Summary
With the army shrinking and morale collapsing, Thomas Paine writes “The American Crisis,” beginning “These are the times that try men's souls.” Washington has it read aloud to his freezing troops. James sees how the right words, at the lowest moment, can rebuild the will to keep fighting.
Viewer safety
No violent content; historical debate and political tension.
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
By late 1776 the Revolution was nearly finished — enlistments expiring, soldiers deserting. Paine's words gave Washington's men a reason to stay one more fight, just before Trenton.
- What does “These are the times that try men's souls” mean?
- Why would Washington choose to read this aloud to his soldiers right then?
- Can words really change how people feel and act? Give an example.
- When you've felt like quitting, what helped you keep going?
Quick work-a-long
Vocabulary: morale, persuasion, perseverance, enlistment, crisis.
Try it: Write a short “pep talk” (3–4 sentences) to encourage a team or group that wants to give up. Use one strong opening line, like Paine did, that grabs attention.