Review: 1776 by David McCullough - Book Report/Review Example

Book Review: 1776 by David McCullough David McCullough’s non-fiction book 1776 presents an intricate of the year 1776, which signified the birth of the US. 1776 relays two attention-grabbing stories regarding how a group of disparate colonies integrated to form the US, as well as how the British Empire attempted to prevent the colonies from attaining independence and integration (McCullough 39). 1776 is a story consisting of intriguing characters such as, among others, George III, George Washington, soldiers, as well as their families. This paper will provide an examination of the non-fiction book providing a succinct review and assessment of the author’s key points. Book Summary In the story, David McCullough who is perhaps the most read and acclaimed American historian recreates the events of the year 1776 and in the process shows the manners in which George Washington took charge of the American military. The description of the events of 1776 portrays George Washington as a well-recognized man who had immense strengths particularly with regard to his leadership capabilities. 1776 shows how George Washington had misgivings regarding his deserving or capacity to undertake the responsibility of taking charge of the American military. 1776 further shows that George Washington appreciated the value of capable leaders such as Henry Knox, Nathaniel Greene and Alexander Hamilton among others (McCullough 75). However, the non-fiction book shows how Charles Lee who was the second in command under George Washington attempted to undercut the latter. However, by the culmination of the year 1776, Charles Lee was no longer a key player in American military environment. Perhaps the greatest quality exhibited by General Washington, and which McCullough’s book clearly demonstrates is Washington’s capability to inspire loyalty, as well as heed viable counsel. In essence, 1776 focuses primarily on the occurrences in the US while also painting a picture of England at the time, as well as the patriotic commitment, which allows King George III to keep seeking control over his colonies in the US. In the meantime, 1776 shows that people such as Jefferson, Thomas Paine and Adams stimulated the urge to try to find independence and throw off the light rule of Britain’s rule. However, 1776 demonstrates the existence of various loyalists who favored rather happily to remain under the rule of Britain, particularly throughout the entire course of the early period of the Revolution (McCullough 115). McCullough demonstrates how these loyalists aided the British in their efforts and opposed the move to establish a separate and independent nation. According to McCullough, most of these people domiciled in cities such as New York and Boston, located along the eastern seaboard in which most of the action took place in 1776. The book commences with a concise description of Washington’s capture of Boston, as well as Britain’s decision to abandon a relatively indefensible position, in full view of a ridge in which American forces were based. Upon leaving, Washington moves as fast as possible to defend New York, thereby placing himself in the difficult position of controlling the island of Manhattan encircled by water and subject to attack by British forces through the sea. McCullough notes how Washington got caught as the British, under admiral, and General Howe who commanded the navy and army forces surrounded the city of New York. Notably, Washington managed to organize a miraculous evacuation to Manhattan after the disastrous Brooklyn battle. The book notes that Washington managed to device the evacuation without the incident of additional losses thereby buying him additional time. However, Washington escaped across the Hudson River and moved as fast as possible to defend Philadelphia (McCullough 211). Part of the book’s description of the events of 1776 includes Washington’s perception of the significance of a US victory to the continuation of the war effort. This was after the British caught Washington along the west bank of Pennsylvania-based Delaware River. Notably, Washington effectively organized and carried off a legendary crossing across the Delaware River to overpower a forced comprising of Hessian mercenaries encamped in Trenton. McCullough notes that, several days after the New Year, Washington doubled down with a rather successful strike in Princeton, New Jersey prior to heading to Morristown to encamp for the rest of the winter period. The book gives an account of how Howe left for the comforts offered by New York City (McCullough 168) This meant that Washington had a small and relatively dispirited army who, nonetheless soon realized the significance of both victories that energized Americans and showed the British that they had a formidable for situated at the end of a long supply line. McCullough recounted how it took five additional years before the British surrendered ay Yorktown. According to McCullough, the distraction of the war that ensued between Britain and France deterred the British from giving their full attention to their former colonies. However, the book notes that the future of the US was not guaranteed as the year drew to a close. However, the year had taught Washington a lot allowing him to gain the support of both Americans and Congress. This made the year immensely vital in the history of the US. Opinion/assessment of the Author’s main points McCullough’s main point behind the book is the description of the year 1776 as a successful year during which Washington and the US attained immense success in terms of achieving sovereignty and defeating Britain in various battles. I agree with McCullough’s point of view since the year 1776 witnessed a lot of American success in battles fought against Britain, ultimately allowing the US to attain sovereignty. The book essentially covers a series of events, beginning with King George III’s announcement of war against American colonies in the year 1775 to the impressive American victory witnessed at Trenton in 1776 (McCullough 96). McCullough shows how Washington effectively led a predominantly inexperienced American army from differing ages and backgrounds. Despite their inexperience, the American forces defeated the experienced and well equipped British Redcoats under the command of General William Howe. History provides substantial backing for McCullough’s description of the effectiveness of Washington and American forces in the battles fought against the British. Historical descriptions of the year 1776 also affirm McCullough’s theory of American success. Notably, although Americans suffered various defeats such as during the battle of Bunker Hill, the American forces, under the leadership of Washington managed to establish counter attacks and ultimately defeated the British. This allowed American colonies to capture their sovereignty and deter continued British influence in the US. Summary of the Book’s Strengths and Weaknesses The book encompasses a number of distinct strengths, although it also encompasses the distinct weakness of focusing primarily on the military aspects of the 1776 revolution rather than focusing on all aspects such as societal and financial aspects of the revolution. In addition, although McCullough delves a bit into the politics of the revolution, these areas are primarily left in the background. However, the book’s greatest strength lies in its style as McCullough presents the history of 1776 in the form of a story, making the topic relatively interesting albeit well known. McCullough kept the book moving through all events and battles of 1776 without necessarily dragging the story down with uninteresting facts regarding the famous year. Another significant strength is the inclusion of personal accounts of men who led each military (McCullough 85). Although the book emphasizes Washington’s input, it does not revolve around Washington. The reader gains a substantive dose of other military commanders heavily involved in the revolution. Furthermore, the book is not biased against any side of the revolution, but rather fairly portrays both sides of the revolution. Although McCullough apparently believed in Washington’s capabilities, he did not portray the latter as more competent or better than Howe. In fact, McCullough constantly showed how Washington’s indecisiveness cost the Americans rather significantly, especially in the Continental Army.   Work Cited McCullough, D. 1776. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2006. Print. Read More