Question
What Enlightenment ideas did Thomas Paine use to justify breaking from Britain in his 1776 pamphlet “Common Sense”
Equality
Questioning authority
natural rights
freedom from oppression
Equality
Questioning authority
natural rights
freedom from oppression
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
In his 1776 pamphlet "Common Sense," Thomas Paine utilized several key Enlightenment ideas to justify breaking from Britain, including:
1. **Natural Rights**: Paine emphasized that individuals have inherent rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He argued that the British government was infringing upon these natural rights and that it was the duty of the colonists to seek independence to protect their freedoms.
2. **Equality**: Paine advocated for the idea that all men are created equal and should have equal rights and opportunities. He criticized the hereditary monarchy and aristocracy in Britain, arguing that such systems perpetuated inequality and oppression.
3. **Questioning Authority**: Paine encouraged people to question the established authority of the British monarchy and government. He argued that blind loyalty to a distant government was irrational and that individuals should challenge oppressive systems.
4. **Freedom from Oppression**: Throughout "Common Sense," Paine spoke passionately about the need to be free from British tyranny and oppression. He portrayed independence as a means to establish a just society free from the abuses of power that the colonists had experienced under British rule.
By combining these Enlightenment principles, Paine effectively made a compelling case for independence, influencing public opinion and energizing the movement for American revolution.
1. **Natural Rights**: Paine emphasized that individuals have inherent rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He argued that the British government was infringing upon these natural rights and that it was the duty of the colonists to seek independence to protect their freedoms.
2. **Equality**: Paine advocated for the idea that all men are created equal and should have equal rights and opportunities. He criticized the hereditary monarchy and aristocracy in Britain, arguing that such systems perpetuated inequality and oppression.
3. **Questioning Authority**: Paine encouraged people to question the established authority of the British monarchy and government. He argued that blind loyalty to a distant government was irrational and that individuals should challenge oppressive systems.
4. **Freedom from Oppression**: Throughout "Common Sense," Paine spoke passionately about the need to be free from British tyranny and oppression. He portrayed independence as a means to establish a just society free from the abuses of power that the colonists had experienced under British rule.
By combining these Enlightenment principles, Paine effectively made a compelling case for independence, influencing public opinion and energizing the movement for American revolution.