain is what was needed to make them stronger. In common sense it was stated that most men knew it would come, although they didnt know when, and that the longer it was delayed the harder it would be to accomplish. Paine's common sense helped the people see against the monarchy. He stated that in the early stages of the world there were no kings and now the absolute power is the natural disease of monarchy. He also stated that is was ridiculous to exclude a man from means of information(king) yet empowers him to act in cases where the highest judgement is required. He helped the colonists to see that they were not treated fairly and that the act of rebellion and separation was needed when saying that the commons were more wiser and more worthy of the crown. The Declaration of Independence ties into the rights of the individual as well. It states that all men are created equal and have unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and that if a government becomes destructive in meeting their rights, that they have a right to abolish and insitute a new government. The Declaration also stated all the Kings "injuries and usurpations" such as taxing, cutting off trades and even preventing the growing population of colonies that with their petitions against the kings rules have only been answered by "repeated injury". This shows the colonies relationship with britain is not at peace and that britain does not answer their voice of justice which is why they want separation and will hold them as the rest of mankind "enemies in war, in peace friends"
Emily Wagner wrote the previous anonymous blogg..sorry
The Declaration of Independence and Thomas Paine's "COmmon Sense" carry two very similar viewpoints and suggestions as well as worked together to make America the independent nation that it is today. Both of these documents expanded the rights of the individual far past the norm of that time period. The Declaration of Independence states that the main power will be within the people. Government would not have total control and could abolish, or alter it if it became destructive, and its main goals would be to protect the individuals "life, liberty and pursuit of happiness." Common Sense states the same basic idea but adds more detail to American government and the inadequacy of British Sovereignty. Common Sense petitions the idea of elected officials through ballots instead of a secessional monarchy which could easily end up corrupt. Paine also brings up the idea of a representative democracy that would give relatively equal power to all colonies.
These documents are an obvious attempt to shut down Britain's power against America. Both Common Sense and the Declaration of Independence make arguments against the British. A common point between the two was that Britain was no longer (and to many never had been) a "father" or "mother" to America. Common Sense asks that if Britain really were a mother to America, why were they turning around and harming them? Then the Declaration lists the wrongs of the King, and many of them talk of American's being harassed and the point that standing armies were being kept in America, even during times of peace. America was not cared about by the monarchy. America was being screwed over and Jefferson and Paine helped to change that!
Up unitl this point in history, no one had ever challenged the power of the king directly because this would be classified as an act of treason. The mere fact that Paine, Jefferson and the other signers of the Decleration of Idependence suggests that there was a substantial need to demand more or better rights for the colonists. As opposed the the former "Rights of Englishmen," this new idea of "Natural Right" came into play and gave the colonists new and progressive ideas about their relationship ith Britain. These ideas prompted an entirely new regime in America where the colonists, once and for all, felt that they should be free and independent of Britain and were capable of governing themselves. In Paine's Common Sense, he outlines the wrongs and injustices done against the colonists by Britain. Jefferson goe the extra step in the DOI to explain how and why the American colonies should have freedom from British rule and how if not, they were willing to fight for it. Even though these documents, were initailly intended to inform the colonists of the wrongs done against them, they ultimately wound up being the bases of the new American ideologies and basic governing system.
The purpose of Common Sense and the Declaration of Independence was to state that individuals had rights and another country wasn't going to control them. Paine's Common sense basically states that the colonies are separate of the British Kingdom and what needs to take place for the colonies get their freedom from them. The Declaration of Independence states the personal rights of the colonists and declaring that they are separating from its old ruler Britain. Thomas jefferson also points out the duties of the colonists as to not let a government of the king or of the British type take part in America. These documents pushed the colonies to fight for their freedom and got them fired up. These documents also show that the relationship between the colonies and Britain are not a good one. They show Britain as being a bad wrong country or government and shows Americas veiws and being the right ones. From reading these there is a certain tension between the countries felt.
Some of the most important documents in the United States history were written in the time just before the American Revolution. Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” and the Declaration of Independence are among these important documents. The purpose of these documents was to show the Americans that life in the United States could be even better with the separation from Britain.
The “Common Sense” pamphlet illustrated many of the things that were unjust with the relationship between America and Great Britain. For example, in the pamphlet Paine stated that the if Great Britain considered themselves as the “mother” of America, then the “mother” hadn’t been treating its “child” with much love and care as a mother should. He also stated that “In the early stages of the world, there were no kings; the consequence of which was there were no wars; its is the pride of kings which throw mankind into confusion.” This demonstrated that he believed that kings did more bad than good since coming into power.
The Declaration of Independence was a document that pointed out all the wrongdoings that Great Britain committed against the American colonies. It stated that all men should have the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” and that Great Britain was not allowing these simple rights.
-Kristin Robben
The Declaration of Independence and Common Sense assess the relationship between the colonies and Britain saying how the colonies are strong and independent and do not need ruling from Britain. In the pamphlet Common Sense Thomas Paine explains “Britain ruled the colonies for its own benefit, and did not consider the best interests of the colonists in governing them.” In other words, Britain was only concerned about themselves and taking over the colonies, and did not worry about the opinions of the Americans. The colonies did not like the British government or their rules of society. The colonies felt that a spit from Britain would make them stronger, and able to control their own government and beliefs of how a society should be.
The Declaration of Independence and Common Sense move beyond their purpose because they did not only state the feelings of how the colonies were feeling, but because of this the documents unintentionally started the American Revolution.
