1776 by David McCullough: Popular Book about American History (Book Review Sample)

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"1776" Book Review
David McCullough’s 1776 is one of the most popular books about American history. It is a well-crafted history of the revolutionary war and America’s fight for independence. The book has featured prominently in the list of American’s nonfiction histories. The author is one of America’s most read and rewarded historians. In this book, David McCullough, the award-winning biographer brings history to life by use of his formidable writing skills. He balances the military, the personal and the political forces by use of contemporary accounts making the situations come to life. As the title suggests, the book mostly covers situations in America’s revolutionary war in 1776. Although the book mentions several army generals and most important participants of the war, it is centered on George Washington himself and how he led the American army to defeat the British. This essay outlines a brief account of the major events in the book as well as a critical analysis of the text.
Although people tend to think of the year 1776 as a great and successful year when America set off the fight for independence, the book reveals that it was a year of hardship, defeat, and discouragement. However, these challenges helped to form the will and desire to continue seeking independence. In fact, McCullough brings it out clearly that it was a year that tested America’s determination and resilience at every turn. In 1776, the American army general, George Washington had little experience in military leadership and command. Consequently, the American forces suffered many defeats, and the future of the country was hardly assured.
At the beginning of the book, the British decided to evacuate since their position was virtually indefensible after George Washington held Boston under siege. Washington took advantage of their leaving and moved to the defense of New York. However, the move turned out to be challenging than anticipated as he placed himself in a difficult position of controlling Manhattan Island, which was prone to attacks by the by the British forces from the sea. Under the leadership of the Howe brothers, the British forces eventually surrounded New York and the nearby islands. Meanwhile, Washington and his army realized that they were in great danger as the British had a huge naval presence in the waters. The situation forced him to lead his army to a battle in Brooklyn. The battle was disastrous, and Washington had to evacuate to Manhattan, which he miraculously managed without further loss. However, situations soon forced him to escape towards the defense of Philadelphia across the Hudson River.
A critical analysis of the book particularly in the chronicles of Washington at New York, Manhattan Island, and Brooklyn, reveals that according to McCullough’s narrative of 1776, it is the British who lost the battle rather than the American who won. In August 1776, the British had thrown away victory after the battle of Long Island when they let the defeated American army escape. Besides, their failure to take Philadelphia when they had the opportunity was worse. Moreover, Howe underestimated the American army’s potential. This is especially evident when Howe sent untrained volunteer reinforcements to fight the Americans. However, fortunately, Washington snatched the opportunity and led his army to a brilliant attack winning two victories at Trenton and Princeton over the Hessian and British forces. The battle, nonetheless, dragged on until 1781 when the British surrendered at Yorktown. This victory can be linked to the British’s negligence and poor decision making.
Another factor that led to Britain’s loss of victory was a war with France which prevented it from giving full attention to the war with America and other colonies. Moreover, Howe had already decided that it was too cold to continue fighting when he moved to the comfort of New York. The weather conditions helped Washington’s army to survive through the war and fight another day. In fact, as stated by McCullough, storms and fog had saved them from imminent disaster severally. The snow had also earlier helped Washington’s army in towing enormous guns from Fort Ticonderoga across the frozen lakes and over the snowy hills. They opened fire from the hills forcing Howe to abandon Boston.
However, it appears quite ironical that George Washington was given the charge of the military despite having shown great doubts about his capacity and deserving for such responsibility. Worse still, his men showed confidence in him, admired him and respected him. The book fails to explain why his men admired him despite his many weaknesses. At the same time, the other leaders like Henry Knox, Charles Lee, Alexander Hamilton and Nathaniel Greene appear more able and sharp, yet they remained under Washington throughout the war. In fact, McCullough termed him as an indecisive and inept army commander who had no clue about tactics and strategy and was constantly rescued by his subordinates. Nevertheless, he praised him for his perseverance, ability to recognize and learn from own faults and an ear for go...