Joao Veiga

BUS 140
26, September 201
1776 David McCullough
Throughout history, one of the most memorable wars for Americans will be the
American Revolution. This was a time when the thirteen American colonies broke off
From the mother country of England and fought for their independence. David
McCullough writes about the American Revolution by focusing on this single year, as opposed
to the entire war in his non-fictional historical book 1776. This book helps readers better
understand the conditions the soldiers and generals turning points, specific leaders, and the result
is one of the most humanistic depictions of George Washington I've ever read. Here he becomes
more than mythic god of the American past, but rather a living, breathing, flawed man. were in,
the point of view from many of the generals, and some important battles, and some important
battles.
In the book, David McCullough describes events and skirmishes that led up to the
independence of the United States of America and the events that followed it. The book
primarily focuses on the military aspects of the revolutionary war. The variety of firsthand
account, quotes, and perspectives of both the Americans and the British make 1776 an extremely
well crafted story made up of firsthand facts. To some 1776 may not be enjoyable or engaging,
however, it is very precise and descriptive. David McCullough does an exceptional job of
explaining the Independence of America in a way that does not bore the audience like most

historical biographies do. Although it is clear from the beginning that David McCullough
intentionally portrays America as the hero of the book, he allows the reader to identify with the
British and even the king of Britain at the time as well. Honest and unbiased accounts are given
towards both the Americans as well as the British.
Many candid and liberal accounts of the British and the Americans as put forward
throughout the book. With much detail, David McCullough illustrates King Georges reaction to
the rebellious American colonists as they begin to organize for freedom in the first chapter. He
does not shed light on George Washington as a superior and more competent general than Howe.
Both American and British forces are described in times of brilliance, luck, disappointment and
shame.
Not only is David McCullough unbiased, but he gives many in depth descriptions of his
characters. The reader is able to become familiar with the characteristics, physical appearances,
and biases of a majority of the characters. Joseph Reed is described as a young man with a long
jaw and a somewhat quizzical look in his eyes (44), and James Grant.
Prestigious general William Howe led the redcoats against the Americans, who were led
by general George Washington. Henry Knox, a thirty-five year old bookseller, and Nathaniel
Green, a Quaker at the age of twenty five, were both inexperienced generals in Washingtons
army. Once we hit the year 1776, the battle of Bunker Hill begins. Even though the rebels
technically lost that battle, the author points out the heavy loses that the British had. Soon after
this defeat, the Americans secure Boston by placing stolen cannons high around the harbor.
Seeing their imminent doom, the British were forced to retreat. This book didnt just tell the
events as they happened like most non-fiction history books do, it was told like a story. Although

most of this book was predictable, seeing as I had prior knowledge to these events, the author
kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. It described perfectly the struggles and
hardships the Americans experienced throughout the year.