The major physical feature that the pioneers crossing West had to contend with were the Rocky and Sierra Nevada Mountains.
These mountain ranges were treacherous and many died trying to find passages to cross.
The major river for Quebec is St. Lawrence River.
As The Crisis was written in December 1776, there is also a very literal sense in which Paine<span> means the "summer soldier" and "sunshine patriot." The American soldiers were poised to battle through the long and bitter Northern winter months. :) your welcome
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