Question

Review the timeline at the beginning of this Unit. What specific events and issues is Thomas Paine responding to when writing this pamphlet? What are his issues with Britain? Why were colonists fighting for independence? For example, he writes, “Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but ‘to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER’.” This is referring to the act of the British Parliament in 1766 that stated they were allowed to make laws about whatever they wanted to in regard to the colonies, which made most colonists extremely angry. Identify at least four other specific events or issues that would have caused Thomas Paine to argue so passionately for independence, and be sure to use specific evidence from the excerpt to support your assertions.

Answer 1

Thomas Paine was responding to the British Government in which he marshaled moral and political arguments for peopel to fight against Britain.

The British taxed us too much, did not give us a say, and when we did rebel, we'd be hung or killed. For this reason, we fought for independence.

Administration of Justice Act, Coercive Acts, Boston Port Act, Quartering Act