Order from us for quality, customized work in due time of your choice.
The Declaration of Independence and Common Sense indicate the culmination of a long resistance of the American revolutionaries to the British monarchy. The struggle for independence in the US saw the years of war between the British forces and the continental army. The Declaration of Independence, which was elaborated by Thomas Jefferson, borrowed mostly from Thomas Paines Common Sense and other ideological instruments supported by the revolutionaries. These two documents led to the ultimate war between the colony and England and facilitated the subsequent establishment of an independent nation. Thomas Paine had recently emigrated from England, and his essay condemned the rule of the monarch in the colony. The argument by the revolutionaries held that America was sufficient to govern itself without Britains intervention. Both texts were crucial because they contributed significantly to establishing the modern-day United States by enlightening the population about the possibility of self-governance.
Common Sense challenges the legitimacy of English monarchs in the United Colonies while championing separation and independence. The article was published in 1766, before the Declaration of Independence (Locke and Wright 125). During this period, debates concerned with independence and annexation from British rule were common throughout the colonies. Numerous meetings in various towns within the states issued resolutions supporting independence, although moderates maintained the need for Englands control. Thomas Paines pamphlet challenged the logic behind the monarch, claiming that There is something absurd, in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an Island (Locke and Wright 125). The author also appealed to the audience to contemplate taking part in the upcoming revolution, which would see America free from British rule (Paine). The essay uses both biblical references denouncing a Kings legitimacy and a monarch who goes against the governance of humanity. Therefore, the article powerfully explains why Britain should rule over the United States and the need for freedom.
The Declaration of Independence outlines the critical issues which the revolutionaries aired to show the irrelevance of the English rule in America. The document was a refined masterpiece passed by the Congress which was indicative of the English Kings flaws and asserting the need for independence. The text echoes with the resolution words of Richard Henry Lee, claiming the independence of the United Colonies and the necessity to absolve from the British Crown (Locke and Wright 126). Further, it is noted in the text that Americans are entitled to have authority over their lives, enjoy human rights, and pursue happiness (US 1776). The document highlighted other specific grievances which the colonists had lodged to the British Empire seeking reforms (Locke and Wright 128). The Declaration of Independence marked the onset of the American Revolution as George Washington organized the continental army to fight the British Army.
The two documents have both similarities and differences in their composition, although they served the same purpose. Thomas Paines essay was extensive and detailed, explaining why England should allow the colonies to exercise freedom and independence. However, the Declaration of Independence is shorter and concise in writing, affirming the colonies disintegration from British Rule. Further, the document outlines specific grievances leading to the conclusion that England did not have legitimate power over the colonies. The Declaration of Independence is straightforward and asserts the will of the American people regarding British rule. On the other hand, Common Sense highlights the philosophy behind the essence of having a self-governing American nation. It provides the tenets and principles summarized in the Declaration and functioned to incite pro-independence sentiments from the Americans. While the Declaration is addressed to the King of England, Paines work targeted the Americans in the colonies. In essence, both documents were instrumental in pursuing independence and abolition of colonial rule over the United States.
Works Cited
Declaration of Independence. 1776.
Locke, Joseph L., and Ben Wright, editors. The American Yawp: A Massively Collaborative Open US History Textbook, Vol. 1: To 1877. Stanford University Press, 2019.
Paine, Thomas. Common Sense. Robert Bell, 1776.
Order from us for quality, customized work in due time of your choice.