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Propaganda, throughout history, has been a powerful tool employed to express opinions and influence the actions of individuals and groups. Its effectiveness in shaping societies and bringing about significant changes is evident. This essay examines the impact of propaganda in American history, with a focus on two seminal documents: Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" and the Declaration of Independence.
Written in 1776 during America's quest for independence from Great Britain, Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" stands as a seminal piece of propaganda.
At the age of thirty-nine, Paine, an English agitator, crafted a 97-page pamphlet that would prove instrumental in rallying support for the American cause. With a staggering sale of 120,000 copies in just three months, Paine's work wielded a significant influence.
In "Common Sense," Paine advocated for America's immediate separation from its mother country, skillfully employing propaganda techniques to resonate with his audience. He articulated compelling reasons for self-governance, asserting, "We may as well assert that, because a child has thrived upon milk, it is never to have meat or that the first twenty years of our lives are to become a precedent for the next twenty."
This excerpt exemplifies Paine's use of metaphor to illustrate the natural progression of a nation.
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He cleverly labeled the English government as murderers and tyrants, tapping into the moral values of the people. Paine strategically appealed to the sense of duty, proclaiming, "O! You that love mankind! You that dare oppose not only tyranny but the tyrants, stand forth." Here, the battle against England was framed as a fight for mankind, compelling individuals to take a stand for the greater good.
Authored by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, the Declaration of Independence went beyond a mere proclamation of separation.
At the age of thirty-three, Jefferson incorporated the doctrine of natural rights and John Locke's theories, shaping the document into a powerful piece of propaganda. Listing the colonists' grievances against George III, the declaration served as a rallying cry for American independence and, more significantly, a call to defend human rights.
The impactful line, "They are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights," resonated deeply with the religious sentiments of the time. By invoking the idea of a "creator," the document linked the struggle for independence with the divine, making it a duty grounded in religion. The declaration was not just about political autonomy; it became a symbol of the fight for fundamental human rights.
Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" and the Declaration of Independence left an indelible mark on American history. The eloquent language and revolutionary ideas conveyed by Paine and Jefferson through these propaganda masterpieces significantly influenced the trajectory of American society. These documents were not mere declarations but pivotal instruments that shaped the narrative of the American Revolution.
The strategic use of propaganda techniques by Paine and Jefferson allowed them to effectively communicate their ideas, creating a groundswell of support for the cause of independence. The impact of these works extended beyond their immediate goal, inspiring a broader understanding of human rights and individual liberties.
In conclusion, the role of propaganda in American history, exemplified by "Common Sense" and the Declaration of Independence, showcases its ability to shape public opinion and drive societal change. These documents serve as enduring testaments to the power of persuasive language and ideas in influencing the course of a nation.
Propaganda's Impact in American History. (2021, Nov 03). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/thomas-paines-common-sense-essay
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