The American Crisis

The inability to have personal rights and liberties in America during the late 1700s was the reason for the arising problems in the colonies.  Thomas Paine wrote a pamphlet called, "The American Crisis" during this time. George Washington stated some of Paine's work at Valley Forge to his struggling troops.  Throughout his pamphlet, he stated his thoughts regarding the fight for freedom.  After learning to begin about the American Revolution, I am beginning to understand the difficult times that different types of Americans faced.  While an African American may not have any liberties or the right to fight in the war or even a white woman such as Abigail Adams, who lacks the rights that are imposed by God. All Americans living in the colonies faced oppression.    Thomas Paine believed that "Tyranny, is like hell, is not easily conquered...".  My interpretation of this is that when someone holds power, they will not surrender the wants of others unless they are literally conquered by the people.  Because tyranny is compared to hell, Paine is able to explain to the reader that it was quite impossible to sway the views of the men in power of the colonies.  The only way to conquer hell is to physically fight it, which Washington I think agreed with this.  Another thought which I think is interesting is the issue of natural rights that God gives to all of mankind.  Paine raises this issue as he wrote, "Even the expression is impious, for so unlimited a power can belong only to God...".  All individuals are offsprings of God and are the children of the world.  Washington used this to encourage the fight of his troops against the British. The meaning of the word impious is lacking respect, according to merriamwebster.com.  Respect is valued greatly and always has.  It is important to treat others the way that we want to be, although this is often said, it is often ignored and passed by.  All people are not treated with respect, individuals who don't have the right to go out and work freely to support their families isn't respect. Pain also refrences Joan of Arc in his piece when he states, "was driven bak like men pretrified with fear; and this brave exploit was performed by a few broken forces  collected and headed by a woman, Joan of Arc."  Joan of Arc was a French hero during the Hundred Years War.  I believe that Paine refrences her because she was able to lead the French army to several important victories. Not only was she a hero, but a fighter, she wanted liberty and she fought to make this happen. Additionally, I think Washington agrees with teh ideas of Joan of Arc, he doesn't want his men to stand around, he wants them to fight for freedom.   Thomas Paine was a preacher of freedom in the American colonies and he directly influenced many people of that time.