"Common Sense" Explained: US History Review

Summary

In this history lecture, the speaker discusses Thomas Paine's influential pamphlet 'Common Sense' from 1775, which played a pivotal role in persuading colonists to revolt against British rule. The lecture breaks down the pamphlet into seven key arguments: the impracticality of an island nation governing a continent, the cultural diversification of the colonies, the failure of Britain as a 'mother country', the dangers of entanglement in European wars, the challenges posed by geographical distance, the Puritan heritage of seeking refuge from European religious conflicts, and the assertion that colonialism is against the colonies' best interests. The speaker emphasizes the pamphlet's significance in shaping American identity and the push for independence.

Takeaways

• 📚 Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' was a persuasive pamphlet written in 1775 that advocated for American independence from Great Britain.
• 🗣️ The pamphlet is often referred to as the 'book of duh' because it presented common sense arguments for why the colonies should break away from Britain.
• 🌍 Paine argued that it was absurd for an island nation like Britain to govern a vast continent like America, highlighting the geographical and practical challenges.
• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 The colonial population had diversified, with many different European backgrounds, and Paine suggested they were no longer truly 'British' but had developed a distinct American identity.
• 👩 Paine criticized the idea of Britain as a 'mother country', suggesting that it was more like a bad mother that violated the natural rights of its children.
• 🔫 He warned against the dangers of being entangled in Europe's constant wars, which could drag the colonies into conflicts not of their own making.
• 📡 The geographical distance between America and Britain was a significant issue for Paine, as it made communication and governance difficult.
• 🏛️ Paine drew on the Puritan heritage of the colonies, which sought refuge from religious conflicts in Europe, to argue for continued separation from Britain.
• 🏆 The final argument was about self-governance and the best interests of the colonies, with Paine asserting that Britain would never truly represent or prioritize American needs.
• 💡 'Common Sense' is considered one of the first defining pieces of American literature, helping to shape a sense of American identity and the push for independence.

Q & A

What is the main subject of the lecture?

The main subject of the lecture is the discussion of Thomas Paine's pamphlet 'Common Sense,' written in 1775, which is considered a persuasive piece of literature that played a significant role in the American Revolution.

Why does the lecturer refer to 'Common Sense' as the 'book of duh'?

The lecturer refers to 'Common Sense' as the 'book of duh' because it presents arguments that seem obvious or straightforward to the modern reader, advocating for the American colonies to revolt against British rule.

What is the first argument presented by Thomas Paine in 'Common Sense'?

The first argument is that it is illogical for an island nation like Great Britain to govern a distant continent, which is the American colonies in this context.

How does the lecturer describe the diversity of the American colonies in 1775?

The lecturer describes the American colonies in 1775 as being diverse, with a population that included not only British but also German, French, and other Northern Europeans, indicating a shift away from a purely British identity.

What is the 'mother country' analogy used by Paine?

The 'mother country' analogy refers to the idea that Great Britain, as the colonial power, is like a mother to the colonies. Paine argues that if the mother country does not fulfill its duties to protect and represent the colonies, it is akin to a bad mother.

Why does the lecturer compare Europe to a 'drama table' in the cafeteria?

The lecturer compares Europe to a 'drama table' to illustrate how the continent's constant state of war and political turmoil can negatively impact the American colonies, which are better off avoiding such entanglements.

What is the significance of the 'distance' argument in Paine's pamphlet?

The 'distance' argument highlights the practical challenges of communication and governance due to the vast geographical separation between the American colonies and Great Britain, suggesting that self-governance would be more effective.

How does Paine connect the colonial heritage to the argument for independence?

Paine connects the colonial heritage to the argument for independence by emphasizing the original reasons for the colonies' establishment as a refuge from religious and political conflicts in Europe, suggesting that the colonies should maintain their separation.

What is the seventh and final argument presented by Paine in 'Common Sense'?

The seventh argument is about the best interests of the colonies, asserting that Great Britain will never act in the best interests of the colonies but will always prioritize its own, thus necessitating the creation of a separate country with self-governance.

What is the overall message of 'Common Sense' according to the lecturer?

The overall message of 'Common Sense' is to persuade the American colonies to seek independence from Great Britain, arguing that self-governance and representation are essential for the protection of natural rights and the well-being of the colonies.