The document discusses Thomas Paine's pamphlet "The American Crisis" Number 1. It was published during the Revolutionary War to inspire troops when George Washington's army was retreating from the British in the winter. The first of 16 pamphlets, it was read to troops before their victory at the Battle of Trenton in 1776. The document provides literary terms and assignments for students to further analyze the pamphlet and its role in encouraging troops during the Revolutionary War.