Unveiling the Vision- The Underlying Aim of Thomas Paine’s Revolutionary Classic, ‘Common Sense’
What was the goal of Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”? This question remains a topic of interest for historians and scholars alike. Written during the American Revolution, Paine’s pamphlet aimed to mobilize the American colonies against British rule and to advocate for independence. In this article, we will explore the objectives behind Paine’s influential work and its impact on the revolutionary movement.
Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” was published in January 1776, just a few months before the Declaration of Independence. It was a short, persuasive tract that quickly gained popularity among the colonists. The primary goal of this work was to challenge the legitimacy of British rule in the colonies and to argue for the formation of a new, independent nation.
One of the main objectives of “Common Sense” was to dispel the notion that the British monarchy had any divine right to govern the colonies. Paine wrote, “We have it in our power to begin the world over again.” By questioning the authority of the British monarchy, Paine sought to empower the colonists and encourage them to fight for their rights and freedom.
Another goal of “Common Sense” was to appeal to the common people of the colonies. Paine’s straightforward, accessible language made the pamphlet accessible to a wide audience, including those who were not well-educated. He argued that the common man had as much right to self-governance as the wealthy elite, thus fostering a sense of unity among the colonists.
Furthermore, Paine’s work aimed to motivate the colonists to take action. He wrote, “It is in vain to talk of the rights of man, when there is no security for the assertion of those rights.” Paine’s passionate plea for independence served as a call to arms, encouraging the colonists to rise up against British oppression and fight for their freedom.
The impact of “Common Sense” cannot be overstated. It played a crucial role in the American Revolution by providing a philosophical and moral foundation for the fight for independence. The pamphlet helped to unite the colonists, inspire them to take action, and shift public opinion in favor of independence. In fact, many historians believe that “Common Sense” was instrumental in swaying the majority of the colonists to support the revolutionary cause.
In conclusion, the goal of Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” was to challenge the legitimacy of British rule, empower the common people, and motivate the colonists to fight for their independence. By accomplishing these objectives, Paine’s influential work played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and the eventual birth of the United States of America.
