Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs
Presents arguments for American independence and addresses reconciliation versus separation.
94 argumentative units
- 01Paine's preliminary appeal to the reader
Paine asks readers to set aside prejudice and prejudgment, using reason and feeling to evaluate his arguments fairly.
- 02Declaration that the period of debate is closed
Paine argues that extensive writing on the matter has been ineffectual and the question is now settled by military conflict rather than argument.
- 03Warning against temporary thinking via Pelham example
Paine uses the example of Minister Pelham's short-term thinking to warn the colonies against prioritizing immediate concerns over posterity.
- 04Claim of the cause's unprecedented importance
Paine argues this is not a local dispute but a continental matter affecting all humanity and future generations.
- 05Argument that armed conflict creates new political thinking
Paine contends that the outbreak of hostilities on April 19 supersedes all previous proposals for reconciliation and changes the terms of political debate.
- 06Proposal to examine damages from British connection
Paine proposes shifting the debate from reconciliation's advantages to examining the material injuries and disadvantages of dependence on Britain.
- 07Refutation of the flourishing argument
Paine attacks the claim that America must remain connected to Britain because it flourished under that connection, comparing it to faulty reasoning about childhood and adulthood.
- 08Claim that Britain protected America for self-interest, not attachment
Paine argues that Britain's protection was motivated by trade and dominion, not concern for the colonies, and that independence would end unnecessary European conflicts.
- 09Refutation of Parliament's claim about colonial interdependence
Paine ridicules the assertion that colonies relate to each other only through Britain, arguing this actually proves enmity rather than relationship.
- 10Attack on 'parent country' metaphor
Paine argues the 'parent country' phrase is a manipulative deception and that Europe, not England, is America's true parent through refuge for the persecuted.
- 11Argument that Americans have continental rather than national identity
Paine claims Americans naturally associate with all Europeans in their broader context, transcending narrow English identity.
- 12Extended analogy of expanding social circles
Paine uses the example of an Englishman expanding his social identity from parish to town to nation to show how continental perspective transcends narrow loyalties.
- 13Argument that English descent is irrelevant to present duty
Paine argues that even if all Americans were of English descent, current enmity supersedes lineage and makes reconciliation absurd.
- 14Rejection of the united strength argument
Paine dismisses claims about British-American combined power as mere presumption and notes America would not drain itself for British wars.
- 15Statement of America's commercial strategy
Paine proposes that free trade, not military alliances, is America's path to peace and protection from invasion.
- 16Challenge to name a single advantage of British connection
Paine issues a direct challenge to show any benefit America derives from union with Britain, claiming none exists.
- 17Assertion of countless injuries from British dependence
Paine claims the disadvantages of British connection are numerous and create duty to renounce the alliance.
- 18Argument that dependence on Britain entangles America in European conflicts
Paine contends that British connection forces America into European wars and quarrels contrary to her interests and against nations with no genuine grievance.
- 19Claim that British wars ruin American trade
Paine argues that whenever Britain wars with foreign powers, American trade is destroyed due to the dependency.
- 20Argument that everything natural and right pleads for separation
Paine invokes nature, divine will, geography, history, and the Reformation to argue separation is inevitable and divinely ordained.
- 21Claim that British authority must eventually end
Paine asserts that Britain's authority over America is merely temporary and cannot provide lasting security for future generations.
- 22Classification of reconciliation advocates
Paine divides reconciliation supporters into four categories: interested men, weak men, prejudiced men, and moderate men, claiming the last are most dangerous.
- 23Vivid example of Boston's suffering under British rule
Paine uses Boston's wretchedness to illustrate the precariousness of American property and the reason to distrust Britain forever.
- 24Emotional argument against reconciliation based on human nature
Paine appeals to natural human feelings, arguing that after Britain has committed atrocities, true reconciliation is impossible and demanding it is unnatural.
- 25Statement of purpose: awakening from slumber, not revenge
Paine clarifies that his vivid descriptions aim to awaken determination for independence, not provoke revenge.
- 26Appeal to reason and historical precedent against continued subjection
Paine argues that subjection to external power contradicts reason, universal order, and historical examples.
- 27Claim that peaceful methods have failed
Paine asserts that petitions have been rejected and only demonstrate that kings grow more absolute through such appeals.
- 28Declaration that separation is necessary and inevitable
Paine concludes that only final separation will prevent the next generation from fighting under false names.
