1776: The Year That Led to Freedom In 1776, written by David McCullough, McCullough gives a fresh insight into the life of George Washington and the Continental Army. He speaks on the hardships and obstacles they faced during their battles with the British. Although the Continental Army dealt with losses of battles and painful waiting to attack or be attacked, I found the day to day issues the army faced to be intriguing and very interesting. Not only did the soldiers deal with the daily knowledge they could be killed at any moment and the physical wear on their bodies, but they also had to endure harsh living conditions and disease. Without the consistent endurance and strength from Washington and his army, America might not have achieved …show more content…
Unfortunately, one major problem Washington and his army faced early on in the war, was the absence of money. With low revenue coming in for the soldiers, food, clothes, training, and living conditions faced a sad decline. To keep soldiers performing at their best, food was a necessity, and maintaining the food supply was starting to decline. This soon led to starvation leading to the death of men who were without food for too long. Since money was attributed to necessities only, wants such as uniforms were denied and looked at as unneeded. Without uniforms, “field officers were all but indistinguishable from the troops they led”, which contributed to unprofessionalism and confusion causing Washington to distribute certain color ribbons to officials in order to distinguish between the ranks (32). Sadly, there were even men who had to live without shoes, because there wasn’t any money to spare. With money being an issue, it also affected the amount of soldiers the army had. Men didn’t feel a strong need to return since they weren’t being paid. Washington wanted to pay men in advance so they would have another reason, other than for the love of their country, to stay and fight, but there was not enough money to give out (63). Sadly, only 2,540 of Washington’s army had reenlisted, out of a total around 10,000 (63-64). With more money, like the British contained, the Continental Army could have been healthier, fuller, and even better trained. I believe this could have helped the army by providing an easier way to reach freedom for America. With this not being the case, I have a higher respect for Washington and his army for continuing to persevere and move forward when they had little hope at times. Although there was many negatives about being in the Continental Army at this time, McCullough kept stating how Washington
Throughout history, Americans have sought to spread the spirit of equality, which is believed to be the realization of true freedom. Before establishing this freedom, every American had only one question stuck in their head: What is freedom? Our country received it in the year of 1776 from the British through a series of difficulties and wars. African Americans defined it as an escape from slavery, while immigrants defined it as their acceptance into a new society. More yet, women of the women’s suffrage defined their freedom as their recognition into society and for their rights to be equal to that of every other man. These different perceptions of cultures/groups in America tied together to form an American view of freedom. Freedom is
“Every thought is a battle, every breath is a war and I don’t think we are winning anymore”. The depressing thoughts in which were made up of dying and not surviving were going through the minds of all the soldiers at Valley Forge as well as mine. The need of food, clothes, and weapons were needed. The wanting to win and return home to our families were mutual between all of us as well. Since the summer of 1775, George Washington has withdrawn from Boston and retreated to New York City after the American Revolution. Recently, he had been unable to stop the British when Howe marched his army into the capital of Philadelphia. Washington had a very hard time trying to keep us in his army. Some of them had signed on for one year or two, but others left or simply deserted us. The question is simple, whether or not you would stay and fight for your country or leave with honor and your dignity. My choice was obvious, staying to fight for my country. There are many reasons surrounding my choice, including the fact that the supplies were provided for us in order to live and fight through the terrible seasons, the encouragement we needed, and the conditions we faced.
1776 written by David McCullough was a very accurate portrayal of the the revolutionary war. The author chose to write the events with mostly a non biased perspective and was able to use multiple sources from the time. This allowed the author to write the book in an interesting way and inform the reader of this vital time in the nation 's history. The book focuses on the life and struggles of George Washington as he progresses through life and the war. It was helpful that the author showed his perspective and thoughts as he grew to become the leader many people think him as today. It is stated that George washington was not a very strong leader when he took control on July third, but it was his perseverance and unrelenting determination that ultimately won the war. Also, The author chose to give insight into the other important leaders who influenced how the war progressed through the year. This was not only accomplished by direct quotes but the author also explained why some decisions were made on both sides made the events less complicated. The fact that the author chose to focus of Washington and the troops lives also made it more personal and it helped that the narrative did not jump around to give an overview of the war from all perspectives.
There is a fascinating book called 1776 by David McCullough; which is his tenth Book he has written on the subject. In this exciting novel he describes several significant issues that George Washington had to overcome to secure his ultimate victory in 1783. The book also describes the first year of the American Revolution, specifically the triumph of Boston and the failure at New York. The lack of morale while the war waged on, which affected the ability of the troops to fight. Then a hugely successful attack on Trenton, and how that help saved the revolution. The author starts by describing the challenges of creating and maintaining an army and then developing and drilling a military force that will be disciplined in the field of battle.
1776, a non-fiction historical book, is written by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner David McCullough. The book revolves around the American Revolution, hence the title 1776, and it accurately shows the course of actions that have taken place in that year. 1776 is displays how America became an independent nation and what the individuals during that time had to go through to gain access to freedom and liberty. The Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, the nation’s most cherished symbol of independence, that same year on July 4. With education systems not going in depth of the year 1776, this paper is to show how this book has revealed so much of our country’s history in one year.
