Britain

America

America is engaged in a revolutionary war against Britain, seeking independence from colonial rule.

Tories

Britain relied on the Tories as loyalist allies within the American colonies during the war.

Editor’s Introduction

The London publication and the British perspective are contrasted with Paine's American viewpoint.

The American Crisis

The opposing force in the conflict, characterized as tyrannical and unjust.

The Crisis I

Portrayed as a tyrannical power enforcing slavery through taxation and military force; the king is described as a 'sottish, stupid, stubborn, worthless, brutish man.'

The Crisis II: To Lord Howe

Represented by Lord Howe and the monarchy, depicted as tyrannical and misguided.

The Crisis III

Described as a gamester nearly ruined, unable to conquer or govern America, and now playing a desperate game.

The Crisis IV

Implied as the enemy force led by Howe, characterized as robbers and plunderers.

The Crisis V: To Gen. Sir William Howe

Portrayed as brutal, deceitful, and self-destructive; accused of atrocities in India and America.

To the Inhabitants of America

Portrayed as corrupt and tyrannical, having lost its own freedom and now attempting to enslave America.

The Crisis VI: To the Earl of Carlisle, General Clinton, and William Eden, Esq., British Commissioners at New York

Accused of tyranny, cruelty, and infidelity; warned of potential retaliation.

The Crisis VII: To the People of England

The nation being addressed, depicted as deluded, wasteful, and on the verge of defeat.

The Crisis VIII: Address to the People of England

Portrayed as a prodigal nation, insensible to its own decline, having desolated the world for dominion and now facing the prospect of invasion.

The Crisis IX

Portrayed as malicious, avoiding direct conflict with France and Spain, and pursuing a war of aggravations.

The Crisis Extraordinary

Portrayed as a covetous and rapacious conqueror, waging war for avarice and seeking to impose heavy taxes.

The Crisis X: On the King of England’s Speech

Portrayed as hypocritical, desperate, and dependent on America; its king and ministry are condemned for starting the war.

The Crisis XI: On the Present State of News

The enemy power whose shifting and dishonorable policies Paine exposes.

A Supernumerary Crisis

Portrayed as a barbarous enemy whose army commits atrocities.

The Crisis XII: To the Earl of Shelburne

The adversary in the war, criticized for its wasteful and delusional efforts to retain America.

The Crisis XIII: Thoughts on the Peace, and Probable Advantages Thereof

Britain is referenced as a former domineering master, now an ally whose 'exemplary greatness' has been acknowledged.

A Supernumerary Crisis

Depicted as a selfish nation attempting to monopolize the carrying trade and undermine American unity.