The American Crisis

Paine explains that Americans have been curious about King George III’s latest speech, which they laughingly dismissed. King George III justifies the war as in the best interest of the “free people” of Britain, prompting Paine to accuse the King of “ignorance and obstinacy” for trying to “make a merit of his crime” (129).

While Paine optimistically states that America “the child of fate, is arriving at maturity,” he cautions his readers from assuming that their independence is guaranteed (131-132). He scolds Americans who do not understand that proper defense requires funds and violence and warns them against complacency.

Paine addresses the next part of this essay to the Americans and announces he will write on the topic of financial requirements for winning the war. He responds to three aspects of Congress’s recent financial resolutions: first, on the amount itself, secondly on the nature of the union, and thirdly the manner of collection and spending (138). Paine claims that Congress’s tax estimate is the minimum amount for the army’s necessities and payment and warns Americans against underfunding.

He pleads with Americans and their individual states to cooperate and contribute sufficient taxes to the Federal Government. Paine writes that each state has a duty to provide Congress with adequate funding for the war, and Congress has an obligation to understand and report how it has been spent.