1776, a book written by David McCullough discusses the political, social and overall major events that were caused by the American Revolution. Up until chapter 3, McCullough discusses both Washingtons and Howe’s strategies and and how both the colonists and the English were impacted by the battles.
Though it is a historical book, 1776 has many different themes waiting to be analyzed and dissected. One theme would be the theme of leadership being a major key to success. Throughout the book, McCullough seems to emphasize the fact that even though the American army was minimal, vastly outnumbered by the British, strong leadership was what truly mattered. Not only did this mean the Commander-in-Chief George Washington, but also other commanding officers such as Nathanael Greene and Henry Knox. If the American rebels did not have such strong leadership, both on the field and when inspiration was needed, victory would have been very much postponed or not existent at all. McCullough writes “ good officers were mandatory” and “officers must be better paid, better trained (pg 226).” While the army itself is very important, the commanding officers serve as a driving force that directs the firepower in a certain direction and, in turn, towards victory. Another example would be when soldiers witness their commander, George Washington, rushing onto the field despite the dangers that lay ahead and how important his life was to the cause. One soldier wrote that he would “never forget what [he] felt… When [he] saw him brave all the dangers
David McCullough’s novel 1776 is a compelling story of America’s war for independence. We have all read chapters and heard the related history of the war of 1776, but David McCullough takes the epic story even further. The book covers the entire year of 1776 from the beginning of the war until the end. The author provides an extremely detailed description of both sides of the conflict both American and British. David McCullough is a renowned author and historian and has twice won the Pulitzer Prize for two of his novels; John Adams and Truman, and with reading 1776 you can see exactly why he is so celebrated. His
Valley Forge Essay In the Winter of 1777, Washington created a winter camp 18 miles outside of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania called Valley Forge. This camp was for his army, the Continental Army, to stay over the Winter and it was a very difficult place to live in. If you were here as part of Washington's army, would you have quit on Washington and your fellow troops? I would not have quit on Washington because Washington is getting help, I'm not going to be a “Summer Soldier,” and there is still a “Spirit of Alacrity” throughout the camp in these difficult times.
More lives were lost, hopes put out, and courage forgotten in the winter of 1777 and 1778 than any other time in the war. During this time, the Continental Army set up their winter camp in a small farming settlement 18 miles southeast of Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania, British General Howe and his army wintered in the warm and comfortable Patriot capital. If you were in Washington’s army during that bitter winter, would you have quit? Would you have quit, or reenlisted, after all you faced and saw? The death, the sickness, the challenges. Due to the fact that help is coming, the need of healthy men, and the fact that if I stay, there will be a greater reward, I will re-enlist.
The Valley Forge Mini-Q acknowledges that in October, 1777, General Washington had been unsuccessful at stopping the British when they marched into Philadelphia’s national capital. The Mini-Q adds, “Washington’s army had seen hard times.” To put this into perspective, the document declares that some people left when their enlistment was over, but “others simply deserted.” There were strong men who were willing to fight and risk their lives for their country but some of them decided it was too risky or difficult for them. Even our own country was not rooting for us as shown by a quote written by Washington’s own Chief of Engineers.
The following chapters portray the sections of Washington life when he was a soldier, his days as a general, and his duty as the president. The book details the military plights Washington faced as a leader. Ellis says that Washington “lost more battles than he won; indeed, he lost more battles than any victorious general in modern history.” The War for Independence emerged as the most significant milestone in George Washington's life, a time in which he evolved into a grown man, a notorious politician, and a national icon. Ellis does not take us through each battle in detail, but describes the events that shaped Washington’s life and made him a human
The Non-Fiction Historical Book 1776 By David McCullough is a historically accurate and in depth view of The American Revolution; starting from The Battle of Bunker Hill, Boston, Brooklyn, New York, Fort Washington, and ending its Analysis at the Battle of Trenton in 1776. There are many fascinating features, trends, themes, and characteristics used in 1776 that make the book a fluent and enjoyable read. Also the book gives a very detailed and informative account of the battles and military life from the Battle of Boston to the Battle of Trenton. Finally the author, David McCullough, of the book as many other works and experiences that tell the reader why and how 1776 is such a credible source
David McCullough, the author of 1776 placed countenance and emotion of the Revolutionary war material that is an exciting novel when the closing is established. The work of McCullough’s, John Adams, 1776 is truly military perspective of era versus political.
In 1776 renowned author David McCullough highlights the life and many significant events of the time. Most of the events of 1776 are set in areas like Boston and New York in the Eastern Seaboard. 1776 follows Washington through his triumphs and defeats of the Revolutionary War and gives a detailed description of Washington’s background. The style in which McCullough writes in makes this book simpler and easier to understand. McCullough gives a detailed-although sometimes biased-perspective of both sides of the war that is somewhat neutral.