The American Crisis · Chapter
The Crisis XII: To the Earl of Shelburne explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Freedom vs. Tyranny
Paine frames American independence as the 'sublimest of all human conditions' and contrasts it with British tyranny and humiliation.
The Cost of War
Paine details the immense financial and human costs of the war for Britain, including 'an hundred million pounds sterling' and the loss of two armies.
Hope and Resilience
Paine asserts America's ability to continue the war for ten more years and its determination to defend its liberties.
Reason and Rebellion
Paine uses logical argument to dismantle Shelburne's claims, emphasizing the folly of continuing a ruinous war.
Characters to notice
- Thomas Paine
Author of the Crisis series, directly addressing Lord Shelburne and critiquing British policy.
- America
The independent nation that Paine defends, asserting its sovereignty and rejecting British authority.
- Britain
The adversary in the war, criticized for its wasteful and delusional efforts to retain America.
- Lord Shelburne
The recipient of this Crisis, whose speech advocating against American independence is examined and refuted.
- Lord Chatham
Mentioned as sharing Shelburne's opinion on American independence.
- Congress
The governing body of America, whose repeated declarations against negotiations without independence are cited.
- George Washington
Implied as the commander of the army that has resisted British forces.
- Tories
British loyalists in America who have lost influence and are being relocated.
Key passages
“The independence of America would end in the ruin of England; and that a peace patched up with France, would give that proud enemy the means of yet trampling on this country.”
Lord Shelburne claims that recognizing American independence will destroy England and that a peace with France will allow France to dominate Britain.
Paine quotes Shelburne's speech to refute it, arguing that America is already independent and that peace would save money.
“America can carry on the war for ten years longer, and all the charges of government included, for less than you can defray the charges of war and government for one year.”
America can sustain the war for a decade at a cost lower than Britain's annual war and government expenses.
Paine emphasizes America's economic resilience compared to Britain's financial strain.
“The sin of England has struck the heart of America, and nature has not”
England's offenses have deeply wounded America, and the damage is irreversible.
Paine argues that trust cannot be restored after such betrayal.
“As America is gone, the only act of manhood is to let her go.”
Since America is lost to Britain, the honorable course is to accept the separation.
Paine concludes that Britain should cease its futile attempts to reclaim the colonies.
