Question

Explain what Paine means by enemyship (par. 10), and why, according to Paine, that term explains the relationship between the colonies and other countries that are in conflict with Great Britain.

A. Paine means that enemyship is a synonym for war.
B. Paine means that enemyship is a term for friendly alliances.
C. Paine means that enemyship is a bond formed by common interests against a common enemy.
D. Paine means that enemyship is a term for unconditional surrender.

Answer 1

Thomas Paine's concept of 'enemyship' refers to a strategic alliance created by common interests against a common enemy, exemplified by the relationship between the American colonies and other nations opposing Great Britain.

Step-by-step explanation:

Thomas Paine uses the term 'enemyship' to describe a relationship based on a shared opposition to a common adversary, which in the context of the American colonies, was Great Britain. Paine's argument in 'The American Crisis' suggests that 'enemyship' constitutes a bond that unites different parties as allies against a larger threat.

This bond is not founded on friendship or voluntary association but is a strategic alliance driven by mutual interests. Therefore, when foreign countries that have conflicts with Great Britain align with the American colonies, it's not out of a spirit of friendly alliance but rather out of a shared interest in counteracting a common enemy.