HIST103: World History in the Early Modern and Modern Eras (1600–Present)

Read this section. In Section II of Common Sense, revolutionary Thomas Paine discusses British rule in North America and argues that England has severely mistreated the American colonies over the past few decades. He asserts that British rule is unnatural and unjust. He claims that the only logical course of action for American colonists is to rebel against Great Britain and become a free and independent people.