why was thomas paines common sense considered radical
its arguments about taxation were new and groundbreaking
its rejection of the monarchy was controversial for the time
the ideas about religion were controversial for the era
its opposition to republicanism was opposed by patriots
Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" was considered radical for a few reasons:
1. Groundbreaking arguments about taxation: Paine criticized the British system of taxation in the American colonies, arguing that it was unjust and oppressive. He highlighted the idea of "no taxation without representation," which would later become a rallying cry for the American Revolution. These arguments challenged the traditional belief in the legitimacy of British rule and taxation.
2. Controversial rejection of monarchy: Paine directly attacked the institution of monarchy, calling it an illegitimate form of government. He argued in favor of a republican form of government, where power would be in the hands of the people. This was radical for the time because monarchies were seen as legitimate and divinely ordained. Paine's rejection of the monarchy challenged the established political order.
3. Controversial ideas about religion: Paine also challenged religious beliefs and institutions. He emphasized the importance of reason and criticized organized religion, including Christianity. This was highly controversial in a time when religious belief held significant sway over the population and clergy enjoyed significant influence.
4. Opposition to republicanism opposed by patriots: While many Patriots in the American colonies were calling for increased autonomy and independence from Great Britain, they were still largely advocating for an eventual reconciliation with the British Crown and restoration of their rights as British subjects. Paine, however, called for complete independence and the establishment of a republic. This position was not favored by all Patriots and was seen as radical, as it meant severing all ties with the British monarchy.
Overall, "Common Sense" was considered radical because it challenged traditional political and religious beliefs, advocating for radical change rather than just reconciliation with Britain. It presented new ideas and arguments in a persuasive and accessible manner, influencing many colonists and helping to shift public opinion in favor of independence.
Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" was considered radical for several reasons:
1. New and Groundbreaking Arguments About Taxation: Paine's pamphlet challenged the prevailing view that colonial taxes were justified and argued for independence from British rule. His arguments, which questioned the legitimacy of British authority and taxation, were considered radical at the time because they challenged the established order.
2. Controversial Rejection of Monarchy: Paine openly rejected the idea of a monarchy and argued for a republican form of government. This was a radical stance during a time when monarchies were prevalent and often seen as divinely ordained. Paine's call for self-governance and a republic challenged the traditional belief in the divine right of kings.
3. Controversial Ideas About Religion: Paine also criticized organized religion in "Common Sense," calling it an invention of humans and not a means to connect with the divine. This stood in stark contrast to the prevailing religious beliefs of the time, which upheld the authority of religious institutions and clergy.
4. Opposition to Republicanism: While Paine advocated for republicanism in "Common Sense," some patriots of the time were opposed to this idea. Many colonists still held some loyalty to the British crown and were not ready to fully embrace the idea of an independent republic. Paine's opposition to republicanism challenged the views of some of the Patriots who were initially seeking more autonomy within the British Empire rather than full independence.
Overall, Paine's "Common Sense" pamphlet was considered radical because it presented new and unconventional ideas about taxation, rejected the monarchy, questioned religious authority, and challenged prevailing political sentiments of the time.
Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" was considered radical for several reasons:
1. Arguments about taxation: In the 18th century, the idea that the American colonies should be entitled to self-governance and have control over their own taxation was relatively new and groundbreaking. Paine argued that it was unjust for the British government to impose taxes on the colonies without their consent, and he called for complete independence from British rule.
To understand the radicalism of Paine's arguments on taxation, one can examine the historical and political context of the time. The British government viewed the colonies as a source of revenue and sought to assert control over their economy through taxes such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts. Paine's proposition that the colonies should have the right to govern themselves and make decisions about taxation challenged the prevailing notion of British sovereignty.
2. Rejection of the monarchy: During the 18th century, monarchies were the predominant form of government across Europe, including Britain. Paine's rejection of the monarchy in "Common Sense" was controversial because it challenged the widely accepted belief in the divine right of kings and the idea that a monarch's rule was necessary for stability and prosperity.
Paine argued for a republic, where political power is held by the people and elected representatives, as a better form of government. This idea threatened the authority and legitimacy of the British monarchy, making it a radical notion for the time.
3. Ideas about religion: Paine's "Common Sense" also contained controversial views on religion. He criticized organized religions, including Christianity, arguing for a more rational and deistic approach to spirituality. Paine questioned the authority of traditional religious institutions and challenged the idea of divine revelation as the basis for faith.
In the 18th century, religion played a significant role in society and government, so Paine's skeptical and critical stance towards established religions was considered radical and blasphemous by many.
4. Opposition to republicanism: It is important to note that Paine's opposition to republicanism, as mentioned in your question, seems contradictory and may be a misinterpretation. Paine was actually advocating for republicanism in "Common Sense." He argued that it was the natural right of the American people to establish a republican form of government, where they could elect their own representatives and have a say in legislation.
However, it is true that not everyone in the colonies supported the idea of American independence or a republican form of government. Some patriots argued for a reconciliation with Britain rather than a complete break. Paine's staunch support for republicanism and complete independence clashed with the views of these individuals, leading to opposition from some patriots.
In summary, Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" was considered radical because of its groundbreaking arguments on taxation, its rejection of the monarchy, its controversial views on religion, and its advocacy for republicanism, which was opposed by some patriots. The book challenged the existing political and social order, paving the way for the American Revolution and influencing the formation of the United States of America.