On the Principles of Nature and Common Sense

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Recommended: Relations between Britain and the North American colonies

Thomas Paine could easily be considered the most influential figure from the American Revolution. Although “Common Sense” was then published anonymously, it still directed the Founding Fathers toward seeking independence from England. Thomas Paine addresses these issues when he uses tone to convey his position on freedom of trade to American colonists approximately six months before the American Revolution began (Background).
The colonies relationship with Britain was a pressing concern in the colonial time period, even as early as 1651 when the Navigation Acts were enforced, which make it so the colonists could only export goods on British ships, any of the goods exported to another European superpower would be taxed, all imports must be inspected on British ports prior to arrival, and sugar, tobacco, and wood could only be sold to Britain or her colonies (Garcia). Paine believed that it was necessary for the colonies to separate from England. The colonists had endured various taxes instituted by the British Parliament. If the colonies separated from England they could become more profitable by trading with all of the European nations including Spain and France, which were important 18th century economic forces. Roughly three years before the pamphlet was published, January 1776, the French and Indian War came to a conclusion, February 1763. This left a horrific sum of debt on the shoulders of the British, who promptly decided that the colonies were the main beneficiaries, and therefore should have to pay for it through taxes such as the Sugar Act, a tax on sugar. Sugar is one of the most important commodities in the Americas, as it is a commonly used ingredient. Proceeding that the Stamp Act was put in place, which tax...

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...nely practicing freedom of trade. The countries such as Saudi Arabia and China influence America the same way that England did more than 360 years ago.

Works Cited
Paine, Thomas. “Common Sense.” United States. Department of State. Office of the Historian. Documents on Diplomacy. Washington, D.C.: History.State.Gov, 2011. Print.
“Background of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense” Central Kitsap Junior High School, Silverdale, WA. Sept 2013. Class notes.
Garcia, Jesus, Donna M. Ogle, C. Fredrick Risinger, Joyce Stevos, and Winthrop D. Jordan. Creating America: A History of the United States. Evenston: McDougal Littell, 2001. Print.

"Country Policies and Embargoes." PMDDTC.state.gov. The Office of the Executive Director, Technology Division, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN/EX/TD), 4 Oct. 2013. Web. 26 Oct. 2013.

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