The Declaration of Independence and Common Sense were created on the basis of having not one ruler and freedom of men. These two documents expanded the rights of individuals by establishing a government that is ruled my many people instead of one man that would have absolute tyranny over the states. While also establishing rights for these people such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These documents move beyond there purpose they were built for. They were created originally to get support from the people to go against Britain and separate from them but these documents became what our country's government and society is based on. The documents explain that the relationship between Britain and the states was very poor. The colonists explained in the documents that they were sick of following a tyrant and that if some people began to revolt that more people would soon join.
The Declaration of Independence and Thomas Paine’s Common Sense established the true feelings of the colonists. The Declaration of Independence completely confronted England about all the things that they had been wrongly doing to the colonists. Paine’s book supported the feelings of Americans and lead to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution. These documents made people think for themselves and want to be separated from England. They declared that England had no right to rule over the colonists like they had been doing. The feelings of the colonists changed so that they were ready to up rise against England. After these documents were published the relationship between England and the Colonists severely suffered. These documents ultimately lead to the war between America and England.
By Matt Vlach
As Common Sense was published before the Declaration of Independence, the colonists’ final straw, they have slightly different, but ultimately similar intent. In both documents, the respective author’s Paine and Jefferson remind the colonies of the injustices that the English King and Parliament have brought to them. In addition, Paine introduced the concept of natural rights, the rights like those to life, liberty, and property to expand the rights of the individual. The Declaration modified these ideas slightly to show that the fight extended beyond those who owned property to merely those who sought happiness, but nevertheless reasserted these rights. In January of 1776, Paine wrote mainly to gain the colonist’s popular support of the revolution and to explain to them that arms were their final option, whereas in July of 1776, the colonial elites, thinking of the good of all the colonist’s, wrote the Declaration of Independence to cut their final ties to Britain.
While successful in inciting the want of revolution among the colonists, Paine’s Common Sense, in particular, moved slightly beyond its purpose. Not only did he did he remind the colonists of how England had wronged them, he took it further in attacking the way the English government functioned and the process of the monarchial system in general. Paine explains that government is an obvious and necessary evil because of the innate vices of human beings, but, in doing so, didn’t relate to the colonies’ want for their own government nor tell them how to fix their problems. Paine, in his rant against the complex English government, states that the most tolerable form of government is the simplest one conceivable. With the English House of Peers answering to the King and the English House of Commons answering to the people, Paine believed the same thing as Abraham Lincoln would later state; “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” In addition, Paine came down on monarchy and hereditary succession. He states that by nature it makes no sense for any race of man to be superior to another, as there was no physiologically significant difference amongst them. In relation to this, Paine says that it isn’t right for ruling families to live in “perpetual preference” as those born to rule live their lives thinking that they are above others, and are often found to grow insolent with time. While hereditary succession stood firmly on the foundation that it prevented civil wars, Paine speaks the truth of the matter and used the current ruling family of England at the time as an example stating that in their previous 30 kings, 8 civil wars and 19 rebellions had broken out. However, it is his statement that, “Monarchy and succession have laid but the world in blood and ashes,” which best exemplifies how his famous pamphlet sort of moved beyond its original purpose.
Jefferson and Paine both assessed the relationship between the colonies and Great Britain as extremely hostile, asserting the need for the colonies to break from England, but Paine’s Common Sense took this assertion farther using analogies that common people could understand, probably in the hope of relating and communicating the dire political situation to them. Paine makes it clear that if England does in fact want to look at itself as the parent country to the colonies, it needs to realize that even the worst of people do not “devour their young” or “make war on their families.” He says that no one country should be considered the parent of the colonies, as the settlers of the New World were persecuted peoples who came from all over Europe. He also says that based on the philosophy that England uses to govern America, France should actually be governing England because the first of the English line of monarchs, William the Conqueror, as well as half of the English population, are French.
The Declaration of Independence and Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” were both very influential documents that helped lead to the eventual American Revolution. Their main purpose was to gain support of the colonists against England. In the Declaration of Independence, the writers wrote the facts of a British tyranny over the American colonies. These included failure of equal representation, quartering troops, and failure in some cases of the benefits such as a trial by jury. This document went against the king and thus was one of the first things to actually state the colonies dislike of the king. If the colonists spoke out against the king it was considered treason and punishable by death. However, the colonists knew they needed to write the Declaration to gain support for the war. In the pamphlet “Common Sense,” many of the same arguments were written. Paine emphasized how the English government was an absolutist government with control over the colonies. He also stated how “evil” the monarchs of England were. These documents not only emphasized the poor relationship between the colonies and England, but also gained wider support in the colonies for a Revolution.
Jefferson's Declaration and Paine's Common Sense hold many similarities. Although Paine wrote more favoribly of independance than Jefferson. Many scholars believe Paine could have been the writer of the Declaration. Both documents wanted to end government with one almighty ruler, and create a country that wanted freedom for all men. Both documents were used to create the Nation. Common sense is used to write the Declaration.
-Emily Sullivan
The Declaration of Independence and Paine’s Common Sense both explained the struggle between America and Britain and were very important documents in the separation of the colonies from Britain. Common Sense supported the thoughts of the Americans and that helped in the creation of the Declaration of Independence which stated freedom from the British rule and listed the many reasons why. Both documents explained the new way in which the colonies wished to be governed instead of being ruled over by the British. They wanted their own independence so that they could become their own country.
Gina Knapczyk
I posted my above comment last night before the deadline but it didn't go through.
Gina Knapczyk
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