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Today in History: Thomas Paine launches "The American Crisis" pamphlet series

12/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On December 19, 1776, Thomas Paine published the first pamphlet of his influential series, The American Crisis. Opening with the famous line, "These are the times that try men's souls," Paine aimed to inspire and rally support for the American Revolution, framing the struggle for independence in Enlightenment ideals of human rights.

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Story summary

On December 19, 1776, Thomas Paine published the first pamphlet of his influential series, The American Crisis. Opening with the famous line, "These are the times that try men's souls," Paine aimed to inspire and rally support for the American Revolution, framing the struggle for independence in Enlightenment ideals of human rights.