Known as the “birth year of the nation and for the signing of the Declaration of Independence”, the year 1776 holds great significance in our nation’s history. In his book 1776, David McCullough tells an enthralling story of Americas fight for independence. While focusing on the military aspects of the American Revolution, the reader follows General Washington and his men through a year of surprise attacks, harsh weather, and unfortunate losses, as well as memorable successes. McCullough provides a detailed description of both the American and British perspective on the conflict, and effectively describes the battles fought by both sides. David McCullough starts his book off with a quote from General George Washington. McCullough quotes Washington, “Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages”.Washington’s words reveal that McCullough chose the structure of his book to focus on the military events in which George Washington and his men encountered, rather than the political aspects of the American revolution. The author discusses 3 major battles to support his …show more content…
Each part includes chapters and additional sub-sections. The story progresses in chronological order beginning in Westminster at the end of 1775, with King George III of England addressing the parliament, and contemplating war against America. Following the situation in Britain, the reader’s attention is brought to the siege at Boston, where the colonials were victorious over the British. Throughout the book, the author effectively describes the various battles fought by the British rebels and the Americans. He also summarizes the state of the opposing armies and introduces major characters such as Washington, Nathanael Greene, William Howe, and Henry Knox. The story comes to an end after the American redemption that winter, in the battle of Trenton, in which the colonials crushed the Hessian