The American Crisis · Concept
Unity and National Identity
Paine emphasizes the necessity of the union of the states, arguing that national character and security depend on unity, and that Americans must see themselves as a single nation rather than separate colonies.
Paine emphasizes the necessity of the union of the states, arguing that national character and security depend on unity, and that Americans must see themselves as a single nation rather than separate colonies.
Paine appeals to all states and all people to unite against the common enemy, declaring that 'the heart that feels not now is dead' and urging collective action.
Paine calls for love of union and cheerfulness for duty, asserting the dignity and sovereignty of the United States.
Paine stresses the need to distinguish Whigs from Tories and to unite all supporters of independence, shutting out disaffection.
Paine urges collective action and warns against half-measures, promoting a unified national effort to defeat the enemy.
Characters
Chapters
- The Crisis I
- The Crisis II: To Lord Howe
- The Crisis III
- To the Inhabitants of America
- The Crisis VI: To the Earl of Carlisle, General Clinton, and William Eden, Esq., British Commissioners at New York
- The Crisis IX
- To the People of America
- The Crisis XIII: Thoughts on the Peace, and Probable Advantages Thereof