Assignment: The Debate Over Independence
One of the key roles of a historian is to understand the differing perspectives of the past. Just like people today have differing political opinions, so too did people in the past. While we may not always agree with a particularly perspective, it is still important to understand all points of view.
This discussion will focus on the debate over independence in 1776. You will read two very different perspectives on whether or not Americans should declare their independence from Great Britain. While Thomas Paine supported American independence from Britain and explained these reasons in his famous document Common Sense, Charles Inglis insisted that Americans should remain loyal to Britain in the hopes of preventing further bloodshed. The goal of this assignment is to read both perspectives and understand the main arguments offered by each in favor of or against independence.
Assigned Readings
• Common Sense (Thomas Paine)
• Against Independence (Charles Inglis)
Focus Questions
Discuss the following questions in your essay for both perspectives:
1. Common Sense: Why are American justified in declaring independence from Great Britain? ? What are the benefits of declaring independence?
2. Against Independence: What will happen if Americans declare their independence? What are the benefits of remaining a part of the British Empire?
Directions
Your essay should be a minimum of 2 pages (double-spaced), and you should spend AT LEAST one page discussing each position (one page discussing Common Sense and one page discussing Against Independence. Your answer should reflect the main points from each document. The above questions for each perspective should be addressed in your essay. Use examples from the readings to illustrate your main points. When you write your essay, don't just go paragraph by paragraph; rather, see what common themes are found throughout the documents for both perspectives and write paragraphs based on themes rather than examining each paragraph in order they were written.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also Include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.