The American Crisis

Thomas Paine

2022-11 · DigiCat

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The American Crisis is a pamphlet series contemporaneous with the early parts of the American Revolution. Their main purpose was to inspire colonists to support the American Revolutionary War. Paine's writings bolstered the morale of the American colonists, appealed to the English people's consideration of the war, clarified the issues at stake in the war, and denounced the advocates of a negotiated peace.

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Thomas Paine (1737-1809), an English-born American political activist, philosopher, political theorist, and revolutionary, is best known for his influential pamphlets at the start of the American Revolution, particularly 'Common Sense' (1776) and the series entitled 'The American Crisis' (1776-1783). These works not only galvanized the American public to support the fight for independence from British rule but also articulated the principles of democracy and republicanism that would shape the emerging nation. Paine's 'The American Crisis' papers were penned during some of the most despondent times for the Continental Army but served to ignite the determination and morale needed to continue the struggle. His eloquent and fiery language combined with his capacity to distill complex political and philosophical issues into plain arguments accessible to a broad audience showcases his unique literary style. Alongside these, Paine's other major work, 'The Rights of Man' (1791–1792), defended the French Revolution and articulated a vision of human rights that influenced both the French and English political landscapes. His later work, 'The Age of Reason' (1794, 1795, 1807), which advocated for deism and critiqued institutionalized religion and the practices of the church, underscored his role as a radical Enlightenment thinker. Paine's work and thoughts continue to be studied for their contribution to political theory and their impact on the foundational ideals of the United States and modern democratic governance.