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Document D - Valley Forge: Would You Have Stayed?

Read the excerpt and then answer the questions below. Note: General Washington had essays from the American Crisis read aloud to his soldiers at Valley Forge. Thomas Paine, known by some as the author of the Revolution, took no payment for his historic publication.

"THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we have esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value.... Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but 'to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER,' and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth.

Thomas Paine, The American Crisis, December 23, 1776.

Question 1

Short answer

When was this document written and who was the author?

Question 2

Short answer

What is meant by the line, "These are the times that try men's souls"?

Question 3

Short answer

Who are "The summer soldier in the sunshine patriot"?

Question 4

Short answer

What is "tyranny" and what does Thomas Paine compare it to?

Question 5

Short answer

What does Thomas Paine mean when he writes, "What we obtain too cheap, we are esteem too lightly"?

Question 6

Short answer

What is the main idea of this document?

Question 7

Short answer

Are the words of Thomas Paine enough to keep you at Valley Forge?

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