Thomas Paine’s Argument for Independence in America “For no nation, in a state of foreign dependence, limited in its commerce, and cramped and fettered in its legislative powers, can ever arrive at any material eminence.” (39 Sharp) Thomas Paine introduced to the world in his essay Common Sense, published in 1776, that American’s need to break off their dependency with the English because if they do not, they will have to keep relying on the English to supply them with essentials to thrive as a nation. Paine was able to recognize these truths early on although at the time most Americans weren’t able to agree because of the idea being so radical and independent. In this paper I will explain in depth Paine’s argument towards gaining independence, how he was able to persuade fellow American’s to believing in him, and what prior experiences events to 1776 had America gone through to feel the need to become an independent nation. Paine introduced many topics in which America lacks knowledge with because of their dependence in the English to provide them with and hindering their leap to independence. For example, Paine makes a point to thoroughly explain how America has no concept of individual wealth. As a nation, the colonies have relied on European countries for all of their wealth through trade. The English as a nation were getting what they needed from the colonies, such as products and goods, but the colonies were not demanding what they needed to thrive as a nation. Furthermore, the colonies don’t have the wealth to produce enough of their resources to thrive. As a young nation, Paine says, this is natural, but if they want to make the next step, it is essential for them to make this leap. Also, the lack of legislative power in the colonies is apparent. Without a true government and leaders it is difficult to envision American independence. To become independent, the colonies cannot keep relying on the monarchy of England to govern them without the people of America having a say in what they believe to be the laws they want to live by. By the colonies still being dependent on the rule of the English, Paine believes that the rule of the English is keeping the Americans hesitant in being able to field their own system. Becoming independent from Britain will free the colonies from relying on the rule of the King and will jumpstart the potential leaders of the colonies to start drafting a system of government and produce legislative power. “First. Because it will come to that one time or other. Secondly. Because the longer it is delayed, the harder it will be to accomplish.” (40 Sharp). Following the Seven Years’ War in 1763, the Europeans had been finally driven out of America and not taking advantage of that time period was unfortunate because they had an opportunity to then start separating from the English. Following that time, taxation on everyday goods started to become present, America’s debt became clear, and many colonies found it hard to produce the wealth they had once been able to. Having all of this tax on these particular goods proved to be detrimental and America’s wealth started to prove non-existent. Once the taxation begins, Americans began to return to England because they envisioned no further independence from England and their lack of wealth was going nowhere due to lack of resources. Also, Paine explains how the act of war wasn’t smart because the loss of men was not valuable to the future independence. Had they gained the back lands passed the Appalachians and Canada, America could have gained wealth and been able to expand their land and would have avoided future loss of men in battle, but without earlier independence they were unable to avoid these problems. Paine’s ideas were radical and unreachable to some, but it was those who were able to grasp them, converted the ideas to actions. His motivation proved