Analysis of 1776 by David McCullough - Book Report/Review Example

 Analysis of “1776” by David McCullough The book “1776” by David McCullough is a book that covers American colonial history in the year 1776. Unlike the political events which are the main area of attention for many historians, McCullough focuses on the military events, starting from the announcement of full-fledged war against the American colonies by King George III to the American victory under the leadership of Washington at Trenton. Thus, the book focuses on the military developments in American history in the year 1776 in a manner and language comprehensible for a normal reader. The whole book is divided into three sections, and each section contains a number of chapters. The first section named “The Siege” provides the events on both the sides of Atlantic surrounding the Siege of Boston. The second section focuses primarily on New York in the summer of 1776. The last section deals with the end of the year, and the retreat of the Continental Army from New England. The beauty of the book is that it offers a clear view of the events from both the British and American point of view. The first chapter of the book shows the King Gorge III addressing a joint session of parliament in October 1775 and declaring that American colonies are in rebellion. The chapter describes the lengthy debates in both the houses following the address. Though there were sentiments in favor of America, most of them agreed on the parliament’s constitutional right to legislate for the American colonies. The second chapter narrates the American side, and the reader gets an idea about the leaders of the Army. According to the historian, the American army consisted of “undisciplined, poorly armed volunteer force of farmers” (McCullough ch. 2). In addition, the morale was going down due to lack of essential resources. The writer notes, “The fear that the British were preparing an attack was ever present” (McCullough ch. 1). Evidently, the American side was poorly organized and equipped. Washington is aware about the shortcomings and admits the same in the Congress. Still, he draws up plan for some important attacks. On the other side, the British ignores the warnings of a surprise attack, seeing the poor shape of the American army, and the chapter proceeds with the planned siege of Boston and Dorchester by the American soldiers. By the time the book reaches its fourth chapter, the events take place in New York and the United States Constitution is in drafting. With better artillery and more discipline, the British manage to throw the rugged American troops out of New York. By the time the book reaches its sixth chapter, one can see the American side has lost much of its hope, and Washington is tired of the weird nature of his untrained army. In addition, the American side is haunted by diseases and shortage of food and clothing. Chapter seven begins seeing Washington retreating with his “battered little army, southward across New Jersey” (McCullough ch. 7). Being too worried about the falling morale and heightened suffering of his troops, Washington even talks with Reed about a retreat to Western Pennsylvania. Despite requests, states refute to send their troops, especially because Washington was losing battles. Even Washington’s confidants fail to offer support in the situation. The British side witnesses rising differences in opinion between Clinton and Howe. Soon Clinton is replaced by Cornwallis. On December 2, the American troops, a group of less than 3000 men, retreats to Trenton on the Delaware. At this time, New Jersey witnessed thousands of people thronging British camps and declaring their loyalty to the King to obtain the general pardon he offered. Considering the pitiable condition of the American troops who were on the run, it was predicted that the British army would find it easy to march to the capitol of Pennsylvania. At Trenton, the American troops manage to get some reinforcement, and regained some of their lost courage as the enemy suspended its fast advance for nearly six days. Washington orders to destroy all the vessels in the Delaware in an effort to stop the enemy from crossing it. Soon, General Lee was caught by the British and they considered it as the end of the resistance, and it was a terrible shock for the American side. However, the British side unexpectedly decides to stop the military actions till Spring and to send the troops to winter quarters in New Jersey and New York. However, Washington remains totally unaware of these decisions. Soon, reports come that the Howe has gone to New Jersey for winter quarters and that there are only around 3000 enemies across Delaware. Washington draws up a plan to cross Delaware and capture Trenton back as it was necessary to do something to keep the troops motivated. However, as the night was stormy and the river was full of ice sheets, not all of the forces could cross the river as planned. Still, the ones who crossed the river executed the attack and captured the town. This success helped Washington gain his lost glory back, and he was supported by the Congress with all the powers he wanted. Thus, the winter of 1776 was bleak for the Americans, except for the Christmas night victory at Trenton. In total, along with an understanding of history, the book succeeds in offering an insight into the feelings and emotions of the people involved, looking more like a novel than like a history book. Works Cited McCullough, David. 1776. New York: Simon & Schuster Paperbacks, 2006. Print. Read More