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Video Summaries of Common Sense
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1-Page Summary of Common Sense
Overall Summary
Thomas Paine starts by saying that government is not a blessing. Instead, it is something that people need to restrain their vices. Government’s purpose is to protect society and the most desirable form of government is one which protects freedom for everyone. The English constitution, on the other hand, has too many rules and only serves to create tyranny.
Paine makes a deeper and more critical argument about monarchy. He does this by showing that it’s not in line with Christian beliefs, as well as arguing that it leads to violence and can be rejected. Paine also argues against hereditary succession because it arbitrarily imposes rulers on people for generations, which often results in corrupt leaders who are out of touch with the needs of their people. Finally, he lists wars and rebellions caused by conflicts over succession alone, arguing that these further disprove the validity of the practice.
Paine believes that the time for reconciliation with Britain has passed. He points out that it’s like saying a child must be fed baby food forever—the child grows, and so should America. Americans are composed of refugees from all over Europe who have fled religious persecution, not just England. Thus, America can better serve itself through trade than by being under British military protection—Britain will only drag America into foreign wars if they continue to meddle in American affairs.
Thomas Paine appeals to his audience’s emotions by showing them the suffering of Boston. He believes that anyone with a heart would want to help Boston, and he also believes that it is time for America to separate from Britain. If reconciliation were possible, King George III would still be oppressive and ruin the country in the long run even if peace was achieved in the short run. Thomas Paine offers some suggestions for how an independent America should be governed, such as a Continental Congress and Charter and alternating between colonies when choosing a president. In general, property rights should always come first along with freedom of religion for all people living there.
Paine points out some of the benefits that America will have if it declares independence. These include building a navy, as well as having ideal conditions for creating and implementing a new government (America is young and has an ideal population size). Until America decides to declare independence, however, it will continue to suffer from fewer resources than England.
Thomas Paine responded to the king’s speech in his second edition of Common Sense. He reiterates the arguments for independence and argues against delaying it any further, arguing that America has gained enough military experience to fight for independence and that if they wait too long, they risk a factional mentality distracting them from establishing a constitution. The longer they wait, the harder it will be. Finally he refutes a Quaker argument against rebellion by saying that if their pacifist stance is consistent with not meddling in British affairs then why are they meddling in American affairs?
Introduction
Thomas Paine says that his ideas might not be popular enough to gain support. He thinks that people are more likely to believe what they’ve been told is right, even if it’s wrong.
A long and violent abuse of power is sufficient reason to question its legitimacy. The Americans are oppressed by both the King and Parliament, so they have a good reason to investigate their rights. Paine says that he doesn’t want to attack anyone in particular in this pamphlet; instead, his goal is to look into America’s cause, which is also the cause of all men as a whole. Any person with feelings should be concerned about England’s declaration against the natural rights of all mankind because it shows how much power they think they have over people who don’t agree with them.
