In "Common Sense," Thomas Paine argues that the colonists do not owe gratitude to the British for their assistance and protection for several reasons:
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Self-Interest of Britain: Paine contends that Britain’s involvement in the colonies was primarily motivated by its own self-interests rather than a genuine desire to help the colonists. He argues that Britain benefited from the colonies economically and strategically, and any support provided was merely a means to extend British interests.
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Oppressive Rule: Paine emphasizes that British rule imposed severe restrictions and injustices on the colonies. He argues that the relationship was one of oppression, where the colonies were exploited rather than supported. Therefore, any perceived help was overshadowed by the burdens of British governance.
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Inherent Rights: Paine asserts that colonists have natural rights to self-governance and that they should not be beholden to a distant monarchy. He advocates for the idea that legitimate governments derive their power from the consent of the governed, and since the colonies were not giving their consent freely, they had no obligation to the British crown.
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Advocacy for Independence: Paine makes a strong case for independence throughout "Common Sense." He argues that the colonies should break away from British rule and establish their own governance. In this context, the notion of owing anything to Britain seems contradictory to the goal of achieving true self-determination.
Overall, Paine's perspective highlights that any perceived assistance from Britain does not equate to a debt of gratitude, particularly when weighed against the backdrop of exploitation and the desire for freedom.