Topic > On the Principles of Nature and Common Sense - 552

Thomas Paine could easily be considered the most influential figure of the American Revolution. Even though “Common Sense” was later published anonymously, it still directed the Founding Fathers towards seeking independence from England. Thomas Paine addresses these issues when he uses tone to convey his position on free trade to the American colonists approximately six months before the start of the American Revolution (Context). The colonies' relationship with Britain was a pressing concern in the colonial period, even as early as 1651, when the Navigation Acts were enforced, which meant that colonists could only export goods on British ships, any goods exported to a Europe's other superpower would be taxed, all imports had to be inspected at British ports before arrival, and sugar, tobacco and timber could only be sold to Britain or its colonies (Garcia). Paine believed that it was necessary for the colonies to secede 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 European nations, including Spain and France, which were major economic forces of the 18th century. About three years before the pamphlet was published, in January 1776, the French and Indian War came to a close, in February 1763. This left a horrible sum of debts on the shoulders of the English, who promptly decided that the colonies were the primary beneficiaries , and then it would have to pay for it through taxes like the Sugar Act, a tax on sugar. Sugar is one of the most important products in the Americas, as it is a commonly used ingredient. Proceeding to enact the Stamp Act, which taxes...... middle of paper......nely practicing freedom of trade. Countries like Saudi Arabia and China influence America the same way England did more than 360 years ago. Works Cited Paine, Thomas. “Common sense”. United States. Department of State. Historian's Office. Documents on diplomacy. Washington, DC: History.State.Gov, 2011. Print. “Thomas Paine's Context of Common Sense” Central Kitsap Junior High School, Silverdale, WA. September 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."National Policies and Embargoes." PMDDTC.state.gov. Office of the Executive Director, Technology Division, Office of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN/EX/TD), 4 October 2013. Web. 26 October. 2013.