The American Crisis · Question
How does The American Crisis develop the theme of Unity and National Identity?
Answer
The American Crisis by Thomas Paine develops Unity and National Identity across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
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.
Evidence in the book
- The Crisis I
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.
- The Crisis II: To Lord Howe
Paine calls for love of union and cheerfulness for duty, asserting the dignity and sovereignty of the United States.
- The Crisis III
Paine stresses the need to distinguish Whigs from Tories and to unite all supporters of independence, shutting out disaffection.
- To the Inhabitants of America
Paine urges collective action and warns against half-measures, promoting a unified national effort to defeat the enemy.
- The Crisis VI: To the Earl of Carlisle, General Clinton, and William Eden, Esq., British Commissioners at New York
Paine emphasizes American unity and the noble, open treaty with France as a model of national identity.
- The Crisis IX
Emphasizes the need for unanimity, voluntary support, and collective action across all ranks to sustain the cause.
- To the People of America
Paine emphasizes that the union of America is the 'foundation-stone of her independence' and that all states must act together as one centre.
- The Crisis XIII: Thoughts on the Peace, and Probable Advantages Thereof
Paine argues that the union of the states is essential for national character, security, and sovereignty, calling it 'the great palladium of our liberty and safety.'
