The Birth of the American Freedom Ideology

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense marks the turning point in American history inciting the population take a stand against the oppressive government reforms that the English had imposed following the events of the Seven Year War, which had left England with a massive debt. This pamphlet was the definitive, persuasive and passionate argument that swayed the opinions of the undecided towards going forward with an American Revolution. Coming from England and only living in America for a year, Paine composed this piece of writing with a sort of experience that American Englishmen, as they would consider themselves, lacked.

By having lived the great majority of his life under direct English rule, he would have more knowledge on the subject that the Americans that were just being exposed to that lifestyle had, yet still be considered as an equal amongst the general population. His writing proved so successful in conveying his message and was so widely read across the continent that six months after publication the Second Continental Congress had declared independence.

According to Paine, American and British relationships were already beyond a point of repair, arguing that independence was a better alternative than conceding, even giving his share against reconciliation. By stating that the only logical choice to follow was that of independence, Paine structured his arguments explaining why the time for reconciliation had already passed, like an unobtainable dream, and more drastic measures should take its place. Basing his argument on the belief that once independent of English rule the relations between the American people and the English crown could improve with time.

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This final piece in the argument would counter the general belief of the time that because America flourished while under English rule, it would find a way to do it once again, but as Paine states: “(…) America would have flourished as much, and probably much more, had no European power taken any notice of her.” (p. 62). He was a true believer that America seemed to flourish better and faster without constant supervision of a parent country, so it would seem obvious to understand why he would support taking the steps required to separate America from England.

But risking high treason against England would not be gambled by simple reason, so Paine emphasizes on three main pillars that would justify such actions. Firstly, he mentions the international peace instability that England held at the time, coming off a war with France. By being submitted to England, their wars, because of their political nature and location, would put them in the uncomfortable position of having to back up the parent country economically and soldier-wise, plus losing potential economic allies because of their connections with England, arguing that America’s only plan was commerce. This leads to the second pillar: economy. Paine states that it is in the better interest of Europe to keep America “a free port” (p. 63), while under British rule that may not be allowed or severely limited. America’s international peace and friendship, he argued, would just attract more nations that would in turn expand their economic reach and influence. Finally, and probably the most developed of the three pillars, timing was perfect for a rebellion of these type to occur. Paine spends the fourth section optimistically analyzing how an American fleet could compare to the Royal Navy, the amount of raw materials the continent had at their disposal, and how the conditions in which the British ships were could favor America having an upper hand against the British if need be. However, it must be stated, that these claims that Paine makes, although coming from a hopeful mindset, are still pure speculation and in the hopes of inspiring more people to fight the oppression of the English government. There was no guarantee, at the moment, that any of these would work out.

With regards to Monarchy and the English constitution, Paine dedicates a whole chapter talking about the absurdity of absolute power and hereditary succession. He argues that kings gain power through the oppression of other people, and that the belief that there are people bred to lead is pure madness. He says that the unquenchable thirst for more power is the original sin of kings and those who ask for leading. Paine states, that the whole structure of hereditary power challenges the belief that every man is made equal under God by saying directly that there are some that people that are above the rest, which is contradicting because of the fact that kings justify their position by saying God chose them to lead. Finally, he says that the very notion of kings among men is sinful, because the only true king is God and whoever tries to replicate it goes against the prerogative of Heaven: “Of more worth is one honest man to society, and in the sight of God, than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived.” (p. 60). And, in a similar fashion, he goes into detail writing about the uselessness of the English constitution, as where the system is divided in three parts to keep power divided among all, he concludes that the king still had the upper hand and final say on whatever dispute, making the whole system nonsensical.

More than a rebellion by name, the sentiment that Common Sense brought forth to the American people was more like the birth of a new ideology, a new kind of freedom, a rebellion of spirit and body. For Paine this revolution was about more than America. He argued that the impact this grand event would be world-changing, that a new model of government would be introduced to the world that would replace the old tyrants of years past. For him, the motive for independence was a sense responsibility and nobility, to fight the battle so his children’s children would not have to. A sense of posterity made the opportunity they had special and important. Why wait when we can do something now? How much are they going to take away from us before we do something? This type of visionary thinking was what made the American rebellion so significant on a global scale. The effect it caused in America showed other nations across the world that it was possible to rebel against oppressive governments and tyrannical leaders, and created a ripple effect that would mark the beginning of end the Monarchical Era of the world.

The world had been introduced to Democracy and Freedom in a new magnitude, it had been introduced to the American Exceptionalism: “O! ye that love mankind! Ye that dare oppose not only the tyranny but the tyrant, stand forth! Every spot of the old world is overrun with oppression. Freedom hath been hunted round the Globe. Asia and Africa have long expelled her. Europe regards her like a stranger, and England hath given her warning to depart. O! receive the fugitive, and prepare in time an asylum for mankind.” (Paine, p. 71).