Thomas Paine Publishes The American Crisis

What Happened?

By the winter of 1776, the American Revolution was close to collapse. British forces had driven the Continental Army out of New York City and chased George Washington’s troops across New Jersey. Soldiers were exhausted, poorly supplied, and discouraged, and many enlistments were set to expire at the end of December. Without renewed morale, the rebellion risked falling apart entirely.

It was during this moment of fear and exhaustion that Thomas Paine published The American Crisis. Earlier in 1776, his pamphlet Common Sense had helped convince many colonists to support independence. Now, as defeat seemed possible, Paine wrote the first essay in a new series called The American Crisis. Published on December 19, 1776, it aimed directly at a fearful and uncertain public.

The essay opened with the now-famous line, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” Paine argued that true courage shows itself during hardship, not comfort. He warned against abandoning the cause when it became difficult and insisted that liberty was precious precisely because it required sacrifice. Freedom, he wrote, could not be earned without endurance.

General George Washington believed Paine’s words were exactly what his army needed. He ordered The American Crisis read aloud to his troops as they prepared for action along the Delaware River. Hearing the essay helped remind soldiers why they were fighting and encouraged them to remain committed even when the odds seemed overwhelming.

Within days, Washington led his army across the icy Delaware River and launched a surprise attack on Hessian forces at Trenton on December 26, 1776. A second victory followed at Princeton in early January. These battles did not end the war, but they restored confidence, kept the army together, and proved that the American cause was still alive.

The American Crisis became one of the most influential pieces of writing of the Revolution. It showed that ideas could strengthen resolve, unite people, and sustain a movement during its darkest hours. Paine’s words helped transform fear into perseverance at a moment when the future of independence hung in the balance.

Why It Matters

The American Crisis proved that words can be as powerful as weapons. At a moment when fear and doubt threatened the American Revolution, Thomas Paine’s writing helped turn despair into determination. His words reminded soldiers and citizens alike that freedom requires courage, sacrifice, and perseverance, especially when success feels uncertain. This moment shows that leadership is not only about commanding armies, but about inspiring belief. The American Crisis teaches us that powerful ideas can shape history, strengthen democracy, and help people stand up for freedom even in the darkest times.