Patriotism and Sacrifice

Where it surfaces

• Editor’s Introduction

  The first Crisis was read to suffering soldiers to inspire courage and sacrifice for the American cause.

• The American Crisis

  Paine emphasizes that the struggle for liberty requires enduring hardship and sacrifice, framing it as a test of patriotic virtue.

• The Crisis I

  Paine contrasts the 'summer soldier' with those who stand firm, emphasizing that true patriotism requires enduring hardship and sacrifice for the cause of freedom.

• The Crisis IV

  Emphasizes that freedom requires enduring 'fatigues' and that genuine public spirit appears when most needed.

• To the Inhabitants of America

  Paine calls for virtuous ambition and equal burden-sharing, emphasizing that every man's duty is to support the common cause.

• The Crisis IX

  Highlights voluntary subscriptions and militia recruitment as expressions of patriotic duty and sacrifice.

• The Crisis Extraordinary

  Paine recalls the voluntary sacrifices made to support the cause and calls for continued sacrifice through fair taxation.

• The Crisis XI: On the Present State of News

  Paine invokes the memory of the dead and wounded to reject any dishonorable peace.

• Endnotes

  The notes discuss the sacrifices of individuals like John Pemberton and the Quakers, as well as the broader theme of sacrificing a season for the cause.