Read the excerpt below. The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind . . . The laying a Country desolate with Fire and Sword, declaring War against the natural rights of all Mankind . . . is the Concern of every Man to whom Nature hath given the Power of feeling.
—Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776

Based on the excerpt, Paine argues that America should become independent because Britain intends to
arrest Americans who don’t pay taxes.
keep America isolated.
destroy America.
take American property.