First published: 1776-1783

Type of work: Political essays

Insight into Thomas Paine's Influence

"THE CRISIS," a collection of sixteen essays by Thomas Paine, stands as a monumental work in the annals of revolutionary propaganda. Lauded by Benjamin Franklin as "an ingenious worthy young man," Paine became an instrumental figure in rallying support for the cause of liberty during the American Revolutionary War. His first essay in the series debuted in December 1776, a time marked by despair as General Washington's troops retreated from Fort Lee to Pennsylvania with British forces led by General Howe hot on their heels.

Paine's Role in Revolutionary Morale

During this bleak period, even the Continental Congress had been forced to evacuate, leading many to believe that Washington's army was on the brink of annihilation and that the rebellion might be quelled before year's end. Paine, serving as a civilian aide with the Continental Army, had a front-row seat to the unfolding calamity. Amidst political machinations like the Conway Cabal, which threatened to replace Washington with General Gates, Paine's writings emerged as a beacon, defending Washington's leadership and invigorating the revolutionary spirit among the populace. His first and most renowned essay, signed "Common Sense," was released on December 19, 1776.

Electrifying Eloquence

Paine's prose was as potent as that of Rousseau or Marx, with a unique flair for galvanizing his readers. His language was not only persuasive but strategically crafted to inspire action, filled with phrases that resonated deeply with his audience. The potency of Paine's words was not lost to time; during World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt drew from Paine’s writings to articulate his own thoughts. Paine's opening lines in "THE CRISIS" still echo through history as a testament to his rhetorical prowess:

"These are times that try men's souls. The summer soldier 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 men and women."

Strategic Motivation

In a bid to lift the waning spirits of the American public, Paine downplayed British triumphs, portraying General Howe as nothing more than a marauding bandit rather than a conqueror. He viewed Washington’s retreats as strategic maneuvers rather than signs of impending defeat and stressed that victory was within reach if a concerted effort was made. Paine emphasized the necessity of a regular army, as he believed the militia alone was insufficient to secure freedom. His vivid depictions of Tories aimed to deepen animosity towards them, portraying them as cowardly and driven by "servile, slavish, self-interested fear," while accusing them of prioritizing their wealth over reputation.

Impact of Paine’s Rallying Cries

Many historians argue that Paine's catchphrases, such as "summer soldier" and "sunshine patriot," played a crucial role in reigniting the revolutionary flame, ultimately leading to Washington’s bold offensives at Trenton and Princeton. As fortunes began to improve, Paine highlighted the precariousness of the British situation, noting that General Howe was stretched thin while the Americans could bolster their ranks with reinforcements. He argued that the British were unable to both conquer and govern the colonies and that any British successes on American soil would ultimately backfire as opportunities for American victories.

Plea for Sacrifice and Unity

As British forces weakened, Paine impelled citizens to make sacrifices for liberty, suggesting that "danger and deliverance make their advances together." His essays needed to be accessible, written with clarity and vigor to ensure they could be understood and appreciated by all. These writings were disseminated widely, read to troops, and posted in public spaces to inspire renewed efforts for independence....