Based on the excerpt, Paine argues that the American desire for independence is universal. He connects the struggles of America to the rights and concerns of all mankind, suggesting that the fight for independence has a broader significance that affects everyone, not just those in America or Britain.
Read the excerpt below.
The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind . . . The laying a Country desolate with Fire and Sword, declaring War against the natural rights of all Mankind . . . is the Concern of every Man to whom Nature hath given the Power of feeling.
—Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776
Based on the excerpt, what does Paine argue about the American desire for independence?
It is universal.
It only concerns Britain.
It is different from other countries.
It is overly complicated.
1 answer
1 answer