Neutrality Against Imperial Entanglement

Common Sense

This flow traces Paine’s movement from criticism of British alliances to a vision of America as a commercially open and politically independent power.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Narrow Imperial Attachment A Narrow Imperial Attachment from "Common Sense". A Narrow Imperial Attachment Loyalty Examined Paine questions whether inherited attachment to Britain serves America’s real interests.

A Narrow Imperial Attachment Loyalty Examined Paine questions whether inherited attachment to Britain serves America’s real interests. Emotional loyalty, he argues, should not substitute for judgment about political consequences. A Wider Community He imagines Americans identifying with a broader European and human community rather than a single imperial power. The shift loosens the claims of inherited allegiance.

Old World Rivalries Old World Rivalries from "Common Sense". Old World Rivalries A Continent of Competing Powers Paine depicts Europe as divided among kingdoms likely to return to war.

Old World Rivalries from "Common Sense". Old World Rivalries A Continent of Competing Powers Paine depicts Europe as divided among kingdoms likely to return to war.

Old World Rivalries A Continent of Competing Powers Paine depicts Europe as divided among kingdoms likely to return to war. British dependence would repeatedly pull America into those contests. Distance Reconsidered The ocean becomes evidence for separate political destinies rather than a bridge of obedience. America’s distance from Britain supports a different orientation.

The Free Port Vision The Free Port Vision from "Common Sense". The Free Port Vision Open Trade Paine imagines America trading with Europe without becoming the instrument of any one European state.

The Free Port Vision from "Common Sense". The Free Port Vision Open Trade Paine imagines America trading with Europe without becoming the instrument of any one European state.

The Free Port Vision Open Trade Paine imagines America trading with Europe without becoming the instrument of any one European state. Commerce can build relationships beyond imperial allegiance. A Peaceful Advantage Broad access to American markets gives other nations a reason to prefer peace. Trade offers a different kind of protection from military subordination.

Neutrality Becomes Policy Neutrality Becomes Policy from "Common Sense". Neutrality Becomes Policy Freedom of Choice Independent America could decide which conflicts to avoid instead of inheriting Britain’s enemies.

Neutrality Becomes Policy from "Common Sense". Neutrality Becomes Policy Freedom of Choice Independent America could decide which conflicts to avoid instead of inheriting Britain’s enemies.

Neutrality Becomes Policy Freedom of Choice Independent America could decide which conflicts to avoid instead of inheriting Britain’s enemies. Political autonomy makes neutrality a practical possibility. Friendship Without Submission Paine distinguishes commerce and friendship from exclusive political dependence. A country can trade widely without surrendering control of its legislation.

A Continental Outlook A Continental Outlook from "Common Sense". A Continental Outlook Local Prejudice Enlarged Paine describes how people broaden their sense of kinship as their frame of reference expands.

A Continental Outlook from "Common Sense". A Continental Outlook Local Prejudice Enlarged Paine describes how people broaden their sense of kinship as their frame of reference expands.

A Continental Outlook Local Prejudice Enlarged Paine describes how people broaden their sense of kinship as their frame of reference expands. America can move beyond narrow English identity toward a continental outlook. An Asylum for Liberty The new continent becomes a possible refuge for people seeking civil and religious freedom. Political independence gains meaning as a contribution beyond its own borders.

As Paine challenges colonial loyalty to Britain

During the discussion of European conflict

As Paine outlines an independent commercial future

As Paine draws the case for separation together

Near the final appeal to humanity