Thomas Paine's Impact on American Independence Compared to the Battle of Saratoga

The Battle of Saratoga was important in the winning of American independence because it provided the Americas with a very strong ally, the French. However, without the writings of Thomas the Americas would not have as much support from their own citizens. The most important part of gaining independence was the support given from the American citizens and the ambition they had to free themselves and Thomas Paine influenced this greatly. The writings of Thomas Paine had a greater impact on the winning of American independence than any other single event, including the Battle of Saratoga.

Thomas Paine wrote a powerful, widely-read pamphlet in 1776 known as Common Sense advocating colonial America's independence from Great Britain. Paine wrote and reasoned in a style that common people understood; he argued in a very clear and forceful language for the colonies becoming independent states and breaking all political ties with Great Britain.

1777 Brion de La Tour Map of New York and New Engl...

"The surrender at Saratoga" shows General Daniel M...

English: Saratoga Monument in Saratoga National Hi...

He argued it was contrary to common sense for a continent to be ruled by a small and distant island: "Small islands not capable of protecting themselves are the proper objects for kingdoms to take under their care; but there is something very absurd in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island." He also argued that it made no sense to pledge allegiance to a king whose government was corrupted and whose laws were unreasonable. Thomas Paine argued for what was until then a radical idea and made it into a rational idea many people then began to agree with. His pamphlet had a profound affect on public opinion and this effected the future course of events for the better, including the later victory of the Battle of Saratoga.

The Battles of Saratoga in September and October 1777 were decisive American victories resulting in the surrender of...