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Common Sense Questions
American History To 1865 (HIST 2111)
University of Georgia
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Jordan Pringle 1 1) Note the different kinds of arguments for independence in Common Sense? Which two of these do you find most convincing and why? Which two do you find the weakest and why? - Paine’s first argument is about independence from England and why it would be beneficial for the American colonies. His second argument is about the need to create a democratic government in the American colonies, and not a government like England’s that contains all three forms of government, a monarchy, oligarchy and democracy. - Paine’s argument about being taken over by another country was convincing to me, because America was highly sought after in that time. The Spanish and the French could benefit from taking over America and probably would have done so if they had been given the chance. Paine’s argument on page 6 was the other most convincing argument to me. Paine discusses how America has thrived under England’s rule so far, and how some people think it is necessary for England to continue ruling over America if it is to continue being successful. He uses this analogy to compare: “because a child has thrived upon milk, that it is never to have meat.” Although a strange analogy, it illustrates Paine’s idea that America doesn’t need England to continue to be successful. - I think one of Paine’s weak arguments said that “other European countries would welcome an independent America” (6). Unless the other European countries were benefiting from an independent America, they might not necessary welcome it. I think that Paine’s argument about being taken over by other countries could apply here – if other powerful European countries realized that England was not protecting America anymore, they might try to take it over. In my opinion, Paine’s other weak argument is the one that implies that all Kings are evil and that the idea of monarchy “was the most prosperous invention the Devil ever set on foot for the promotion of idolatry” (4). Although the King in England might have been disagreed with and could have been thought of as evil, not all kings are the same, and they don’t all rule the same way. A monarchical government might not be beneficial in some countries, but it other countries it could be. 2) What do you think are Chalmers’ most convincing arguments and why? Which two do you find the weakest and why?? - One of Chalmers’ most convincing arguments is found on page 10. He is arguing that the colonies have no chance of defeating Britain if they were to go to war. He states that even if there were enough men willing to “bear arms against the British army,” it would be very difficult to defend America, because of how much land there is and how little population there is (10). Another one of Chalmers’ strong arguments comes from weakening Paine’s that all the republics of Europe are at peace. Chalmers says “if we examine the republics of Greece and Rome, we ever find them in a state of war domestic or foreign. Our Author therefore makes no mention of these ancient States” (8). Paine seems to leave out these examples to avoid weakening his argument. - I think Chalmers’ first argument that we see if a weak argument. He is arguing against Paine’s attack on the English constitution, but Chalmers seems to use opinion to back up his argument instead of facts. One of Chalmers’ other weak arguments was on page 47. Chalmers thinks that other European countries would not welcome an independent America. He thinks that America would lose economic opportunities like buying and selling goods if they were independent from England, but I think it’s possible that America could find other buyers and sellers to do business with if necessary.
Common Sense Questions
Course: American History To 1865 (HIST 2111)
University: University of Georgia
