1776 is a book written by David McCullough, in which he tells the history of America, especially on the year 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was signed. On this year, the success of America was dependent on those who joined George Washington on the march for independence. McCullough uses extensive research in both the British and American archives to come up with a dramatically coined piece of work (331-376). This essay is aimed at reviewing the contents of the book with the view of presenting a brief overview of what to expect in it.
As already mentioned, the book describes the events of 1776. In June of that year, what would become the largest expeditionary force of the 18th century began moving into the harbor of New York (406). The Americans were fighting hard to remove the British from their nation but the retaliation forces were also very strong. In fact almost four hundred ships with over thirty-two thousand British soldiers and Hessian mercenaries were bound to arrive in America the same year (166). The first great battle of the American Revolution was only moments away from taking place and the American colonies were well aware that an attack could come at any time. On the 22nd of August in 1776, the Americans awoke to the rude shock of an attack that was already underway. There were over fifteen thousand soldiers that had been placed at Gravesend Bay along the coast of Long Island (174). General John Sullivan with his few thousand troops that he had lead, found himself surrounded (175). The Americans were frightened and scared of their enemies who outnumbered them. This caused the Americans to flee for the lives and General John Sullivan himself was taken as a prisoner. However, it would take only two days for General George Washington to withdraw from Brooklyn (177). Washington and his armies had failed in Brooklyn miserably and were also made to look like fools. Attributable to the attack from the enemies, most of the soldiers fled for their lives. It appeared that the Americans were destined for a defeat they would never recover from. Even though the events described in this book revolve around General George Washington, the book is not solely about him. There are several other subordinate players that McCullough mentions in the book, such as King James III, General Howe, Nathaniel Greene, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and Benjamin Franklin. He also devoted a significant space to players like Henry Knox who was part of the win at Boston, where he was transporting artillery across three hundred miles covered by ice and wilderness (217). McCullough also mentions the British in his work, he describes them as "farmers, unskilled laborers, and tradesmen, drawn into service by the promise of clothing, food, and steady, if meager, pay, along with a chance at adventure" (186). When the British arrived in America, they were astonished at the conditions of the residents. McCullough quotes "How people with so much, living on their own land, would ever choose to rebel against the ruler God had put over them [...] was for the invaders incomprehensible” (176)? McCullough further describes the humiliating defeats
As already mentioned, the book describes the events of 1776. In June of that year, what would become the largest expeditionary force of the 18th century began moving into the harbor of New York (406). The Americans were fighting hard to remove the British from their nation but the retaliation forces were also very strong. In fact almost four hundred ships with over thirty-two thousand British soldiers and Hessian mercenaries were bound to arrive in America the same year (166). The first great battle of the American Revolution was only moments away from taking place and the American colonies were well aware that an attack could come at any time. On the 22nd of August in 1776, the Americans awoke to the rude shock of an attack that was already underway. There were over fifteen thousand soldiers that had been placed at Gravesend Bay along the coast of Long Island (174). General John Sullivan with his few thousand troops that he had lead, found himself surrounded (175). The Americans were frightened and scared of their enemies who outnumbered them. This caused the Americans to flee for the lives and General John Sullivan himself was taken as a prisoner. However, it would take only two days for General George Washington to withdraw from Brooklyn (177). Washington and his armies had failed in Brooklyn miserably and were also made to look like fools. Attributable to the attack from the enemies, most of the soldiers fled for their lives. It appeared that the Americans were destined for a defeat they would never recover from. Even though the events described in this book revolve around General George Washington, the book is not solely about him. There are several other subordinate players that McCullough mentions in the book, such as King James III, General Howe, Nathaniel Greene, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and Benjamin Franklin. He also devoted a significant space to players like Henry Knox who was part of the win at Boston, where he was transporting artillery across three hundred miles covered by ice and wilderness (217). McCullough also mentions the British in his work, he describes them as "farmers, unskilled laborers, and tradesmen, drawn into service by the promise of clothing, food, and steady, if meager, pay, along with a chance at adventure" (186). When the British arrived in America, they were astonished at the conditions of the residents. McCullough quotes "How people with so much, living on their own land, would ever choose to rebel against the ruler God had put over them [...] was for the invaders incomprehensible” (176)? McCullough further describes the humiliating defeats