Thomas Paine's Common Sense

What was the primary purpose of Thomas Paine's pamphlet 'Common Sense'?

• To promote trade agreements with European countries

• To argue for reconciliation with Great Britain

• To advocate for the French Revolution

• To make a moral and political argument for American independence

Who was the intended audience of 'Common Sense'?

• French revolutionaries

• American colonists

• Colonial governors

• British Parliament

According to Paine, how did Britain fail as a 'parent' to the colonies?

• By acting out of interest rather than attachment

• By providing too much financial support

• By engaging in trade with other European nations

• By offering military protection

What major event was occurring in Boston at the time of 'Common Sense'?

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence

• The Boston Tea Party

• The siege and suffering of its inhabitants

• The Boston Massacre

What argument against independence does Paine refute in 'Common Sense'?

• That America would be unable to defend itself

• That America would be economically unstable without Britain

• That America would lose its cultural identity

• That America would be unable to form a government

How does Paine describe the connection between America and Great Britain?

• As a beneficial alliance

• As a mutually beneficial relationship

• As a necessary evil

• As a fallacious and harmful dependency

What does Paine suggest about the future of American property under British rule?

• It will be secure and prosperous

• It will be precarious and unstable

• It will be enhanced by British trade

• It will be protected by British laws

What does Paine challenge the advocates of reconciliation to show?

• A single advantage of being connected with Great Britain

• A plan for peaceful coexistence

• A strategy for economic growth

• A method for military defense

How does Paine view the possibility of reconciliation with Britain?

• As an impossible and undesirable outcome

• As a hopeful future

• As a necessary compromise

• As a natural progression

What does Paine argue is the role of America in the world?

• To be an asylum for mankind

• To remain a British colony

• To support European monarchies

• To dominate global trade