The Reflection "The Crisis No. 1"

The story the Crisis No. 1 was written in sense of defense of the new settlers in America. This is also written in a very rationalistic way that displays the Rationalism period very well by showing opinions and giving the facts to support them. The author begins talking about their dependence on the British for their lively hood in the Americas. "We did not make proper use of last winter; neither could we, while we are in a dependent state." (Paine 135) This quote displays the pure dependence the Americans felt they had on the British. The people felt as if they did not have a proper way of life, or at least enough to be able to fend for themselves. The author believes that this is not their fault though. The author thinks that the British have put them in this dependent state so that they will not be able to revolt or go against them and become almost a slave to the British. "Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right(not only to tax) but "to bind s in all cases whatsoever"; and if being bound in that manner is not slavery, then there is not such a thing as slavery upon earth." (Paine 134) This quote displays the thoughts of practically being a slaver under "her" rule. Which in my opinion is referring to the government that is being forced upon them as a she. This is at least how I have perceived it. I perceive it this way because of the time period that they are living in. The Rationalism period caused many to begin forming their own opinions, especially when it comes to the government. This is why when I read the quote I displayed above, I felt that it was a true testament against the government with fairly accurate facts to support it. Emotional appeal was still very much involved in the speech which is not exactly a good display of Rationalism period but shows how the author knew how to displays the facts and give emotion. He would get your attention and hearts with the emotional appeal, but then he backs it up with facts that are needed to make you feel like what he is saying is accurate. (Paine 134-136) The author still does display a Christian oriented belief though that may also be a pull on the hearts for many of that time. "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 which wisdom could invent" (Paine 135) With this quote he still connects a little bit to the Puritan period by talking about God and his almighty power in the world. All in all though, it is more logic based making it very much Rationalistic period.


Paine, Thomas. The Crisis No. 1. Wilhelm, Jeffrey D., and Douglas Fisher. Glencoe Literature. New York: Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 2009. Print.