The American Crisis

Paine begins his first “Crisis” essay, written in 1776, by memorably aligning himself with the revolutionary cause. He addresses the American people with his famous line, “These are the times that try men’s souls,” and he assures his readers that because tyranny is not “easily conquered” their triumph over it will be even more “glorious” (10). He boldly denounces Britain’s claim over America, writing, “Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but ‘to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER,’ and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth” (10).

Paine describes his experience of fighting against British General Howe’s forces at Fort Lee, New Jersey, on November 20th, 1776. He claims that the Americans’ force was “inconsiderable,” and less than a quarter the size of the British force. He recounts the colonists’ attempts to counter the British invasion into New Jersey, which was unsuccessful and resulted in their retreat to Delaware. Paine argues that British forces left New England and waged war against American troops in Pennsylvania, where Paine was writing at the time, because Pennsylvania is “infested” with

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