What argument did Paine use to reject notion that colonies must remain connected to great Britain fir their future happiness?

Thomas Paine argued that the colonies did not need to remain connected to Great Britain for their future happiness because the relationship was fundamentally exploitative. He believed that British rule stifled the colonies' potential for self-governance and prosperity, as it prioritized British interests over American needs. Paine emphasized that true happiness and freedom could only be achieved through independence and the establishment of a government that represented the will of the people, rather than a distant monarchy. This perspective was central to his call for revolution and the pursuit of a democratic society.