History Assignment | Understanding Revolutionary Rhetoric
Added on 2020-05-11
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History 17A, Fall 2017Dr. O’BrienUnderstanding Revolutionary Rhetoric—Due Oct 9 before noonThomas Paine’spopular pamphlet Common Sense helped motivate many colonists to abandon the goal of reconciliation with Britain (which, remember, was the goal of colonists from the Stamp Act through 1775) and to pursue independence. How did this simple pamphlet help convince colonists that separation from England was the only option for preserving their liberty? Historian Gordon S. Wood described Common Sense as “the most incendiary and popular pamphlet of the entire revolutionary era.” In this assignment, you will have a chance to analyze Paine’s power words, and the effect they had on his readers, as well as to contrast his arguments with loyalist James Chalmers’ rebuttal to Paine’s calls for independence, Plain Truth.Instructions:1.Read the excerpts from Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and James Chalmers’ rebuttal, Plain Truth (posted on Canvas).2.Download this worksheet and answer the questions.3.Save your completed worksheet and upload it to the Understanding Revolutionary Rhetoric Assignment on Canvas by hitting the red “Submit Assignment” button at the topof this page and following the instructions.1. Paine attacked the very idea of “monarchy” as the problem, not just King George III and his circle of advisors. What arguments did he make against monarchy as a form of government? Paine attacked the idea of monarchy as a form of government because he argued that hereditary succession of power is not only a degradation to ourselves and others but also an insult on posterity. No man has a right to set up his own family into inheriting power to rule just because of their birth rights into that family. Every man is equal and has a right to success power and leadership regardless of where they are born (Paine 1776). There should be no special preferenceto one against all others to inherit kingship because even nature itself disapproves of it. Paine also continues to state that no man at first can be able to possess public honors apart for the ones bestowed upon him. Hereditary rights in kings through power inheritance could end up in a mistake as perhaps the next succession might end up being the wrong person and therefore the governance could be under a fool or a rogue.2. How did Paine refute claims that reconciliation with Britain, which was still what most colonists wanted, would be beneficial for the colonies? How did Paine describe those who would reconcile with Great Britain? What do his descriptions of them tell you about his attitude toward them?Paine disagreed with claims of reconciliation with Britain as a way to benefit the colonies such as America because colonies do not need the connection to necessitate their future happiness as
was the assumption. The colonies like America have flourished without being dependent on Great Britain and the connections they had before brought many material injuries that they have continued to suffer. Paine described those who would reconcile with Great Britain and cowards and they are led by fear that without making peace with Britain then America will suffer. Paine’sattitude towards the advocates of reconciliation is that of disappointment as he believes that no advantage will come out of it but only add to the quarrels and wars between America and Europe( Paine & Foner 1999).3. What form of government did Paine suggest instead of monarchy for the new United States? Why? What did he argue would be the advantages?Paine suggested a president led type of government over the monarchy type of government. He argued that with a Congress, it will be free and fair and every district will have a proper number of delegates to represent each district in Congress. This has more advantage over monarchy type of governance as power is distributed and shared and not monopolized.4. The mass appeal of Common Sense was as much a product of Paine’s method as his message. It was as much how he said it as what he said. “It is necessary to be bold,” wrote Paine years later on his rhetorical power. “Some people can be reasoned into sense, and others must be shocked into it. Say a bold thing that will stagger them, and they will begin to think.” What examples can you see in Paine’s writing that might have moved his audience emotionally, rather than just intellectually, and have moved readers to action? Paine was very passionate about ending the monarchy type of governance as well as dependence on the Great Britain by its colonies. His arguments moved the audience emotionally more than intellectually. Paine advocated in his writing the idea of Britain colonies being independent. He insisted in the importance of America forming a government of their own and a constitution which can be used as a tool of law. Paine has also used the tool of common sense to explain his points to his readers by leading his readers and explaining step by step the disadvantages of a monarchy leadership and the harm reconciliation might bring forth. In his argument about monarchy he stated that no man should be exalted above the rest and that all men are equal in matters related to succession. That hereditary succession will only bring misery to mankind (Paine 1776).5. What are the main points on which Chalmers disagrees with Paine?The main point that Chalmers disagree with Paine are first the attack against the English constitution by Paine’s argument on monarchy. Chalmers is positive that the English constitutionis supreme and is the envy of mankind (Chalmers et al 1776). Chalmers also disagrees that America would have flourished much more if European power had not taken control of them. Chalmers accuses Paine theory to bear no substantial and convincing truths. Chalmers believes inpeace and reconciliation to the authority of Great Britain by colonies America included if they wish to experience true liberty. Peace and reconciliation he believes will end wars and quarrels with the countries and thus promote friendliness.2
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