Which sentence in the excerpt supports the claim that the American colonies could thrive independently from Britain? A) I have h

Question

23 days ago

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Which sentence in the excerpt supports the claim that the American colonies could thrive independently from Britain? A) I have h

eard it asserted by some, that as America hath flourished under her former connection with Great Britain that the same connection is necessary towards her future happiness, and will always have the same effect.
B) We may as well assert that because a child has thrived upon milk that it is never to have meat, or that the first twenty years of our lives is to become a precedent for the next twenty.

C) But even this is admitting more than is true, for I answer roundly, that America would have flourished as much, and probably much more, had no European power had any thing to do with her.

D) The commerce, by which she hath enriched herself, are the necessaries of life, and will always have a market while eating is the custom of Europe.

English

2 answers:

Naddika [6.3K] · Answer 1 · 2026-03-09T20:51:22+03:00

In Option C, Paine argues that America would have flourished better without the influence of any European nation, particularly Britain. He posits that British rule impeded America's growth and prosperity. Conversely, Options A and B assert that America's success hinges on its connection to Britain: Option A claims Britain’s influence ensures America’s happiness, while Option B compares America to a dependent child. Paine dismisses this comparison as ludicrous, noting it doesn’t strengthen the argument. Additionally, Option D indicates that even though America will maintain trade, Britain’s focus remains on its own needs, which does not provide convincing support.

Bond [6.4K] · Answer 2 · 2026-03-09T20:55:06+03:00

In Option C, Paine argues that America would have been more prosperous without European interference, particularly from Britain. He suggests that British control was a barrier to America's true potential for growth. Options A and B present viewpoints that America depends on Britain for success; Option A claims that America's well-being is linked to its relationship with Britain, while Option B likens the colonies to a child that should only accept milk, implying they don’t deserve anything beyond Britain's support. This idea is viewed by Paine as ridiculous, though it doesn’t reinforce his argument effectively. Option D highlights that while America will always engage in trade, Britain’s interests are solely driven by self-consumption, which fails to provide robust evidence.