# The Crisis Extraordinary explained — The American Crisis > Chapter companion for The American Crisis by Thomas Paine. ## What happens 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. ## Themes in this chapter ### The Cost of War Paine provides a detailed breakdown of war expenses and taxes, emphasizing the financial burden and the necessity of adequate funding. ### Freedom vs. Tyranny He warns that British conquest would lead to oppressive taxation and loss of liberty, contrasting American self-governance with British despotism. ### Patriotism and Sacrifice Paine recalls the voluntary sacrifices made to support the cause and calls for continued sacrifice through fair taxation. ### Reason and Rebellion He uses logical financial arguments to justify rebellion and the need for a well-funded defense, appealing to reason and self-interest. ## Character check-ins ### Thomas Paine Author of the essay, presenting a detailed financial analysis and argument for taxation to support the war. ### America The young nation whose principles and sacrifices are recalled, and whose security and prosperity are at stake. ### Britain Portrayed as a covetous and rapacious conqueror, waging war for avarice and seeking to impose heavy taxes. ### Congress Referenced in relation to the recommendation of March 18th for funding the currency and issuing new money. ### Tories Mentioned as a label that would be sunk under the general term 'rebel' if Britain conquered America. ### Hessians Implied as part of the enemy forces, though not directly named in the excerpts. ## Key lines > The war, on the part of Britain, was originally a war of covetousness. The sordid and not the splendid passions gave it being. The fertile fields and prosperous infancy of America appeared to her as mines for tributary wealth. She viewed the hive, and disregarding the industry that had enriched it, thirsted for the honey. Britain's war against America was driven by greed, not noble motives. They saw America's wealth as a source of tribute and wanted to exploit it without regard for the hard work that built it. _Paine characterizes British motives as avaricious and exploitative._ > Now, if a tax equal to thirteen and fourpence per head, will remove all these difficulties, and make people secure in their homes, leave them to follow the business of their stores and farms unmolested, and not only drive out but keep out the enemy from the country; and if the neglect of raising this sum will let them in, and produce the evils which might be prevented—on which side, I ask, does the wisdom, interest and policy lie? If a small tax per person can secure the country and prevent invasion, while failing to raise it invites disaster, then the wise and prudent choice is clearly to impose the tax. _Paine argues that the modest tax is a rational investment in security._ > The sum, when proportioned out according to the several abilities of the people, can hurt no one, but an inroad from the enemy ruins hundreds of families. A fair tax based on ability to pay harms no individual, whereas an enemy invasion destroys entire communities. _Paine contrasts the minimal burden of taxation with the catastrophic cost of war._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_crisis_se/chapters/the-crisis-extraordinary - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_crisis_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_crisis_se/chapters