Who is credited with the phrase "These are times that try men's souls"?

The phrase "These are the times that try men's souls" is attributed to Thomas Paine, who wrote it in his pamphlet "The American Crisis" published in December 1776. This work was significant during the American Revolutionary War, as it aimed to inspire and rally the American colonists at a particularly challenging time when morale was low. Paine's rhetoric emphasized resilience and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, making it a pivotal message encouraging support for the war effort.

In the context of the other figures listed, while Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington were all prominent leaders in the American Revolution, they did not use this specific phrase in their writings or speeches. Franklin and Jefferson contributed significantly to the Enlightenment ideals that fueled revolutionary thought, while Washington is often remembered for his leadership and military strategy but did not pen this particular statement. Thus, Thomas Paine's attribution to this phrase underscores his role as a powerful propagandist and an influential voice for revolution and independence.