Common Sense Warfare Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

Arms, as the last resource, decide this context; the appeal was the choice of the king, and the continent hath accepted the challenge. (3.2)

For Paine, the King of England has had every opportunity to treat the American colonies with respect and love. But he has thrown away these opportunities to be a tyrant, so now there needs to be a war for American independence.

Quote #5

Because, any submission to, or dependence on Great Britain, tends directly to involve this continent in European wars and quarrels. (3.18)

Many Americans don't want to fight Britain because they don't like war. But as Thomas Paine points out, being a British colony actually drags America into even more wars because it gets caught up in all the drama Britain has with other countries.

Quote #6

Europe is too thickly planted with kingdoms to be long at peace, and whenever a war breaks out between England and any foreign power, the trade of America goes to ruin, because of her connection to England. (3.19)

Again, Paine insists that remaining under British rule will actually result in more war for America than simply fighting to be free. Britain has all kinds of beefs with all kinds of countries, and when it comes time for war who do you think Britain sends to fight on its behalf? You got it: people from its colonies.