Why should the colonies declare independence from Britain?

1. WHAT HE SAID (the record)

Record ledger

• BELIEF (1776-01-10): Thomas Paine believed that the colonies should not reconcile with Britain because it would likely lead to civil wars and further suffering, and that independence would be less dangerous than a patched-up connection. He argued that the colonies had already suffered greatly under British rule and that reconciliation would not provide security or peace. "I dread the event of a reconciliation with Britain now, as it is more than probable that it will be followed by a revolt some where or other, the consequences of which may be far more fatal than all the malice of Britain." [1]
• BELIEF (undated): Thomas Paine believed that the colonies should declare independence from Britain because their connection with Britain brought no advantages and instead made all Britain's enemies the colonies' enemies. He argues that the colonies' wealth and importance came from agriculture and commerce, not from their connection with Britain. [2]
• BELIEF (undated): Thomas Paine believed the colonies should declare independence from Britain because they had a natural right to independence, it was in their interest, it was necessary, and it had moral advantages. He argued that America had grown beyond British interests and owed Britain nothing for its development. [3]
• BELIEF (undated): Thomas Paine believed that the colonies should declare independence from Britain because Britain was determined in its villainy and too cruel to act artfully, and because the colonies needed to strip away false hope and think seriously about the matter, recognizing that all other nations had gone through the work of independence. He argued that Britain's unreasonable behavior, including its refusal to acknowledge petitions and its savage obstinacy, made independence necessary. "As every prospect of accommodation seemed now to fail fast, men began to think seriously on the matter; and their reason being thus stripped of the false hope which had long encompassed it, became approachable by fair debate: yet still the bulk of the people hesitated; they startled at the novelty of independence, without once considering that our getting into arms at first was a more extraordinary novelty, and that all other nations had gone through the work of independence" [4]
• BELIEF (undated): Thomas Paine believed the colonies should declare independence from Britain because permanent liberty, peace, and security could not be achieved under British rule, and reconciliation would lead to continued subjugation and war. He argued that the calamities of slavery (i.e., subjugation) are more extensive and lasting than the transitory calamities of war. (key quote above) [5]
• BELIEF (undated): Thomas Paine believed that the colonies should declare independence from Britain because continuing the connection would lead to the adoption of British laws and customs that would prepare the colonies to welcome slavery, and because the colonies' weakness initially produced their union and would preserve it until it became their interest to be separated. He also argued that delaying independence would not prevent it, and it would be cruel to bequeath another contest to posterity. "But had it been otherwise, they must have asserted their independance with arms. This is nearly done already. It will be cruel to bequeath another contest to your posterity." [6]
• BELIEF (undated): Thomas Paine believed that the colonies should declare independence from Britain because it was the only way to end an expensive and ruinous war that had no object, and without which there could be no peace. "It is the only way out of an expensive and ruinous war, which has no object, and without which acknowledgment there can be no peace." [7]
• BELIEF (undated): Thomas Paine believed that it was the fixed determination of the British cabinet to quarrel with America at all events, and that they aimed to reduce the colonies in time to make them both lords and landlords. This belief is based on his observation that the British viewed the colonies' progress as a threat to their control and sought to conquer them. (key quote above) [8]
• BELIEF (undated): Thomas Paine believed that governments relying on precedents without regard to their principles are a vile system, and that such reliance is a form of political popery meant to keep people in ignorance. He argues that precedents should sometimes be warnings rather than examples to follow. "Government by precedent, without any regard to the principle of the precedent, is one of the vilest systems that can be set up." [9]

What cuts against it

• BELIEF (undated): Thomas Paine believed that the colonies' connection with Britain brought no advantages and instead made all Britain's enemies the colonies' enemies. However, he also acknowledged in another context that Britain had provided some protection to the colonies, which Cato used to argue against independence. [2]

• ACTION (undated): Thomas Paine criticized the American government for being contemptible in Europe due to the pusillanimous conduct of Mr. Jay in England, suggesting that the colonies might have benefited from a more diplomatic approach. [10]

• ACTION (1795): Thomas Paine argued that an avidity to punish is dangerous to liberty and that those who are first convinced should not persecute others who are slower to change their opinions. This suggests a more cautious and inclusive approach to governance, which could be seen as cutting against the more confrontational stance he took in favor of independence. [11]

• ACTION (undated): Thomas Paine criticized the use of precedents without regard to their principles, suggesting that the colonies should not be bound by historical ties with Britain. However, this could also imply that the colonies should not reject all historical connections outright, but rather evaluate them based on their principles. [9]

2. HOW IT APPLIES (reasoning; inference is marked)

1. Thomas Paine believed the colonies had a natural right to independence, which was a foundational principle in his arguments. [3]

2. He argued that the colonies' interest lay in being independent, as Britain viewed their progress as a threat and aimed to reduce them to subjugation. [8]

3. Paine emphasized the necessity of independence, as Britain's unreasonable behavior and refusal to acknowledge petitions made reconciliation impossible. [4]

4. He highlighted the moral advantages of independence, arguing that the colonies could not achieve permanent liberty, peace, and security under British rule. [5]

5. Paine believed that the colonies' connection with Britain brought no advantages and instead made all Britain's enemies the colonies' enemies, which further justified the need for independence. [2]

3. HIS TAKE

Record coverage: DIRECT

Extrapolation: Thomas Paine directly addressed the question of why the colonies should declare independence from Britain. He argued that the colonies had a natural right to independence, it was in their interest, it was necessary, and it had moral advantages. He believed that Britain's unreasonable behavior and refusal to acknowledge petitions made reconciliation impossible, and that the colonies could not achieve permanent liberty, peace, and security under British rule.

Competing readings: The record shows that Paine acknowledged some protection provided by Britain, which Cato used to argue against independence. Additionally, Paine criticized the American government for being contemptible in Europe, suggesting that a more diplomatic approach might have been beneficial.

Confidence: High, as the record directly addresses the question and provides multiple supporting arguments from Paine's writings.