The Crisis by Thomas Paine

The Crisis

• True patriots will remain steadfast, unlike "summer soldiers" who waver.
• Freedom is invaluable and requires struggle to attain.
• Britain practices tyranny, asserting unlimited authority, which should belong only to God.
• It may have been a mistake to delay independence.
• Colonists sought peace but were forced into war.
• God won't back Britain because its king resembles a murderer and oppressor.
• Fear is temporary and exposes traitors and true loyalists.
• Tories are weakening the American cause.
• New England is sturdier with fewer Tories, while the middle colonies falter.
• The conflict is about principles, necessitating a change or collapse of one side.
• National unity is crucial, with every state and person contributing.
• Victory demands action, not mere faith.
• Those avoiding the fight will be cursed by future generations.
• Offensive wars are not favored, but defending against tyranny is essential.
• Resisting British rule is likened to defending against a home intruder.
• Allegiance to the British king equates to betraying one's soul.
• Americans must remain steadfast despite problems.
• Fighting against oppression is a moral duty.
• Britain's leader will be held responsible.
• It appeals for perseverance, unity, and resistance against British oppression, urging commitment to independence.

The Declaration of Independence

• Separation from Britain is essential.
• When dissolving political ties, reasons must be explained.
• All men are created equal with unalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
• Governments protect rights and derive power from the people.
• The people can alter or abolish oppressive governments.
• King George III refused to pass necessary laws, obstructed justice, controlled judges, imposed taxes without consent, restricted trade, kept standing armies in peacetime, abolished colonial governments, and suppressed representation.
• He waged war against the colonies, used mercenaries and ignored peaceful petitions.
• Colonists repeatedly sought redress, but Britain ignored them, as did British citizens.
• The colonies declare themselves "Free and Independent States."
• All ties with Britain are severed, and the right to govern themselves is claimed.
• The signers pledge their lives, fortunes, and honor to the cause.

What is America - Letters to an American Farmer

• An enlightened Englishman might view America with interest.
• America's progress contrasts Europe's past struggles.
• America is a land of opportunity and transformation.
• America lacks aristocracy and rigid class structures, kings, bishops, or large-scale manufacturers and has no extreme disparities between rich and poor.
• It is predominantly a society of self-sufficient farmers.
• America is based on equality and economic independence.
• Its government is based on the will of the people.
• Laws protect productivity.
• Immigrants become free and productive citizens.
• Its diverse backgrounds include a mix of Europeans.
• Old prejudices are shed, and America adopts new values.
• It's a melting pot of cultures forming a unique identity.
• Self-reliance and industry are defining traits.
• America will continue expansion and development.
• It's a model for freedom and democracy.
• America is a force for change in the world.
• America is a land of renewal and reinvention.
• Americans love their new homeland.
• There is a promise of prosperity and equality for future generations.

To His Excellency, George Washington

• A celestial muse recounts America’s struggle for independence.
• The nation's fight for freedom is watched by the world and heaven.
• Freedom is represented with a divine figure with olive and laurel branches, symbolizing peace and triumph.
• Soldiers are compared to storms, waves, and autumn leaves.
• The American army moves forward united under the flag.
• Their bravery and determination are strong.
• George Washington is recognized as first in peace and honor.
• He is admired for military valor and virtue.
• Washington is seen as a guardian of the nation.
• Other nations hope for America’s success.
• Britain suffers losses, blind to America’s strength.
• America is divinely protected and destined to prevail.
• Washington should continue leading with virtue.
• His leadership promises eternal glory and reward.