Question

read this quotation.
but the most powerful of all arguments is that nothing but independence . . . can keep the peace of the continent and preserve it . . . from civil wars.
—thomas paine, common sense, 1776
in this quotation, paine suggests that independence
will prevent britain from getting into more wars.
will help britain rule the european continent.
cannot win a civil war with the colonies.
is the only way to keep peace in the colonies.

Explanation:

Thomas Paine's quote states that only independence can maintain the continent's peace and protect it from civil wars. This directly aligns with the option describing independence as the sole way to keep peace in the colonies, while the other options misinterpret the quote's focus (it is about the colonies' peace, not Britain's wars, rule, or war outcomes).

Answer:

is the only way to keep peace in the colonies.