The American Crisis

It is evident that Thomas Paine was a true believer of extreme patriotism, especially during the time of the Revolutionary War. On December 23, 1776, Paine published the first of a sixteen-pamphlet sequence titled The American Crisis. In my opinion, Paine wrote this specific pamphlet in an attempt to increase the morales of the troops at Valley Forge. At the start of the pamphlet, Paine states, "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer sldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it NOW, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman" (Paine 51).  I find this quote to be quite meaningful. Paine is explaining that in times of crisis, such as during the time in which this pamphlet was written, American soldiers need to stand tall. The truest of the soldiers will fight through all battles and will have his or her head raised high regardless of the conditions. Only the soldiers that choose the battles they want to fight in and the soldiers that only give themselves up when they know that America will be successful are the ones that deserve no praise and thanks from the rest of the American population. I absolutely agree with this concept. Soldiers cannot just choose to fight during certain times of the year or choose what battles they want to fight; if they want to represent America, they need to do through the thick and the thin. According to Paine, the truest of American soldiers shine in times of American crisis. It also seems as if Paine is a big believer in G-d, consiering he makes several references to it throughout this pamphlet. Paine believed that in order to conquer tyranny and evil, a physical fight needs to be put up. He illustrates this concept when he said, "Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods" (Paine 51). Paine also believed in the idea that everyone should contribute to the success of a nation, not just a few individuals. I agree with this, mainly because people can contribute to a nation's success in a variety of different ways. Not everyone has to physically fight to help a nation reach its potential. Paine stated, "...I call not upon a few, but upon all: not on this state or that state, but on every state; up and help us;...Let it be told to the future world, that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and to repulse it" (Paine 52). At the time he wrote this pamphlet, Paine wanted the future of America to look back on their nation's history and to recognize that every individual played a part in defying and successfully overcoming the problems faced. It looks far better when everyone comes together to overcome a difficulty, rather than having a few individuals do so. Overall, I agree with Paine's main idea of how EVERYone must come together to overcome difficulties and how when in times of need and desperation, the citizens of America must stick together.