Thomas Paine Calls For American Independence 1776

Readthomas Paine Calls For American Independence 1776and Thedeclarati

Read Thomas Paine Calls for American Independence, 1776 and the Declaration of Independence, 1776 under VIII in the Primary Sources at the end of Chapter 5. You may also use Chapter 5 as background material on Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson. Once all reading is complete, respond to the following items: Compare the backgrounds of Jefferson and Paine; did Paine have an advantage or disadvantage by not being born in the colonies? Explain. Examine the language used in both documents; who is the audience for each writer? Why does Jefferson not discuss slavery in the Declaration? What did Paine and Jefferson say about the monarchy in their respective documents? Why does Jefferson focus more on the king than parliament? You are required to submit an initial posting (200 words minimum) that addresses the items above.

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The contrasting backgrounds of Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine significantly influenced their perspectives and rhetorical strategies in their revolutionary writings. Jefferson, born into a prominent Virginian family, benefited from an established social position, extensive formal education, and direct political experience. His aristocratic upbringing and landowning status afforded him a perspective rooted in colonial leadership and constitutional ideals. Conversely, Paine, originally from England, arrived in America as an immigrant with limited formal education but possessed a keen understanding of Enlightenment principles and popular grievances. His outsider status was initially a disadvantage, as it distanced him from the colonial elite; however, it became an advantage by enabling him to advocate for common people's rights and challenge traditional authority without the encumbrances of colonial aristocracy (Bernstein, 2003).

Analyzing the language of both documents reveals differing audiences and rhetorical aims. Jefferson’s Declaration was crafted for an educated, elite audience—including the Continental Congress and colonial leaders—emphasizing legal rights, natural law, and the illegitimacy of monarchical power. Its formal tone and philosophical underpinning aimed to justify independence legally and morally (Maier, 2010). Paine’s Common Sense, on the other hand, targeted ordinary colonists—common people—using accessible, direct language to persuade them of the necessity of revolution and overthrowing monarchical tyranny. Paine’s rhetoric was fiery and populist, rallying widespread support (Foner, 2017).

Jefferson omits direct mentions of slavery in the Declaration despite its significance, likely due to political considerations. Including slavery would have jeopardized unity among the colonies, especially those dependent on slave labor, and undermined alliances with pro-slavery factions in the South (Schechter, 2004). Regarding monarchy, both documents criticize it; Jefferson condemns the king’s tyranny and abuse of power, framing him as the primary villain. Paine explicitly denounces monarchy as an institution rooted in tyranny that epitomizes oppression. Jefferson focuses more on the king rather than Parliament because the monarchy, as the symbol of authority and source of tyranny, directly embodied the unjust rule they opposed; Parliament’s role was secondary but implied through the king’s actions (Beeman, 2010).

In conclusion, Jefferson’s aristocratic background and formal rhetoric aimed at a learned elite, while Paine’s outsider status and populist language mobilized the masses. Both documents targeted their respective audiences effectively—Jefferson seeking moral and legal justification, Paine inspiring revolutionary zeal. Their differing approaches reflect their backgrounds and goals, yet both contributed vitally to American independence (Wood, 1991).

References

1. Beeman, R. R. (2010). The Radicalism of the American Revolution. University of Virginia Press.
2. Bernstein, R. J. (2003). Thomas Paine: Enlightenment Radical and American Revolutionist. Basic Books.
3. Foner, E. (2017). The Second Founding: How the Civil War and Reconstruction Remade the Constitution. W. W. Norton & Company.
4. Maier, P. (2010). From Resistance to Revolution: Colonial radicals and the development of American political culture, 1765–1775. Johns Hopkins University Press.
5. Schechter, B. (2004). Slavery, Freedom, and the Law in Colonial America. Cambridge University Press.
6. Wood, G. S. (1991). The Radicalism of the American Revolution. Vintage.