1776 David Mccullough Summary

The novel 1776, written by David McCullough, is arguably the best depiction of the events that took place during the height of the American Revolution. This novel illustrates the struggles and triumphs that General Washington and his men faced in the year that the Declaration of Independence was issued to the British government by the American colonists. This novel is not simply a day-by-day depiction of the nation at war, but more an in-depth narrative of the men that served along side of General Washington in what many considered to be a most critical months of the war for independence. David McCullough also gives insight into the thinking of General Howe and his Redcoats. This allows for a clear and concise history of the most important months of the war. By including the British in this novel, McCullough is able to demonstrate the often-overlooked valor and grit of the British Redcoats. McCullough also highlights all the important military leaders: King George III, General Washington, General Greene, and General Howe in order to provide …show more content…
The events that McCullough reconstructs are important because they set the framework for the need for an organized militia and an organized government. McCullough offers the British perspective on the events in North America first, by reviewing the debate in British Parliament over King George III’s decision to quash the rebellion. An example of this can be found in the first chapter, when King George III makes the proclamation that he does not take the American officials seriously largely due to the fact that they did not officially declare their purpose for seeking independence from the British