The+American+Crisis

The purpose of the series "The American Crisis" (published 1776-1783) was to raise the morale of the American troops during the Revolutionary War, appeal to the sympathies of the English people, and reinforce the "rightness" of the colonies' decision to break away from England. Importantly, most of the series (13 of 16 pamphlets) were published in the first year of the war, which gives today's readers an invaluable peek into the mindset of those who championed the United States' break from England during 1776-1777. Stylistically, Paine speaks in the same layman's voice he used in his most famous piece of writing, the essay "Common Sense."

The below excerpt comes from the first pamphlet of the series. Notably, it was written during a particular bleak time in the early part of the war.

from "The American Crisis"

 * Thomas Paine**

I.
THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER," and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God...

...I have as little superstition in me as any man living, but my secret opinion has ever been, and still is, that God Almighty will not give up a people to military destruction, or leave them unsupportedly to perish, who have so earnestly and so repeatedly sought to avoid the calamities of war, by every decent method which wisdom could invent. Neither have I so much of the infidel in me, as to suppose that He has relinquished the government of the world, and given us up to the care of devils; and as I do not, I cannot see on what grounds the king of Britain can look up to heaven for help against us: a common murderer, a highwayman, or a house-breaker, has as good a pretence as he...

...I once felt all that kind of anger, which a man ought to feel, against the mean principles that are held by the Tories: a noted one, who kept a tavern at Amboy, was standing at his door, with as pretty a child in his hand, about eight or nine years old, as I ever saw, and after speaking his mind as freely as he thought was prudent, finished with this unfatherly expression, "Well! give me peace in my day." Not a man lives on the continent but fully believes that a separation must some time or other finally take place, and a generous parent should have said, "If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace;" and this single reflection, well applied, is sufficient to awaken every man to duty. Not a place upon earth might be so happy as America. Her situation is remote from all the wrangling world, and she has nothing to do but to trade with them. A man can distinguish himself between temper and principle, and I am as confident, as I am that God governs the world, that America will never be happy till she gets clear of foreign dominion. Wars, without ceasing, will break out till that period arrives, and the continent must in the end be conqueror; for though the flame of liberty may sometimes cease to shine, the coal can never expire...

...The heart that feels not now is dead; the blood of his children will curse his cowardice, who shrinks back at a time when a little might have saved the whole, and made them happy. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death. My own line of reasoning is to myself as straight and clear as a ray of light. Not all the treasures of the world, so far as I believe, could have induced me to support an offensive war, for I think it murder; but if a thief breaks into my house, burns and destroys my property, and kills or threatens to kill me, or those that are in it, and to "bind me in all cases whatsoever" to his absolute will, am I to suffer it? What signifies it to me, whether he who does it is a king or a common man; my countryman or not my countryman; whether it be done by an individual villain, or an army of them? If we reason to the root of things we shall find no difference; neither can any just cause be assigned why we should punish in the one case and pardon in the other...

1. Reread the following quote: "THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman." This is, by far, the most famous quote in Paine's "The American Crisis," possibly the most famous he penned. Why do you think it carried such power at the time of its writing? Why is it still remembered today?

2. Carefully read Thomas Paine's "The American Crisis." Jot down Paine's notable use of both logos and pathos. How does he attempt to raise troop morale? How does he denigrate (look up this word if you don't know what it means) the English?

3. In addition to the different appeals, does Paine use other persuasive rhetoric devices?

4. Briefly compare the style of writing by Paine to that of Jefferson's in the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. They are considerably different, but how? Be certain to describe those differences using literary terms gone over in class and, of course, support your answer with specific quotes.

Full Text of "The American Crisis" can be found here: http://libertyonline.hypermall.com/Paine/Crisis/Crisis-TOC.html