The most likely effect of Thomas Paine's words on the American colonists was that they most likely strengthened the colonists' desire to act on their wish to separate from Britain. Paine's argument for forming a government of their own resonated strongly with those who were already feeling discontent with British rule. By appealing to their sense of natural rights and the importance of establishing a constitution deliberately, Paine galvanized support for independence and encouraged a collective action among the colonists towards that goal. His persuasive rhetoric provided a philosophical foundation for those advocating for separation from Britain, promoting the idea that self-governance was not only a right but a necessity.
A government of our own is our natural right: And when a man seriously reflects on the precariousness of human affairs, he will become convinced, that it is infinitely wiser and safer, to form a constitution of our own in a cool deliberate manner, while we have it in our power, than to trust such an interesting event to time and chance.—Thomas Paine, Common Sense
What effect do you think these words had on the American colonists?
They most likely inspired fear in the Loyalists of the Patriots
They most likely strengthened the colonist's desire to act on their wish to separate from Britain
They most likely encouraged the Framers to meet and write the U.S. Constitution at the Continental Congress.
They most likely increased colonial acts of civil disobedience by confirming their validity.
1 answer