The American Crisis

Paine wrote this April 1777 essay during a lull in military action between American and British troops. Paine explains that the “enemy have long lain idle” (32) and compares the British to a “wounded, disabled whale” (32).

Paine reflects on the war’s events so far, and argues that memory, reflection, and a knowledge of history helps people form a “just opinion” (31).

Paine claims that the conflict has no neutral ground, and he labels Tories as traitors since they accept the rule of a foreign government. He further argues that Tories should be excluded from American democracy as electors and representatives as they do not identify themselves as citizens of America (34).

Paine argues that if Americans gained independence, they could manage their own affairs which would increase their wealth, which Paine claims has been limited by a jealous Britain. He rejects the notion that early settlers received British protection and argues that Britain actually neglected them, but as they grew prosperous they became “an object of profit to the greedy eyes of Europe” (35).

Paine argues that declaring independence was crucial for America to maintain its trade relationships and to avoid living in a state of “dangerous suspense” (37).