George Washington's Secret Six: The Spies That Changed Nothing

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

George Washington’s Secret Six: The Spy Ring That Saved the American Revolution, a monograph written by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger, narrates the Culper Spy Ring’s operation in New York City and its contribution toward the American victory over the Great Britain in the American Revolution. Under the order of General George Washington, Major Benjamin Tallmadge established the Culper Spy Ring with the purpose to outspy the British troops’ activities and movements in Manhattan, therefore allowing the Continental Army to recapture New York City. The ring included six members: Robert Townsend, Abraham Woodhull, James Rivington, Austin Roe, Caleb Brewster, and the secret Agent 355; under the command of General Washington and Major Tallmadge, these six members collected information about the British troops’ activities in Manhattan, subsequently sending the information via an intelligence route to General George in order to help him anticipating and making appropriate moves to counter the British schemes. Although there were sacrifices during the operation of the Culper Spy Ring, typically the loss of Agent 355, the Secret Six’s espionage significantly contributed toward the American victory, even with New Work City being occupied by the British Army.

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

The American Revolution saw the rise of the American spy, and the father of these spies was George Washington, commander in Chief of the Continental Army. The siege of New York demonstrated the importance and dire need for an intelligence to General Washington. Unfortunately, the difficulty, at least initially, lay with finding people willing and able to serve in this manner.

Since the government could not tax, they were in major financial trouble. They began to print continentals which were not backed by any commodities so they were worthless. The rest of the world meanwhile was waiting to see how Britain would react; so they were afraid to get too friendly with the colonists. The colonists though, knew that it was time to build up trade and trust with other countries. Eventually, their financial plans fell through, so France and the Netherlands made loans and were able to help keep the United States afloat.

In 1776, the original thirteen colonies officially declared their independence from Great Britain after the American revolution. This fight for freedom was not an easy one however and was brought on by a chain of events following the French and Indian War in 1754. After fighting in the French and Indian War, Great Britain had greatly over-extended itself, causing a period of severe debt. To cope with this debt, Parliament started trying to generate revenue for the country; one way this was done was though the passing of acts. In 1764, under the order of George Grenville, Chancellor of the Exchequer at the time, the Sugar Act and the Currency Act were implemented. These two acts were consumption taxes on sugar and printing currency, respectively. Not too long after these acts were passed, the Stamp Act of 1765 occurred, requiring colonists to pay for an official seal to have their mail sent. After this act was passed, colonists were becoming angry that they were being taxed on nearly everything. This anger led to the

The economic situation in Virginia was turbulent even prior to the Seven Year war. In 1754, Virginia's colonial treasury began to default on it debts. With the onset of the Seven Year War, Virginia began to issue legal tender for war purposes. Beginning in the second half of 1755 and with the emission of 60,000 sterling dollars for that period, Virginia's total outstanding debt was 230,000 sterling dollars by 1764. In 1759 the economic situation worsened for Virginia when tobacco prices fell, damaging the local economy. All these factors combined with the complaints of British merchants to the Board of Trade and Britain's desire to secure British merchant's financial investments in the American colonies led to the Passage of the Currency Act of1764 (Ernst 33 - 37

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.

"The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell" - Confucius. In other words, a person who knows what is just will seek rectitude, or what is right from their standpoint. However, one who understands "what will sell"only cares about gaining. In the book George Washington, Spymaster: How the Americans Outspied the British and Won the Revolutionary War, George Washington was an outstanding spy who wanted the Americans to be free.

America’s first spy ring, better known as the Cupler ring, was Washington’s carefully thought out solution to gain intelligence on the overpowering British troops. The revolution was happening; there was no turning back and no denying that America was going to gain independence from Great Britain. Washington needed a plan, a way to foresee what the British planned to do next. Washington’s only solution was to resort to spying.

The British began taxing the colonies as a way of lessening their debt after the Seven Years’ War. During this time of debt, the American colonies also began to enter a recession. Revere’s once successful business as a silversmith was heavily lacking during this time. Specifically, when the Stamp Act was issued in 1765, colonists were outraged. This occurrence is what caused the Sons of Liberty to form. They were a major part of Boston’s campaign opposing the Stamp Act.

The Currency Act of 1764 prohibited paper currency in Virginia, which reduced the circulation of paper money in America, further burdening the colonies, which were always short of coin currency, the Act led to a rise of poverty in colonies.  The British enforcement of the Sugar and Molasses Act quickly cut into the economic welfare of the

One thing in the story that shocked me is how different our perception of the Revolutionary War is from the reality. An example of this was how ill trained the American army was at the beginning of the war. The army was undisciplined, disobedient, and motivated only by their paychecks. Many perceive the soldiers as valiant, zealous men, but it wasn’t until much later in the war that the soldiers rose to the occasion and became the warriors that we remember today.

“1776” is a story of war. This book chronicles the year 1776 and the different battles that took place during the year. Instead of exploring the political changes the year oversaw, Pulitzer Prize winner, David McCullough explores in a different perspective on the battles that occurred during the year. From battle strategies, to the lives of Major Generals, McCullough takes you through the story in a more realistic and factual perspective. “1776” offers an intimate look into the military aspects of the revolutionary war which creates a more lively and engaging literature. McCullough opens the book in London, where King George III appears on behalf of his people to announce war with the North American colonies. American patriots sought to overthrow British government that overexerted its power and pressed the American colonists, which manifested in the former taxes and troops. The American colonists began to protest and riot, which increased tension, eventually leading to the Battle of Lexington and Concord,

There were several acts that were passed without the consideration of the colonists that would force them to pay a ridiculous amount of taxes to the British mainland. One of these acts was named the Stamp Act, which was enacted in 1765, forced the colonists to pay a tax on every piece of printed paper that they used. This would include legal documents, license, commercial contracts and newspapers in the tax. This tax mostly effected the wealthier and influential of the colonists and would force them to unite in opposition. There were several other acts that would be passed that would force the colonists to pay undue taxes to the British, such as the Quartering Act and the Tea