<Tr> <Th> Publication date </Th> <Td> 1776--1783 </Td> </Tr> <P> The American Crisis is a pamphlet series by eighteenth century Enlightenment philosopher and author, Thomas Paine, originally published from 1776 to 1783 during the American Revolution . Often known as, The American Crisis, or simply, The Crisis, there are 16 pamphlets in total . Thirteen numbered pamphlets were published between 1776 and 1777, with three additional pamphlets released between 1777 and 1783 . The first of the pamphlets was published in Pennsylvania Journal on December 19, 1776 . Paine signed the pamphlets with the pseudonym, "Common Sense". </P> <P> The pamphlets were contemporaneous with early parts of the American Revolution, during a time when colonists needed inspiring works . Paine, like many other politicians and scholars, knew that the colonists weren't going to support the American Revolutionary War without proper reason to do so . They were written in a language that the common person could understand, and represented Paine's liberal philosophy . Paine also used references to God, saying that a war against Kingdom of Great Britain would be a war with the support of God . Paine's writings bolstered the morale of the American colonists, appealed to the English people's consideration of the war, clarified the issues at stake in the war, and denounced the advocates of a negotiated peace . The first volume begins with the famous words, "These are the times that try men's souls ." </P> <P> The first of the pamphlets was released during a time when the revolution was still viewed as an unsteady prospect . </P>

Who said these are times that try men's souls