- 29Anticipatory response to objection about renewed attempts
Paine preempts the argument that Britain won't try again by noting past experience proves otherwise.
- 30Argument that distance makes British governance impractical
Paine contends that the distance and ignorance between Britain and America make effective governance impossible.
- 31Argument that an island cannot govern a continent
Paine uses natural law and astronomical analogy to show the absurdity of an island governing a continent.
- 32Statement of personal conviction on independence
Paine declares his belief in independence stems from rational interest, not pride or resentment.
- 33Assertion that Britain offers no acceptable compromise terms
Paine claims Britain's obstinacy guarantees no reasonable terms can be obtained.
- 34Argument about proportionality between cost and objective
Paine argues that removing a minister is unworthy of the blood and treasure spent, making independence the only proportionate objective.
- 35Paine's personal rejection of the king after April 19
Paine reveals he once hoped for reconciliation but rejected it after the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
- 36Assertion that reconciliation would ruin the continent
Paine claims that even if reconciliation were achieved, it would lead to continental ruin.
- 37First reason for ruin: king's negative power over legislation
Paine argues the king's veto power would prevent beneficial legislation and keep America subordinate.
- 38Explanation of how king's veto differs in America
Paine distinguishes the king's dangerous veto in America from its operation in England, where he rarely opposes defense measures.
- 39Argument that America is only secondary in British politics
Paine contends Britain will suppress American growth whenever it conflicts with British interest.
- 40Claim that king would use reconciliation for future conquest
Paine argues the king would repeal acts to regain control, then use craft to accomplish what force cannot.
- 41Second reason for ruin: reconciliation is only temporary
Paine argues even the best reconciliation terms would be temporary guardianship, creating instability and deterring settlers.
- 42Most powerful argument: independence alone prevents civil war
Paine contends that only independence can maintain peace; reconciliation would likely provoke internal conflict worse than British oppression.
- 43Empathetic argument for those ruined by Britain
Paine argues those who have lost everything to British action cannot accept reconciliation and would rebel.
- 44Claim that colonies demonstrate capacity for good governance
Paine argues the colonies have shown sufficient order and obedience to prove they can govern themselves.
- 45Argument that equality in government prevents internal conflict
Paine claims republican equality removes temptation for superiority, unlike monarchies prone to internal and external wars.
- 46Acknowledgment that a plan for government is needed
Paine admits the lack of a clear governmental plan causes fear and offers to provide preliminary suggestions.
- 47Outline of proposed government structure
Paine proposes annual assemblies with presidents, equal representation, districts sending delegates to a Continental Congress with rotating presidency.
- 48Proposal for Continental Conference to frame charter
Paine proposes a Conference comprising Congress members, Assembly representatives, and people's representatives to draft a Continental Charter.
- 49Description of Continental Charter's purpose and content
Paine describes the Charter as fixing representation, jurisdiction, freedom, property rights, and religious liberty.
- 50Invocation of Dragonetti on governmental wisdom
Paine cites Dragonetti's principle that the best government maximizes individual happiness with minimal expense.
- 51Rhetorical answer to 'where is the King of America'
Paine answers that God reigns above, and proposes law, not a person, should be king in America.
- 52Claim that self-government is a natural right
Paine argues forming a constitution now is wiser than leaving it to chance, which could lead to tyranny.
- 53Warning of Massanello danger if Britain retains control
Paine warns that if Britain retains power, a desperate adventurer might seize control and destroy American liberty.
- 54Accusation that Britain stirred up Indians and Negroes
Paine accuses Britain of cruelty in instigating attacks by Indians and enslaved people against the colonies.
- 55Characterization of seeking friendship as madness and folly
Paine argues reason forbids faith in Britain and natural feelings demand detestation.
- 56Rhetorical claim that reconciliation cannot undo harm
Paine uses the analogy of lost virginity to argue reconciliation cannot undo Britain's violations.
- 57Argument that nature requires unforgiveness of certain harms
Paine contends natural feelings of justice require inability to forgive certain wrongs.
- 58Universal call to lovers of mankind for independence
Paine makes a universal appeal to defend freedom globally by establishing American independence as an asylum.
- 59Introduction to America's ability to separate and govern
Paine notes universal agreement on eventual separation but disagreement on timing, proposing the time is now.
- 60Claim about strength in unity not numbers
Paine argues America's strength lies in unity and has sufficient armed forces, being at the perfect military capacity.
