The reason that I chose this particular site was to learn more about the setbacks that the British faced during the 1777. I also picked this site specifically, because it had a ton of information about the Philadelphia campaign and how it was ultimately a setback for the British which really interested me. The reason that the setbacks of 1777 really interested me is due to the fact that these setbacks are what helped the colonies win a surprising victory and independence from the powerful British military. I was also very pleased with how much of the information extended off of what I read in the textbook. Some of the ways this site relates to the topics we are currently studying are by providing information on the campaign of 1777, the colonist’s alliance with France, and the battle of Saratoga. Three things that I found interesting on this site were the fact that gaining control of Philadelphia ultimately ended up being a setback for the British, an image of a Hessian map, and General Howe’s reasoning behind resigning during the war. The irony that this article talks about the British gaining control over Philadelphia shocked me greatly. This site talks about how during the Philadelphia campaign in 1777 the British were hoping to capture Philadelphia in hopes of capturing Congress and ending the rebellion. The reason that occupying Philadelphia proved to be a great consequence for the British army is, because this pulled General Howe’s support and aide away from
In 1763, the French and Indian War ended, leaving Great Britain with large debts. In order to help with the debt, Great Britain passed laws to tax the colonists. The colonists were furious. Were the American colonists justified in waging war and breaking away from Britain? Yes, the American colonists were justified in waging war to break away from Britain because the British Parliament was over taxing the colonists, the colonists were forced to stay on the East side of the Appalachian Mountains, and they had to pay to house and care for British soldiers.
How did the colonists manage to triumph in their battle for independence despite Great Britain’s military might? If any of these factors had been different, how might it have affected the outcome of the war?
A major battle in the book 1776, and an important turning point of the year, was the Battle of Trenton. After crossing the Delaware River, the Continental Army opened fire on the surprised Hessian troops that were stationed there. After a 45-minute battle, the Hessians surrendered, giving the Americans a much needed victory. McCullough shows the importance of this battle by describing multiple American victories that followed, such as the Battles of Princeton and Fort Lee.
The American Revolution, when 13 American colonies waged war against the most powerful country in the world, Great Britain, for their independence. Soldiers who fought in the war and risked their lives to gain the freedom we have today, is just one of the many prime examples of prevailing hardships in battle. George Washington proved to be exemplary just like many others heroic patriots, like Henry Knox and Nathaniel Greene, when triumphing over the British soldiers with what little strength they had and defeating them. Their victory was more than enough proof on why they deserved independence. David McCullough’s 1776, describes and educates us about events which happened before the war and foreshadows up to the revolution. We learn about the hardships thrown at George Washington and the Continental army whose intentions switched from equal rights to complete emancipation. Battles throughout the Revolutionary War, like the Battle of Bunker Hill, are well known, but McCullough shows the reader how the Continental army continues to strive on even when victory is not in their favor.
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.
Americans of the eighteenth century might question: What were the most pivotal battles of the revolution? Was it at Saratoga, where the British marched through the dense forests of Massachusetts, trying to isolate the northern colonies and then attack them? When the Americans in Massachusetts heard of this plan, they constructed a plan to attack this convoy? Wa s it at Trenton, when Washington took his men on December 25th across the frigid Delaware River to surprise the Hessians? Then captured around 1,500 Hessians, and marched through the city of Philadelphia. Was it at Yorktown, where the final battle was held against the British? And were assisted by the French in taking down British forts. The most pivotal battles of the
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
The Revolutionary War was a huge moment in history. This had the colonists separate from British control. It was huge for the colonists to break away from British control.
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 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
Topic: Was American success in achieving independence due more to General Washington’s strategic skill or to British blunders?
“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,
Many factors contributed to the British losing the American Revolutionary War. By the 1770’s the American colonists were not socially, religiously, or culturally connected to Britain. The colonists has their own ways of life and thus were not British by culture. The majority of the colonists had immigrated to America to escape the rigid class structures of Britain and Europe.
Henceforth, the overall rundown of the book is based off the British view of the the American Revolution and how they viewed the colonist from a retrospect in the events happening. To begin with, King George the III had been placing taxes on the colonist, which made them furious over their relationship with him. The loyalist saw these “acts” as a part of
Lord George Germain is the center figure in this strategic tragedy and deserves the balance of the responsibility for the British Defeat at Saratoga. Germian Because of the communication lag between the New World and London, Germain never attempted to take full operational control of the 1777 campaign. (site) But he also failed to coordinate between Howe and Burgoyne, he allowed the simple and straight forward campaign objectives to devolve into an ambiguous and incoherent plan. Germain never made a serious attempt to coordinate/reconcile these two divergent plans. (site) His approval of Howe’s plan to capture Philadelphia within six days of approving Burgoyne plan to march to Albany to “junction” with Howe, without ensuring coordination