Read the documents Common Sense and Declaration of Independence in order to answer the following reflection questions. Use these questions as a guide as you compose your discussion responses.
1. Why do you think Paine title his pamphlet “Common Sense”? What arguments does he use to sway the public towards support for independence from England?
2. What are the strengths and weaknesses in his argument?
3. What interests could the American colonies better pursue if an independent nation?
4. What does Paine say would guarantee American success? Why?
5. What charges did Jefferson list against the King of England? What was Paine’s opinion of George III? Where these opinions justified?
6. What were the philosophical (hint: Enlightenment!) roots of the Declaration of Independence?
7. What effects did each of these documents have on the struggle for independence? How do both effectively change the reasons for war with England?