The American Crisis · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The American Crisis by Thomas Paine.
Chapter 1
Editor’s Introduction
Moncure Daniel Conway introduces Thomas Paine's 'The American Crisis,' clarifying the title's possible origin from a London publication and correcting the misattribution of an early essay to Paine. He details the publication history of the thirteen Crisis numbers, the famous opening and closing lines, and the profound impact of the first Crisis, which was read to Washington's troops before the Battle of Trenton.
Chapter 2
The American Crisis
Thomas Paine's impassioned call to the American colonists to persevere in their struggle for independence, arguing that the cause of freedom is worth the sacrifices of war and that divine providence will ultimately side with the righteous.
Chapter 3
The Crisis I
Thomas Paine opens with the famous line 'These are the times that try men’s souls,' calling for resolve against British tyranny. He contrasts the 'summer soldier' with those who stand firm, argues that freedom is worth the struggle, and asserts divine support for the American cause. Paine recounts his experience with the troops at Fort Lee, criticizes Tories as cowards, and urges all Americans to unite and fight for independence, warning that mercy from the enemy is folly and that victory will secure a happy future for the continent.
Chapter 4
The Crisis II: To Lord Howe
Thomas Paine addresses Lord Howe directly, mocking his proclamation and authority as a British commissioner. Paine argues that America cannot be conquered, criticizes the folly of monarchy, and calls for unity and independence. He contrasts the sword of war with the sword of justice, and emphasizes the natural right of America to self-governance.
Chapter 5
The Crisis III
Paine argues for clear distinction between Whigs and Tories, condemns the latter as traitors, and calls for strict justice against disaffection. He reviews the stages of the quarrel with Britain, insists on the indivisibility of the cause, and reaffirms that only independence can secure peace, honor, and commerce.
Chapter 6
The Crisis IV
Paine rallies the American cause after the Battle of Brandywine, arguing that the enemy's gains come at a heavy cost and that perseverance will lead to ultimate victory. He calls on citizens to support the army, contrasts the just American cause with British tyranny, and directly addresses General Howe with a warning of impending defeat.
Chapter 7
The Crisis V: To Gen. Sir William Howe
In this fiery address, Thomas Paine excoriates King George III, the British ministry, and General Howe, condemning their cruelty and deceit. He argues that divine providence has separated America from Britain, predicts Britain's decline and America's future prosperity, and analyzes the strategic situation after the capture of Burgoyne's army at Saratoga. Paine calls for continued unity and resolve, emphasizing that the death wound has been given and final success is within reach if Americans press their advantage.
Chapter 8
To the Inhabitants of America
Paine addresses the American people, urging them to seize the present opportunity to defeat the British army. He contrasts the virtue of America's revolution with the corruption of Britain, criticizes the veneration of ancient Greece and Rome, and proposes a detailed plan for raising troops and supplies. He argues that the loss of Philadelphia was advantageous and that the enemy is now vulnerable, calling for decisive action to secure final victory.
Chapter 9
The Crisis VI: To the Earl of Carlisle, General Clinton, and William Eden, Esq., British Commissioners at New York
Paine addresses the British commissioners directly, condemning their proclamation as tedious and unmeaning. He refutes claims of British benevolence, asserting that America's successes are due to Providence and French alliance, not British mercy. Paine warns that if Britain threatens incendiary destruction, America can retaliate effectively due to shared language and familiarity with England. He criticizes the commissioners' offer of pardons as worthless and argues that British obstinacy has led only to loss and disgrace, urging peace on American terms.
Chapter 10
The Crisis VII: To the People of England
Paine directly addresses the people of England, arguing that their government's delusion and mismanagement have led to a disastrous war. He recounts the failed British attempts to conquer America, highlighting the favorable conditions Britain squandered. Paine contends that the true British aim was conquest and confiscation, not reconciliation, and warns that even victory would have brought no benefit to the common Englishman. He concludes that America's independence is inevitable and that England is impoverishing itself in vain.
