Question
What does Paine “dread”?
A peaceful America
An independent America
Peaceful compromise with Britain
But the most powerful of all arguments, is, that nothing but independence, i.e. a continental form of government, can keep the peace of the continent and preserve it inviolate from civil wars. I dread the event of a reconciliation with Britain now, as it is more than probable, that it will followed by a revolt somewhere or other, the consequences of which may be far more fatal than all the malice of Britain.
A peaceful America
An independent America
Peaceful compromise with Britain
But the most powerful of all arguments, is, that nothing but independence, i.e. a continental form of government, can keep the peace of the continent and preserve it inviolate from civil wars. I dread the event of a reconciliation with Britain now, as it is more than probable, that it will followed by a revolt somewhere or other, the consequences of which may be far more fatal than all the malice of Britain.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
In the context of the quote provided, Thomas Paine expresses a dread of "a peaceful compromise with Britain." He argues that reconciliation with Britain would likely lead to greater conflicts or revolts within the colonies, which would be more dangerous than the threats posed by Britain itself. Paine believes that only independence and a continental form of government can ensure peace and prevent civil wars among the colonies.