The American Crisis No. XI

To the People of England

The American Crisis by Thomas Paine
Published May 1, 1782

To the People of England:

You have been led into a war by your government under false pretenses and with unjust aims. The ministers who direct your affairs have misrepresented the cause of America, and in doing so, have betrayed your interests and endangered your future.

The Americans did not seek war—they sought justice. They petitioned, they reasoned, they pleaded. But they were met with contempt and violence. The war that followed was not of their choosing, but of yours. And now, after years of conflict, the truth begins to emerge.

Your government has failed. The promises of victory have proven hollow, and the cost of ambition has been paid in blood and treasure. The colonies you sought to subdue have become a nation. The allies you scorned have become powerful. And the principles you denied have become universal.

It is not too late to change course. But it requires honesty, humility, and a recognition of the rights of others. The cause of America is the cause of liberty, and the world is watching. Let England be remembered not for tyranny, but for justice. Let her people rise above the errors of their leaders and embrace the truth.

Source: Public domain