- 61Argument that naval building should begin now before timber diminishes
Paine contends America should build a navy now while timber is abundant, as Britain prevented this before.
- 62Argument that current population size is advantageous
Paine claims current population proportions are ideal for supporting an independent army without excessive suffering.
- 63Claim that freedom from debt is an advantage
Paine argues America's lack of debt is superior to Britain's burden and makes independence affordable.
- 64Assertion that national debt is beneficial when justified
Paine contends that a national debt contracted for independence is a noble memorial to virtue.
- 65Presentation of naval cost calculations for proof
Paine provides detailed tables showing the cost of building ships to prove his earlier naval estimates.
- 66Argument of America's natural naval superiority
Paine claims America has unique natural advantages for building and maintaining a navy.
- 67Argument that manning a fleet requires fewer sailors than believed
Paine uses the example of the Terrible privateer to show few experienced sailors are needed with sufficient manpower.
- 68Claim that America built naval vessels successfully before
Paine notes that New England built large warships forty years ago and can do so again.
- 69Argument of America's unique global naval position
Paine contends that geographic and resource advantages make America uniquely capable of naval supremacy.
- 70Argument that America needs naval defense for current safety
Paine argues that as America has grown in property and population, it needs navy protection against pirates.
- 71Argument that Britain is improper protector
Paine contends that the power that tried to conquer America cannot be trusted to defend it.
- 72Claim that British navy is weaker than believed
Paine argues the British navy is overstretched globally and America needs only a fraction of British force to defeat it.
- 73Proposal for maintaining navy through merchant premiums
Paine suggests offering premiums to merchants to build armed ships, maintaining naval readiness without permanent burden.
- 74Claim that America has abundant defense materials
Paine lists America's natural resources for manufacturing weapons and military supplies.
- 75Rhetorical question about why America hesitates
Paine asks why America remains uncertain when Britain offers only ruin.
- 76Reference to Pennsylvania-Connecticut dispute demonstrating need for continental government
Paine cites the land dispute between colonies to show only continental authority can resolve colonial matters.
- 77Argument that present timing is advantageous for land distribution
Paine claims the current small population allows unoccupied land to support government instead of enriching the king.
- 78Argument that infant state favors rather than opposes independence
Paine contends the colonies' youth is an advantage because growth and commerce diminish military spirit.
- 79Argument that youth is the time for forming national habits
Paine claims now is the time to establish continental union because it becomes harder with age and complexity.
- 80Claim that forming government is a unique national moment
Paine argues that the opportunity to form government is unique and rarely comes to nations.
- 81Warning from William the Conqueror's example
Paine uses the Conqueror's imposition of law by force to warn against leaving the government seat vacant.
- 82Statement on government's role regarding religion
Paine holds that government should protect all religious believers and that diversity of religion benefits society.
- 83Definition of charter as a bond of obligation
Paine defines a charter as the mutual obligation to protect rights of religion, freedom, and property.
- 84Argument for large and equal representation
Paine emphasizes that representation must be both large in numbers and equal in distribution.
- 85Example of Pennsylvania's unequal representation
Paine shows how unequal representation allowed two counties to nearly control Pennsylvania.
- 86Distinction between expediency and right regarding representation
Paine acknowledges temporary necessity created current assemblies but argues permanent representation needs reform.
- 87Reference to Cornwall's criticism revealing importance of large representation
Paine notes that even an enemy's contempt for small assemblies reveals the importance of large representation.
- 88Thesis that declaration of independence expedites resolution
Paine argues that open declaration for independence would be the fastest way to settle affairs.
- 89First reason: declaration enables foreign mediation
Paine argues that as subjects, America cannot receive mediation from other powers.
- 90Second reason: France and Spain require independence for assistance
Paine contends that France and Spain cannot help if America seeks only reconciliation with Britain.
- 91Third reason: declaration resolves the paradox of subject-rebels
Paine argues that declaring independence resolves the contradiction of being simultaneously subjects and in armed resistance.
- 92Fourth reason: manifesto to foreign courts would be powerful
Paine proposes a declaration explaining miseries and desire for peaceful commerce would persuade foreign powers better than petitions.
- 93Argument that independence allows America to rank with other nations
Paine contends that as British subjects, America cannot be received diplomatically.
- 94Assertion that these proceedings will become familiar and natural
Paine argues that independence, though initially strange, will become comfortable with time.