The Case for Continental Union

Common Sense

This flow traces Paine’s effort to turn colonial cooperation into a durable continental political identity.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Shared Cause A Shared Cause from "Common Sense". A Shared Cause Beyond Local Dispute Paine describes America’s struggle as more than a quarrel between Britain and individual colonies.

A Shared Cause from "Common Sense". A Shared Cause Beyond Local Dispute Paine describes America’s struggle as more than a quarrel between Britain and individual colonies.

A Shared Cause Beyond Local Dispute Paine describes America’s struggle as more than a quarrel between Britain and individual colonies. Its outcome could affect people well beyond the immediate battlefield. Common Responsibility A cause with broad consequences calls for a broader political outlook. He asks readers to look past local loyalties toward shared continental interests.

The Need to Unite The Need to Unite from "Common Sense". The Need to Unite Strength in Cooperation Paine argues that no individual colony can safely bear the full burden alone.

The Need to Unite from "Common Sense". The Need to Unite Strength in Cooperation Paine argues that no individual colony can safely bear the full burden alone.

The Need to Unite Strength in Cooperation Paine argues that no individual colony can safely bear the full burden alone. Their combined strength offers a better chance of defense and effective action. Unity Beyond Numbers He presents common purpose, rather than population alone, as the source of political strength. Disunity would squander resources and make the whole more vulnerable.

A Continental Congress A Continental Congress from "Common Sense". A Continental Congress Delegates from Every Colony Paine suggests dividing each colony into districts and sending representatives to a continental legislature.

A Continental Congress from "Common Sense". A Continental Congress Delegates from Every Colony Paine suggests dividing each colony into districts and sending representatives to a continental legislature.

A Continental Congress Delegates from Every Colony Paine suggests dividing each colony into districts and sending representatives to a continental legislature. The system would give local communities a formal route into shared government. Shared Deliberation A continental body could address problems that exceeded provincial boundaries. Representation gives unity a practical form rather than leaving it a wartime sentiment.

Common Constitutional Ground Common Constitutional Ground from "Common Sense". Common Constitutional Ground Agreed Rules Paine’s proposed charter would clarify how representatives are selected and which matters belong to each level of…

Common Constitutional Ground from "Common Sense". Common Constitutional Ground Agreed Rules Paine’s proposed charter would clarify how representatives are selected and which matters belong to each level of…

Common Constitutional Ground Agreed Rules Paine’s proposed charter would clarify how representatives are selected and which matters belong to each level of government. Clear rules could reduce rivalry between colonies. Rights Held in Common A compact among the colonies would secure rights across local boundaries. The charter’s purpose is to support each part without weakening the whole.

A Durable Union A Durable Union from "Common Sense". A Durable Union A Bond Against Division Paine calls independence the bond that could keep the colonies together and prevent external powers from exploiting…

A Durable Union from "Common Sense". A Durable Union A Bond Against Division Paine calls independence the bond that could keep the colonies together and prevent external powers from exploiting…

A Durable Union A Bond Against Division Paine calls independence the bond that could keep the colonies together and prevent external powers from exploiting disagreement. A common political destination strengthens cooperation. A New Identity The final appeal asks former opponents to act as citizens of a free continental community. Union becomes both a practical safeguard and a shared public identity.

As Paine introduces the continental stakes

As the colonies confront military pressure

In Paine’s proposed system of representation

At the proposed drafting of a continental charter

Near the closing appeal for political unity