The Revolutionary Period- Thomas Paine

Piece of Selection
"I have as little superstition in me as any man living, but my secret opinion has
ever been, and still is, that God Almighty will not give up a people to military
destruction, or leave them unsupportedly to perish, who have so earnestly and so
repeatedly sought to avoid the calamities of war, by every decent method whichwisdom could invent... I call not upon a few, but upon all: not on this state or that state, but on every state: up and help us; lay your shoulders to the wheel; better have too much force than too little,when so great an object is at stake."

Reflection

After reading Thomas Paine’s selection from "The Crisis No. 1," I realized just how passionate people were and can be on their political and moral views. When reading this selection, it is obvious Paine was expressing all of his views and holding nothing back. He appealed to his audience’s sense of logic by using “if, then” statements, such as “if a thief breaks into my house, burns and destroys my property, and kills or threatens to kill me, or those that are in it, and to "bind me in all cases whatsoever" to his absolute will, am I to suffer it?” This causes his audience to actually process what he is saying as well as relate it to their own lives. He shows his strong morals when he says, “I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.” This statement proves that Paine has ethics and approves of people who believe in ethics too. He uses the term “we” to emphasis that they are all united. Paine says in the selection “I call not upon a few, but upon all: not on this state or that state, but on every state,” which proves that he believes everybody needs to support each other in order to accomplish their goals.

*Paine writing from war (during); Henry writing to go to war (to make others go)
*used to boost morale, pamphlet, "these are the times that try men's souls, propaganda, symbolism

Dear Diary,
I just read the most riveting selection! It was Thomas Paine’s selection from "The Crisis No. 1" and he made some very interesting remarks about unity. When Paine says, “I call not upon a few, but upon all: not on this state or that state, but on every state,” he is further reinforcing America’s need for unity in times of a crisis. I agree with his statement, “I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection” because these traits form a person with strong character and it’s always good to have a unity of people with strong character. I think Paine put across his thoughts well and his use of logic was very sensible. It is also helpful that he had high-quality ethics because this would encourage others to listen to him and put faith in his beliefs.

Essential Question
Due to the intolerance of different beliefs, how does the American dream serve to unite difference by affording each person to become "American?"

According to Thomas Paine, unity and ethics are the overall keys to success. In the selection Paine is quoted saying, “the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.” This is proving the current state of America only cares about how hard or easy something is to obtain, yet they should be caring about the quality of the things they value. It is also stated in the selection that Paine feels he has “as little superstition in [him] as any man living, but my secret opinion has ever been, and still is, that God Almighty will not give up a people to military destruction, or leave them unsupportedly to perish, who have so earnestly and so repeatedly sought to avoid the calamities of war, by every decent method which wisdom could invent.” Paine is trying to persuade the community to rely on themselves and God, not in superstition and coincidences. Overall Paine believes the community should be united in their beliefs and actions in order to have a successful America.