1776 David Mccullough Summary

The book 1776 by David McCullough was written as a historical narrative about the American Revolutionary War against Britain. McCullough discusses many points throughout the book including the challenges the Americans had to endure while trying to revolt against the British, painting a picture of the hardships faced by the Continental Army and the civilian population. McCullough speaks on the complexities of this critical year, which shows the reader the grit, determination, and courage required to secure American freedom. David McCullough’s overall theme in 1776 is the theme of leadership, exemplified by General George Washington, who was not ill-prepared to fight against the powerful British forces in 1776 and whose leadership was crucial

McCullough believes that Washington’s tactics and leadership helped win many battles in situations like, “The siege had been the stunning success it was proclaimed, and Washington’s performance had been exceptional. He had indeed bested Howe and his regulars, and despite insufficient arms and ammunition, insufficient shelter, sickness, inexperienced officers, lack of discipline, clothing, and money.” (McCullough 111) George Washington’s leadership shown throughout the different battles mentioned throughout the book is one of the main contributing factors that allowed the revolutionists to win multiple battles. Washington had much fewer resources than the British in most of the confrontations. Washington’s determination, planning, and will to lead the Americans to victory and independence from the British gave soldiers hope they would not have had without Washington’s leadership. The victory in Boston was a turning point that helped the morale of the revolutionaries and solidified Washington as a formidable leader. His ability to succeed despite severe shortages and hardships portrayed his resourcefulness and ways he could be

Washington knew his army faced overwhelming odds against a superior British force, and he understood that the battle could not be won. Washington decided to be a leader and devise a plan where his army would retreat from the battle in the night and get to safety without having a travesty happen to the army. George Washington had many skills that allowed him to be rightfully prepared to revolt against and gain freedom from Britain. Of his many skills, he exemplifies McCullough’s overall theme of leadership, which allowed him to be the most prepared and gave the Patriots the highest chance for success. In many cases, the battles that were fought between the British and America were, “worse than they realized, and no one perceived this as clearly as Washington. Seeing things as they were, and not as he would wish them to be, was one of his salient strengths,” (McCullough 117). Washington was prepared to fight against the British since he had this important strength where he knew that the revolutionists had a very slim chance to be able to revolt against Britain and become an independent