Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense in 1775-1776 at a time when the Continental Congress wondered if the colonists would be willing to fight. In the Common Sense pamphlet, Paine advocated to the people of the Thirteen Colonies independence from Great Britain. Through his clear and persuasive prose, his arguments encouraged common people that the British system was wrong and to fight for a more equal government. During the American Revolution, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, explaining why the Thirteen Colonies at war with Great Britain regarded themselves as thirteen independent states, no longer under British rule. “. . . all men are created equal . . .” – way more powerful than wars and armies. George Washington led the Continental Army across the Delaware on December 25-26, 1776, to strike the Hessians. Knowing the embattled and tired troops desperately needed a victory, Washington called on Thomas Paine to write an essay, The American Crisis. “These are the times that try men’s souls . . .” Washington read the essay to his men and they were so emboldened and inspired by the essay they went ahead and attacked, achieving a much-needed victory. These words and essays were momentous—words are important and are mightier than swords. Paul reminded us to be careful in our texting and in our emails—read them over— say something nice.
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