12/19【美國歷史上的今天】鼓舞了美國獨立戰爭的<The American Crisis>

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When: December 19, 1766

What: Thomas Paine published <The American Crisis>.

Why significant: <The American Crisis> was published when George Washington needed inspiring works to win the American Revolution. Thomas Paine knew that the Colonists werent going to support the American Revolutionary War without proper and compelling reasons. This is why Thomas Paine argued in <The American Crisis> that a war against the Great Britain would be supported by God, and wrote it in a language that the common man could understand. It begins with the famous words, "These are the times that try mens souls." And other famous clauses include "Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."

Attempted to bolster morale and resistance among patriots, as well as shame neutrals and loyalists toward the cause, George Washington commanded to have <The American Crisis> read aloud to the dispirited Continental Army before the Battle of Trenton. It had its intended effect. The beleaguered troops mustered their remaining hopes for victory and won the Battle of Princeton.

In addition to bolstering the morale of the American colonists, <The American Crisis> aslo appealed to the English peoples consideration of the war with America, clarified the issues at stake in the war, and denounced the advocates of a negotiated peace.

Tags: Enlightenment philosopher Thomas Paine, George Washington, American Revolution, colonists

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