The American Crisis

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1776

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapters 3-4

Chapters 5-6

Chapters 7-8

Chapters 9-10

Chapters 11-12

Chapters 13-14

Chapters 15-16

Key Figures

Themes

Index of Terms

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

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Discussion Questions

Chapters 15-16Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 15 Summary: “The Crisis XIII. Thoughts on the Peace and Probable Advantages”

Writing in 1783, Paine begins his essay triumphantly declaring that the “times that try men’s souls”—a reference to the opening line of his first “Crisis” essay—are over, and that the American revolution is “gloriously and happily accomplished” (165). He encourages his readers to reflect on what their country has experienced and reminds them that their country has the responsibility to be a different kind of world leader. Paine celebrates that America is not monopolized by any foreign power which interferes with its commerce or legislation and declares that America has the world in its hands.

Paine adds that America is known for its “fortitude,” and that even in times of peace a “fair national reputation” is as important as independence (166). He admits that wartime can weaken society’s morality as continual suffering “blunts the finer feelings,” but Americans have an obligation to preserve their country’s character in their actions (166). Paine explains that it was America’s revolutionary cause that inspired him to become an author and notes that he did not profit from his work but offered it freely to mankind. He reminds readers that he always believed that independence was achievable as long as Americans were committed to it and acknowledges that since the war is over, he will stop writing on the subject but will always feel proud of his contribution to the war.

Chapter 16 Summary: “A Supernumerary Crisis: To the People of America”

Just three months after the war’s end, Paine produced this pamphlet to comment on recent trade negotiations between Britain and a newly independent America. Writing to Americans, Paine claims a trade deal between Britain and America was broken due to the “selfish system of English politics” (171).

Paine responds to a pamphlet written by British Lord Sheffield called “Observations on the Commerce of the American States,” which Paine says tries to entice Americans to buy British products, while banning them from selling goods to the British-controlled West Indies. He explains that Lord Sheffield’s recommendations have since been implemented and are effectively restricting American trade. Paine takes issue with Lord Sheffield’s criticism that the various states in America are not yet acting as a nation but writes reiterates the need for American states to cooperate and present a united front to the world. He states that America, like Britain, has the right to restrict foreign goods, to search vessels, and to demand duties on foreign ships.

Chapters 15-16 Analysis

Paine uses natural imagery to romanticize America’s origins as a “fair morning” which was “unclouded and promising” (165). Ignoring America’s slavery and conflict with Indigenous nations, Paine idealizes the early years of America’s colonies by claiming that, unlike ancient empires like Rome, America did not gain power through oppression and so “need never be ashamed to tell her birth” (166). Paine depicts America as a potential utopia, as he says Americans can “see it in our power to make a world happy—to teach mankind the art of being so” (165).

As Paine changes topics, his tone transitions from celebratory to cautionary. Paine continues his theme of the “UNION OF THE STATES,” which he displays in all capitals to impress his readers of its great importance. In spite of America’s victory in the war, Paine is deeply apprehensive of the “endless misfortune” that America would experience if they fragmented their union (168). In an anxious tone, Paine reiterates that the states’ union is crucial to America’s success and claims that their national character, reputation, and domestic security depends on it. Paine laments that some Americans undervalue the union, which he calls “the most sacred thing in the constitution of America” (169). Paine revisits this theme in his final pamphlet in which he writes that in a strong union, America is “formidable,” but separated into individual states “she is a medley of individual nothings, subject to the sport of foreign nations” (173).