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How Does Thomas Paine Use Of Military Propaganda

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The end of 1776 found the American people in a crisis. War was raging between Britain under General Howe, and America under General Washington. Howe had already won several battles and was heading for another victory at Trenton. Members of Congress fled from Philadelphia and reestablished themselves in York. The citizens of America were fearful, confused, and everything seemed to be in chaos. “These are the times that try men’s souls” (331), during which Paine’s purpose was “to enable this distraught people (and all patriots) to stand, to persevere, to have fortitude, and to fight” (Gallagher 87). Techniques of propaganda in Thomas Paine's The Crisis, No. 1 influence soldiers and civilians alike, to support the War for Independence. Propaganda …show more content…

Glittering generalities “associate [sic] persons, practices, beliefs, customs, or causes with ‘virtue words’” (Horton 144). The term Whig refers to someone who supports the revolution. Such words and phrases as “nobly” (335), “smile in trouble” (335), “brave” (335), “perseverance” (336), and “fortitude” (336), exemplify the righteous character of the Whigs. Whereas words like “blessing” (335), “triumph” (331), and “freedom” (331) exemplify favorable repercussions of their actions. Glittering generalities have the same effect as name calling in that they influence the reader to assume that the statement is true without thinking about it. Transferring the authority of God to the cause of the revolution makes the war the obvious right choice. If God cannot be on the side of the King, then surely He is on the side of a people “who have so earnestly and so repeatedly sought to avoid the calamities of war” (332). Only God has the absolute power to enslave man and so the King is usurping this power as he declares his right over the colonies. By proving that God is for this cause, Paine is able to bolster support for the war for …show more content…

Paine served in the army as aide-de-camp to General Nathaniel Green, at Fort Lee on the Hudson River, and participated in the retreat across New Jersey led by Washington (Andrews 8). He knew what the soldiers were going through as they battled not only the enemy, but also hunger, fatigue, and the coldness of winter. “Let it be told to the future world” Paine encourages, “that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and to repulse it” (335). The hope of a glorious future pushes soldiers to keep driving

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