A People's History of the United States Themes

A People's History of the United States Themes

Government

In the majority of the work, government is the key focus. It begins with the governments of Europe and beyond and their ambition and quest for gold in the new world. Eventually it turns to the government of the United States before, during and after its formation. One of the foremost authors during colonial times was Thomas Paine, who was fond of visiting, defining and redefining the governments of other countries and pointing out their flaws and absurdities. Paine believed that many people live with their governments simply because it was the way of the ancients and the country as a whole did not object. It was as if silence equaled acceptance.

One of the main targets of Paine's work is the English government. Paine has very strong views on the antiquity and foolishness of maintaining a monarchy, an institution that is inappropriate and oppressive to its people....
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