Chapter 11
The Crisis VIII: Address to the People of England
Paine directly addresses the English people, condemning their government's continued prosecution of the war against America. He contrasts the suffering of Americans with the complacency of the English, who have only felt the financial burden of war, not its horrors. Paine warns that the combined fleets and raids by Captain John Paul Jones have brought the war to England's shores, and that the English will soon face the same devastation they inflicted on America. He argues that England's cause is unjust, that she has no hope of conquest, and that her internal divisions make her vulnerable. Paine concludes that America is indifferent to who governs England, and that the war continues only because of the interests of those who profit from it.
Chapter 12
The Crisis IX
Paine calls for renewed vigor and unity in the American cause following the fall of Charleston, warning against complacency and urging immediate military and financial preparations. He emphasizes the need for collective action, voluntary support, and cooperation with French allies to secure victory.
Chapter 13
The Crisis Extraordinary
Paine argues that America's resistance was originally based on just principles and public interest, but now necessity compels a vigorous defense. He contrasts the heavy taxes in England (40 shillings per head) with the much lower taxes in America (3 shillings 5 pence per head) and demonstrates that a modest tax of 13 shillings 4 pence per head would fully fund the war and secure the country. He warns that British conquest would lead to oppressive taxation and ruin for all Americans, regardless of political affiliation, and calls for immediate action to raise sufficient revenue.
Chapter 14
The Crisis X: On the King of England’s Speech
Paine dissects the British king's speech with scorn, exposing its falsehoods and hypocrisy. He contrasts America's confident curiosity with Britain's desperate propaganda, defends the true sources of American prosperity (hard labor and divine blessing), and warns against complacency. He concludes with a historical example of British cruelty to underscore the necessity of continued vigilance and defense.
Chapter 15
To the People of America
Paine addresses the American people on the financial and organizational challenges of the Revolutionary War, emphasizing the need for unity, proper representation, and fiscal responsibility. He critiques past errors in tax collection and currency management, defends the union as the foundation of independence, and denounces Silas Deane as a traitor. Paine calls on every citizen to fulfill their obligation to support the war effort for the security of natural rights and property.
Chapter 16
The Crisis XI: On the Present State of News
Paine analyzes the shifting British political landscape, warns against British attempts to seduce America into breaking its alliance with France, and calls for unwavering commitment to honor and the alliance.
Chapter 17
A Supernumerary Crisis
Paine addresses a recent British publication and Lord Sheffield's pamphlet advocating for restrictions on American trade to the West Indies. He argues that Britain's attempt to monopolize the carrying trade is an insult to American sovereignty and warns that disunity among the states—exemplified by opposition to a federal import duty—invites foreign exploitation. Paine calls for a unified national commercial policy to protect American interests and dignity.
Chapter 18
The Crisis XII: To the Earl of Shelburne
Thomas Paine addresses Lord Shelburne's speech, arguing that American independence is already a fact and that continued British efforts to reclaim the colonies are futile and ruinous. Paine refutes Shelburne's claim that independence would lead to England's ruin, asserting that the war has already cost Britain dearly and that America is determined to maintain its freedom. He criticizes British delusion and calls for a dignified acceptance of the separation.
Chapter 19
The Crisis XIII: Thoughts on the Peace, and Probable Advantages Thereof
Paine celebrates the successful conclusion of the American Revolution and reflects on the transition from war to peace. He emphasizes the importance of national character, the necessity of the union of the states, and the moral obligations of society in peacetime. He calls for preserving the honor of the revolution and warns against disunity, while expressing pride in his own contributions to the cause.
Chapter 20
A Supernumerary Crisis
Paine addresses a recent British publication and Lord Sheffield's pamphlet advocating for restrictions on American trade to the West Indies. He argues that Britain's attempt to monopolize the carrying trade is an insult to American sovereignty and warns that disunity among the states—exemplified by opposition to a federal import duty—invites foreign exploitation. Paine calls for a unified national commercial policy to protect American interests and dignity.
Chapter 21
Endnotes
The endnotes provide editorial annotations and clarifications for the main text of Thomas Paine's 'The American Crisis.' They include historical context, identifications of individuals and events, explanations of Paine's references, and details about the publication and circumstances surrounding the various Crisis essays. The notes also offer insights into Paine's personal history, his relationships with figures like Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, and the political and military events of the American Revolution.
