Summary

The first American Crisis begins with perhaps Paine's most famous quotation: "These are times that try men's souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it NOW, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman" (91). Here Paine writes that the revolutionary period is where the idealism of the Declaration of Independence will receive its first test. Despite the difficulty of war, however, Paine never doubts the success of the revolution, for reasons including the skill of General Washington and Paine's own belief that God is on the side of the Americans. This optimism causes him to set forth a plan for the foreign policy of America once it becomes a legitimate nation. Paine believes that, unlike most European nations, America should not get involved in political debates, but rather only interact internationally through trade. He concludes, "I thank God that I fear not. I see no real cause for fear" (98).