What Is The Thesis Of The American Crisis By Thomas Paine

The document “The American Crisis” focuses mainly on the crises that America would face during the time of revolutionary war. Thomas Paine, in this article urged people to unite and to fight against Britain. He encouraged and inspires the colonialist’s soldiers to strive for independence from “tyrant and evil” colonial kings and its government. He believed wholeheartedly in the American Revolutionary cause but oppose violent practices.
In the beginning of the document, the author Thomas Paine started to explain how these times would try men’s soul (Digital History). He gave an encouraging word about the upcoming crisis and what was about to happened to the people. He urged soldiers to stand firm and fight harder “The harder the conflict, the

more glorious the triumph” (Digital History). He wrote that it would not be an easy fight to fight the Britain’s army and therefore should not be taken or esteemed too lightly. He stated that British rule over the colonies and use of its army “to enforce her tyranny” (Digital History) and to declared it a right not only to tax but as slaves “to bind man in all cases whatsoever” (Digital History) was unacceptable. He uses powerful statements as a tactic to pass the message “the heart that feels not now is dead, the blood of his children will curse his cowardice, who shrink back a time when a little might have saved the whole.”(Digital History). Those who are not in support or fight the war would be cursed by their children.
Thomas Paine wrote this document in 1776. The author used a “language as plain as A, B, C” (Digital History), simple facts and plain arguments about the desperate need for American independence from England. He wrote the document using a common sense style to support his argument and appeals to many people within a short span of time. This document is a person’s original written work and therefore it is a primary source.
I feel that the author, on his argument was a true supporter for the independence.

He questioned the reason why the colonialists could not break ties with Britain. He highlighted all the hardships and believe by many that England and its monarch be believed and revered. Thomas Paine also incorporates religion into his style to all people to his viewpoint the king’s rule is unrighteous “ given us up to the devils” (Digital History). He also mentioned fear as a factor that Britain had employed in other parts, but he thanks God he knew the situation well (Digital History). A Thomas Paine argument was that colonialists should continue fighting even in the face of defeat because giving up would be a greater price pay. According to Thomas Paine, America “will never be happy till she gets clear of foreign dominion.” and America will be in a “worse ruin than any we have yet thought of,” if the colonies don’t unite and continue fighting Britain. This point of view is helpful in understanding how his ideas worked to give an extra push for independence and foresee the crises that would come during the war.
The tone in a document changes how we feel about it and generates a reaction in a certain way. I feel the author uses different tones to try to change people’s feelings and reaction to the problem they are facing. First, the author attitude is passionate and full of confidence; therefore, the reader is convinced and agrees with the arguments presented. He also wrote the document to command

the attention of the reader by using authoritative exclamation marks “Well! Give me peace in my day.” and questions to make the case reasonable (Digital History).
During the 18th century, the uprising of British North American Colonies “grew vastly in economic strength and forged a distinct identity”.

After the French and Indian war, the Britain saw a need for the “more centralized control” (Outline of U.S. History, 2011, p.52). They felt as necessary to eliminate any interference from the colonialists. The colonies on the other hand, expected more freedom and independence. Hence there was a forthcoming conflict. When the organization of Canada and Ohio valley would not adopt the policies to “alienate the French and Indian inhabitants, and British needed more money and land for settlement” (54) and fear of more war erupting, the restricting and taxation laws were passed. For example the Proclamation Act of 1763, Stamp Act of 1764 and others. Although some of these were passed to counter the other, it was still evident that there was a conflict between the colonialists and the British. General Thomas Gage commanded the garrison in Boston, and his main duty was to enforce the Coercive Act (57). His forces were raided the “minutemen and eight killed in the attack “(59), and pushed on to Concord. Soldiers were lost during the fight. The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and voted to go to war; Colonel Washington of Virginia was the Commander in Chief (59). Despite the break of war many people seen it has impossible to break the ties with England. At the end of that year, December 23, Thomas Paine, who had previously

inspired the revolutionary cause with his Common Sense, published the first of articles titled The Crisis (60).
There is a connection between this document and what I already know. For example, This document was distributed all over the colonies to encourage, inspire, and support Americans soldiers to continue to fight the British; it was attesting time and when this document was read to the soldiers, it gave them hope and extra energy needed to continue fighting for independent and democracy for America during the Revolutionary war. Although many colonists did not believe in separation from Britain government, this document helped to persuade them to change their minds and fight with all support.
At the beginning of class, we learnt about “why we learn History?” and one of the reasons is to understand our society today. I believe freedom is a basic human right and every citizen should fight for it. Every government should respect it and not take it away. Thomas Paine’s argument is convincing because he wrote with confidence about his position. He sounded positive and courageous and willing to face whatever comes his way for freedom and liberty in America. Overall the document is very interesting and informative. It open my mind and allows me to see how American became a free continent.