Question #66e77
1 Answer
Thomas Paine made propaganda that supported the American Revolution.
Explanation:
Thomas Paine was an American Revolutionary who made a lot of propaganda to support the American Revolution. One of his pamphlets that many colonists read was Common Sense.
Common Sense was very influential to the start of the American Revolution, in the sense that it influenced many Americans to rebel the British. Common Sense had many Enlightenment ideas of government. In the first section, Paine describes society and calls for a government. He described society as growing, and as a result laws and elections needed to be made in order to prevent the natural evil found in all men. This is very similar to the situation that the colonists were experiencing.
In its second section, Paine discredits the English monarchy and John Locke's views on government. Paine begins with a biblical standpoint, saying that all men are equal at the time of creation. He quickly transitioned into a historical standpoint, saying that all monarchies have become tyrannies over time.
Locke wanted a king and a parliament, in which the king had limited power. The parliament would make the laws, and the king would enforce them, therefore, the king would not be able to make laws and thus have less power. Paine argued against Locke, saying that these power limits weren't enough.
Paine argued for a Congress, one that would make the laws. Each colony would be divided into districts, and each district would send delegates to Congress. These delegates would be responsible for electing the President.
In short, many people liked Paine's idea of a democracy and a republic, rather than a tyrannical king who did not listen to the people. Because of this, he was a key proponent in the start of the American Revolution.
