Final answer:
Thomas Paine's The American Crisis is a series of pamphlets that supported the Continental Army and encouraged American independence during the Revolution. His earlier pamphlet, Common Sense, also influenced public opinion towards a republican government and independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thomas Paine's pamphlet The American Crisis was written during a critical time in American history. Published in a series of 16 pamphlets, its most famous opening line, "These are the times that try men's souls," captures the essence of the struggle for independence during the American Revolution. Addressing the challenges faced by the revolutionaries, Paine's work was aimed to bolster the morale of the Continental Army and encourage continued support for independence from Great Britain.
In conjunction with his earlier work, Common Sense, Paine's writings played a vital role in shaping public opinion. Common Sense was recognized for its simple, direct language which resonated with ordinary people, not just the scholarly elite, and became immensely popular as it argued for independence and a new republican form of government. Paine's emphasis on liberty and the critique of monarchy were central themes that fueled the fire of revolution and inspired colonists to envision a future free from British rule.