1776 by David Mccullough

799 Words4 Pages
David McCollough’s 1776 1776 is a recreation of the year and exemplifies General George Washington’s charge of the American military. McCollough paints a picture of Washington not as the mythical hero we tend to perceive, but as a regular, human being with faults and misgivings about his capacity to undertake such a huge responsibility in leading the revolution. He is seen as a man who can inspire loyalty but has the sense to take advice from his peers. The book actually begins in October of 1775 in London. King George III makes his way through the streets of London to the House of Commons in his highly adorned chariot. It is there that he will address them on the issue of war in America. Ultimately, a debate ensues on the subject. John Wilkes – who is the Lord Mayor of London – is in opposition, and declares that a war with the colonies could be ruinous to England. If they do not succeed, England could be seen as an “implacable enemy”, which will lead to complete loss of the colonies and a degradation of the splendor that is Great Britain. Lord North, however, finishes the debate by stating that the current policy will show that England means business, and will aim to punish, but will readily forgive so as to maintain a relationship with the colonies. The first battle described in 1776 is Washington’s siege of Boston and the resulting retreat of the British army. Here, the British find themselves in an indefensible area because of a bottleneck created by Dorchester Peninsula, where the American military is stationed. As soon as the British evacuate, Washington moves to the defense of New York. It is here that Washington is faced with the difficult task of controlling the island of Manhattan which is subject to attack from the British navy which is under the command of Admiral Howe. Along with his brother, General William Howe, they are able to

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