ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - On December 19, 1776, Georgia’s Thomas Paine inspired Americans to continue to fight for their independence.

Paine is known for his iconic “Common Sense” book that criticized the monarchy and encouraged Americans to consider independence.

“Common Sense” was published in January 1776, but come December, Paine still had a lot to say.

Morale in America was low, and George Washington’s men were struggling to stay alive as they fought the British.

Thomas Paine wrote in a newspaper, “These are the times that try men’s souls.”

Just six days later, on Christmas night, Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware and won the Battle of Trenton. That victory breathed a new life into the revolution.

Paine is credited with inspiring those troops, and ultimately helping secure American independence for us all.

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