Jesus Chaveste
HIST 1301
Dr. Olivares
September 7, 2013
Thomas Paine Questions

1. Why do you think Thomas Paine writes Common Sense anonymously? How does he think his work will be remembered? Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense anonymously because the ideas he used in writing the book were contradicting the government at that time. If the government knew that he wrote it then they will take action against him to punish him. He probably thought that his work would remain as something memorable such as it was only there to raise the spirit of the colonist to fight back and to stand up against the government.
2. According to Paine, what is the difference between society and government? Paine states that society and government are …show more content…

In 1774, by happenstance, he met Benjamin Franklin in London, who helped him immigrate to Philadelphia. Then in 1776, he published Common Sense.
9. What is Paine's argument based on? What intellectual movement and why? Paine's argument is mostly based on things that everyone in the colony would consider common sense. The intellectual part about the concept is that even though he demonstrated a great length of knowledge, he made it look like his knowledge is even with the colonists. The reason for that is he really wanted the colonists to believe that the book is written by but someone among the colonists. That way, it is much easier to move the colonists' spirit.
10. What is the role, for Paine, of the wars in Europe on American independence? His role is to remind them and clear their desire to live a life without great changes so that they can stand up and fight for their own lives. Paine's role in the wars was not that of a leader but a reminder of the people's cause. Because of Paine, people started to remember to stand up and fight back for their rights. 11. How does Paine argue the opposing point of independence? How does he counter the “reconciliationists”? Paine explains why the current time is a good time to break free of Britain. Primarily, Paine focuses on the present size of the colonies, and on their current capabilities. He presents an inventory of the British Navy and gives calculations revealing how America could build a navy of comparable size.