Common sense, showed what was harmful from absolute British rule in the colonies and this created a basis for what the king did wrong towards the people, which was also incorporated into the Declaration. This Paine argued that independence, which was America's "purpose," would allow America to trade freely with other nations for munitions and artillery and to obtain foreign aid from Britain's enemies. Ultimately, Paine argued, independence would give Americans the opportunity to create a better society, free from totalitarianism, with equal social and economic opportunities for citizens.