History 17A, Fall 2017: Analyzing Paine and Chalmers' Arguments

This assignment analyzes Thomas Paine's Common Sense and James Chalmers' Plain Truth, focusing on their arguments regarding monarchy, reconciliation with Britain, and the form of government for the new United States. The assignment requires a close reading of the excerpts, answering questions about Paine's criticisms of monarchy, his refutation of reconciliation, and his proposed government structure. It also examines how Paine used emotional appeals and contrasts his writing style with Chalmers' more rational approach. The analysis explores the main points of disagreement between the two authors and the potential impact of their language on readers during the revolutionary era. The student's response addresses these points with direct quotes and supporting evidence from the texts, providing a clear understanding of the contrasting perspectives on independence and the future of the American colonies.

History 17A, Fall 2017
Dr. O’Brien
Understanding Revolutionary Rhetoric—Due Oct 9 before noon
Thomas Paine’s popular 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 top
of 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 preference
to 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’s
attitude 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 constitution
is 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 in
peace 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.
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6. How did Chalmers’ language differ from Paine’s? Is it more simplistic? Sophisticated?
Passionate? Rational? What effect do you think this difference in language may have had
on the authors’ readers?
Chalmers language and arguments were different from Paine’s in the sense that Chalmers was
more rational as he argued his points against every point that Paine stated against Great Britain
(Chalmers 1776). Chalmers took one point that Paine made and argued it in a rational manner
one after the other. He also clarified some facts about the British monarchy system and
constitution. He stated that British constitution is consisted of Monarchy, Democracy and
Aristocracy and not just monarchy alone as Paine had argued in his book. Chalmers does not
believe in the democracy system as a ruling tool by itself rather he states that other factors like
monarchy and aristocracy should also be included in bits and pieces for balance. Paine on the
other hand is rigid with his democratic system in America as the only true type of leadership that
is sensible. The difference in language of both great authors Chalmers and Paine has created
more confusion and more questions from their readers as to what is true and what is not.
Monarchy in Great Britain or democracy in America.
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Bibliography:
James Chalmers, Plain Truth, March 1776,
http://www.umbc.edu/che/tahlessons/pdf/historylabs/Should_the_Colo_student:RS07.pdf
Thomas Paine, Common Sense, January 1776, Internet History Sourcebook:
https://sourcebooks_fordham.edu/mod/paine-common.asp.
Paine, T., & Foner, P. S. (1999). The life and major writings of Thomas Paine: includes
Common sense, the American crisis, Rights of man, the age of reason and Agrarian
justice. Bridgewater, NJ: Replica Books.
Chalmers, J., Baker, W., & Smith, W. (1776). Plain truth: addressed to the inhabitants of
America, containing, remarks on a late pamphlet entitled Common sense: wherein are
shewn, that the scheme of independence in ruinous, delusive, and impracticable: that
were the authors asservations, respecting the power of America, as real as nugatory;
reconcilation in liberal principles with Great Britain, would be exalted policy: and that
circumstanced as we are, permanent liberty, and true happiness, can only be obtained,
by honorable connections, with that kingdom. Philadelphia: Printed and sold by R. Bell.
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