1776, written by David McCullough, is a book revolving around the American Revolution and its major battles and figures. As an American writer and historian, McCullough attempts to narrate the events of the Revolution in an unbiased manner, citing facts, quotes, and illustrations from both the rebels and the British. While McCullough does glorify Washington several times, no facts or particular styles of writing arouse any suspicion in regards to the integrity of his work or his position as an author. McCullough establishes a neutral point of view from the beginning, providing the reader with an opportunity to decide for themselves the true “greatness” of General George Washington and the Continental army. 1776 highlights the indecisiveness yet undeniable courage of George Washington and the struggles, both mental and physical, the Americans faced in their quest for independence.
The historical time period of the novel ranges from the moment King George III first addressed parliament about the war on October 26, 1775, to when the news of the battle of Trenton reached England in March of 1777. While McCullough does acknowledge the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783 that officially ended the war, the novel focuses more on military events and tactics rather than political affairs. Events and battles are told chronologically, often followed by their resulting consequences on both Washington and Howe’s armies. Major battles highlighted within the novel include the Battle of Dorchester Heights, the Battle of Trenton, and the Battle of Long Island.
McCullough makes a concerning effort to stress the superiority of the British army to the ill-equipped “soldiers” of the rebels. After the humiliating surrender of Fort Washington, several British redcoats noted and ridiculed the dreadful appearance of the American soldiers. Moreover, the British found the rebel army to be more of a laughing stock than a true threat to their king’s throne. As Frederick Mackenzie later recorded, the British were “astonished” when they saw how many American soldiers were under fifteen years old, old men, dirty, without shoes, and were barely clothed. Mackenzie directly states how “Their odd figures frequently excited the laughter of our soldiers” (McCullough 243).
General Washington’s incisiveness in crucial moments of the revolution proved to have devastating consequences. As the leader of the rebels, it was Washington’s duty to deliver the final decisions that he felt would ultimately lead his men to victory. As courageous as he may have been, Washington often “acted on the judgment of others” (McCullough 245). In the aftermath of the turmoil of Fort Washington, it was clear that Washington allowing Nathanial Greene to carry out the final plan was a disastrous decision. Needless to say, Washington had “failed to override Greene’s judgment and make a clear decision of his own”, and as the commander and chief, he was ultimately left responsible (McCullough 245). While Washington’s army had been divided and depleted from 20,000 men to just over 3,500 and suffered heavy defeats at Brooklyn, Kips Bay, White Plains, and Fort Washington, one must recall that Washington never believed that he was capable of leading an army (McCullough 249). When congress first appointed him, Washington immediately stated, “I beg it may be remembered by every gentlemen in the room that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with” (McCullough 184).
Though indecisive at times, Washington proved himself as a noble commander through his passion, courage, and bravery. He constantly reminded his men what was at stake and what they were fighting for, regardless of the circumstances. Before a decisive battle in Long Island on August 23, Washington boldly addressed the army reminding his officers and soldiers that they are “free men, fighting for the blessings of liberty” and how “the safety of [their] bleeding country” depends on them (McCullough 159). When his army was beat up, hungry, and sick, Washington never allowed them to give up or see any form of defeat in his eyes. For these characteristics alone, some Americans believed Washington would prevail even throughout the war’s darkest times. As Nathanial Greene predicted during the course of the war, “He will be the deliverer of his own country” (McCullough 294).
Despite Washington’s imperfections and indecisiveness, his spirit and unmitigated desire for independence inspired his desperate army to accomplish what many deemed impossible. While he may have lacked the tactical wits and natural qualities of a military general, Washington led by example, dedication, and heart. The year 1776 marked the founding of our country and the first successful revolution in history, setting the example for future revolutions to come. McCullough’s 1776 shows how not even suffering, disease, hunger, and even death can overcome the American spirit.