The pen is mightier than the sword. Can a writer influence people in ways that a soldier cannot?

Turning America’s Conscience Thomas Paine’s Common Sense

In 1776… Thomas Paine writes the pamphlet Common Sense This pamphlet explained… Americans should govern themselves Ridiculed rule by kings (ie: King George III) He wrote Common Sense in order to… Change the minds of the colonists Increase support for independence

The Life of Thomas Paine 1737-1809 Edited the Pennsylvania Magazine for Ben Franklin (1774). An early abolitionist a person who favors the abolition of (to get rid of) any law or practice deemed harmful to society.

Colonial Journalism Somewhat like propaganda It was used to persuade people to act (or to take a form of action). Most writing was intended to frame colonists’ reactions and incite their actions. Key Goal: to demonize the enemy All based off a specific ideology. A certain belief system that guides an individual, social movement, or group.

Ideology Always represents a value system within a social conflict. A power issue Works to construct a belief system that could lead to action. Do you think the colonists and the British had the same or different ideologies?

British vs. Colonial Ideology Basis of British Ideology: (their belief system) Their ability to rule over others = a divine right that is constructed by the monarchy. They are the dominant power. Independence is NOT an unalienable right. Something that cannot be separated, given away, or taken away.

British vs. Colonial Ideology Basis of Colonial Ideology: (their belief system) Colonists have the innate/natural right of individuals to act upon their own will. They have the right to partake in a discussion about how they will/should be governed (which prompted them to write a certain “dialog”). Shown in the Declaration of Independence (T. Jefferson) Whole ideology based on the rationale that a man can think for himself.

Common Sense Look at your gold sheet… What did Paine want the colonists to do? What would Paine say about Inglis’ arguments about commerce and British protection? Buying/selling goods on a large scale (ie: between countries).

Conclusion During pre-Revolutionary times, we can conclude that… Outsiders: the colonists Goal for Change: revolution/independence Dominant Ideology (Pre-revolution): British Early colonial journalism helped set the stage for the American Revolution. This was mostly thanks to: Thomas Paine’s Common Sense So… is the pen mightier than the sword????

An Expression of the American Mind The Declaration of Independence

Origin of the Declaration of Independence The question for the Second Continental Congress: Should the American colonies declare their separation and freedom from Great Britain? Written by: Thomas Jefferson Jefferson stated that the Declaration was intended to be an expression of the American mind and not an original or innovative statement (it was not just a piece or book you would read for leisure).

Structure and Key Ideas The Declaration is divided into 4 main parts: Preamble (introduction) Natural Rights (theory of a good government) List of Grievances (against King George III) Resolution of Independence (reaching a conclusion) Declaration was based off of what idea? the idea of natural rights (Enlightenment)

Preamble Explained: The purpose of the document, which… was to explain why the American people were declaring independence from the government of Great Britain. 

Natural Rights Theory of good government and individual rights generally accepted by Americans from the 1770s to today. Stresses that there are certain individual rights not granted by the government. And a good government should protect/secure those rights. A government for the people by the people. If a government violates people’s rights, then the people have the right to abolish their government and create another. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

List of Grievances Singled out King George III to represent the actions of the British. Gave examples of actions that: violated the criteria for good government justified separation from the King's bad government and promoted the establishment of a good government to replace it. For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by jury

Resolution of Independence After the first three parts, the Declaration reaches a logical conclusion. It proclaims… the determination of Americans to defend and maintain their independence and rights.  “These United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States” Ends with a pledge: “we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”