Synopsis Of The Book 1776 By David Mccullough

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I. Identification of Work McCullough, D. (2005). 1776. New York, New York: Simon & Schuster.
II. Summary of the Main Ideas 1776 by David McCullough is a wonderful history of how the Revolutionary War began. It accurately showcases the perspectives of all kinds of people, from England’s King, George III, to the common soldiers of the Continental Army. General George Washington has just been appointed the Commander in Chief of the newly formed colonial armies as the occupation of Boston continues. Underneath the onslaught of the British forces, the Continental Army is pushed back again and again, pressure into a lengthy retreat. Battle after battle is won by the British and the dedication of the patriots falters. Mistrust is evident in the …show more content…

It retells a period of American history in a wonderful chronological manner. The book begins setting the stage just before the official start of the American Revolution by creating an excellent background to the situation. McCullough puts this into words by using a cause and effect strategy. He explains the decisions “of the notables of Parliament” (McCullough, p. 3) and the direct results of those decisions in the colonies. King George III gave a marvelous speech describing how he would go about disciplining the colonies, but it did not have the desired effect. After it was distributed in the colonies, “the speech was burned in public by the soldiers…” (McCullough, p. 68). The colonists responded with defiance in the face of the massive British Empire. These men and women were “determined to shake off all connections with a state so unjust” (McCullough, p. 68). McCullough’s excellent use of proper organization brings clarity and understanding to his …show more content…

Well known heroes of America’s past are not depicted as invincible and undaunted giants, but as actually human beings. George Washington, the leader of the revolution and the first president of the United States, was often stressed and demoralized because of the circumstances of the Continental Army. Traveling among them and observing their filth and lack of discipline enraged him. The General often thought of how much happier he could have been if “instead of accepting of a command under such circumstances…had taken my musket upon my shoulders and entered the ranks” (McCullough, p.79). But he never revealed this to anyone except his closest confidants, specifically his wife and Joseph Reed. On the outside, Washington was almost always composed, hiding his true feelings. In addition to the American Commander in Chief, many other character were revealed and developed throughout