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Analysis Of David Mccullough 's 1776 Essay

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“These are the times that try men’s souls” states Paine reflecting on a very important year in American history. Throughout David McCullough’s 1776, both British and American militaries faced many hardships that concur with Paine’s very idea that the year 1776 was truly a difficult one. This suffering was not limited to anyone person in either side of the war, it was however very hard on three specific generals, Washington and Knox of the American military and Howe of the British military. General George Washington faced many hardships during the Revolutionary war. “On July 3, General George Washington of Virginia had taken command of the American ‘rabble’.” (McCullough 7) During Washington’s time as General he was constantly faced with the shortage of soldiers. “Washington pleaded with Congress and the provincial governments to send more men with all possible speed. And new recruits did continue to arrive, though only in dribs and drabs.” (66) The constant need for men was a serious problem throughout the entire war, this need for new recruits helped cause a supply shortage. “…the supply of arms was depleted to the point where there were not enough for the new recruits. ‘We have not at this time 100 guns in the stores of that have been taken in the prize ship [the captured British supply ship Nancy].’” (79) As well as guns being in short supply, the Colonial Army also lacked gunpowder. “Very little by gunpowder was produced in the colonies. What supplies there were came

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