Many of the facts were in themselves principles; such as the declaration of American Independence, and the treaty of alliance between France and America, which recognised the natural rights of man, and justified resistance to oppression.
Paine argues that key historical events like the Declaration of Independence embodied fundamental principles, including natural rights and the justification for resisting oppression.
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To possess ourselves of a clear idea of what government is, or ought to be, we must trace it to its origin.
But the spirit of the nation was not to be overcome, and it was so fully sensible of the strong ground it had taken--that of withholding taxes--that it contented itself with keeping up a sort of quiet resistance, which effectually…
They form a common policy throughout Europe, detached and separate from the interest of Nations: and while they appear to quarrel, they agree to plunder.