Why did the thirteen british colonies in america become known as “states”?

Read this quotation. i challenge the warmest advocate for reconciliation to show a single advantage that this continent can reap, by being connected with great britain. . our corn will fetch its price in any market in europe. —thomas paine, common sense, 1776 one argument for independence in this quotation is that britain's taxes are too high. britain is isolating the colonies. the colonies do not need britain. britain is taking american property.