A Revolution: Thomas Paine

Paine, Thomas. "The Crisis No.1"
09 April 2008. <http://www.puc.edu/Faculty/Rosemary_Dibben/English11/NewNation/PaineCrisis1.pdf>

Reflection: Thomas Paine's "The Crisis" was a piece of propaganda in order to raise the morale of the army. Like Patrick Henry, Paine uses the three methods of persuasion as well. Emotionally, Paine speaks that they can only defeat Britain if they are truly strong in their cause. Even though the Americans don't have the numbers or weapons to stand up to the British, faith is a key part to success. He refers to Joan of Arc as such an example, "the whole English army, after ravaging the kingdom of France, was driven back like men petrified with fear; and this brave exploit was performed by a few broken forces collected and headed by a woman, Joan of Arc". Logically, the American's had to fight the British because they were being taxed to the very bone. Britain was basically robbing them and the colonists couldn't do anything diplomatically about it. They must fight back in order to gain their freedom of independence. Since the war had already begun, there was no choice but to fight. Although it seemed as if the colonial rebels couldn't match the British, it would be ethically wrong to back down. Cowardice was unacceptable it would betray the country, and every reason why the pilgrims came down here to make an independent lifestyle would have been in vain. There were two options, fight against Britain with great fury and faith or flee from the battlefield and die with only shame on one's side.


Diary: Now is the time, the time to fight, the time to show that Britain is no longer our ruler. Our fathers came to this place, in order to base a foundation for a new life .A new life free from such persecution under a self-righteous monarch. It would be then, where the people could judge people, and the majority would rule. Britain has lied to us, betrayed us, and now seeks to destroy us. We must stop such tyranny so we may preserve our free opinions. If we ever want to be free now is the time to stand up and rebel against the empire. However, with the loyalists tainting our foundation and everything we stand for. We must root them out of our beloved America. Only then can we stand united in our cause. Difference in a time of crisis creates a greater struggle for ourselves that is why we must rid these Tories from our towns no matter how loved or trusted, for they have lost our trust and are only dead weight to this land. We can only bring dishonor to ourselves by not repelling such a threat.