# Editor’s Introduction explained — The American Crisis > Chapter companion for The American Crisis by Thomas Paine. ## What happens Moncure Daniel Conway introduces Thomas Paine's 'The American Crisis,' clarifying the title's possible origin from a London publication and correcting the misattribution of an early essay to Paine. He details the publication history of the thirteen Crisis numbers, the famous opening and closing lines, and the profound impact of the first Crisis, which was read to Washington's troops before the Battle of Trenton. ## Themes in this chapter ### Patriotism and Sacrifice The first Crisis was read to suffering soldiers to inspire courage and sacrifice for the American cause. ### Hope and Resilience Paine's writings provided moral strength during the darkest hours of the Revolution, culminating in the victory at Trenton. ### The Cost of War The introduction references the dispirited and suffering soldiers, highlighting the human toll of the conflict. ## Character check-ins ### Thomas Paine Author of 'The American Crisis'; his Will refers to the work as having thirteen numbers, paralleling the American colonies. ### George Washington Commander who ordered the first Crisis read to his dispirited soldiers during the retreat across the Delaware. ### Benjamin Franklin Attested to the great effect of Paine's publications. ### General Gage Addressee of the London 'Crisis' letter (misattributed to Paine), concerning his Proclamation after Lexington. ### America The American colonists are defended in the London essay and are the audience for Paine's Crisis. ### Britain The London publication and the British perspective are contrasted with Paine's American viewpoint. ## Key lines > These are the times that try men's souls This is a period that tests the courage and resolve of individuals. _The famous opening line of the first Crisis, symbolizing the hardship of the Revolutionary War._ > The times that tried men's souls are over The era of severe testing and hardship has come to an end. _The opening line of the last Crisis, marking the conclusion of the war._ > by order of the Commander was read to groups of his dispirited and suffering soldiers General Washington commanded that the pamphlet be read aloud to his demoralized and weary troops. _Describes the direct impact of the first Crisis on the army's morale._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_crisis_se/chapters/editor-s-introduction - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_crisis_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_crisis_se/chapters