Thomas Paine

Question 1

What pressures shaped Thomas Paine’s Common Sense?

Answer 1

Revolutionary tension, fear of tyranny – “Arms as the last resource decide the contest.”

Question 2

Who was Thomas Paine addressing in Common Sense?

Answer 2

Colonists of all classes – urban and rural – “I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense.”

Question 3

How did Thomas Paine distinguish society and government?

Answer 3

Society = wants, Government = wickedness – “Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness.”

Question 4

What is the purpose of government according to Thomas Paine?

Answer 4

Freedom & security – “Here then is the origin and rise of government;… Freedom and security.”

Question 5

What was Thomas Paine’s view on human equality?

Answer 5

All men originally equal – “Mankind being originally equals in the order of creation…”

Question 6

What were Thomas Paine’s main goals?

Answer 6

Independence & Continental government – “A government of our own is our natural right.”

Question 7

What did Thomas Paine fear most?

Answer 7

British dependence = war & tyranny –

Question 8

How did Thomas Paine reconcile freedom vs. loyalty to Britain?

Answer 8

Freedom prioritized over loyalty; urgency over delay – “IT IS TIME TO PART.”

Question 9

Natural right for America?

Answer 9

Own government – “A government of our own is our natural right.”