Diane 's Reviews > 1776

1776 by David McCullough
Rate this book
Clear rating

by
289690
's review

liked it

1776 by McCullough begins with a look at King George III of England as he condemns the actions of the traitorous rebels of America in the month of October, 1775. How can they possibly overlook his power and goodness to them, after all these years? Great Britain's parliament is in an uproar and a great debate occurs until eventually war is decided. Meanwhile, George Washington's background is uncovered and one can see how he has been shaped and molded into the greatest general of the time; for me, he is the greatest of all time.

The preparations begin and we follow General Howe of Great Britain and his impressive fleet, as well as up and coming leaders like Henry Knox and Nathaniel Greene. All fascinating men, whom I've not read or learned much about. Mistakes are made and one can see how devastating they are. Yet, as "Common Sense" writer, Thomas Paine published in "The Crisis", "These are the times that try men's souls." And truly they were. The mistakes and difficulties are overcome, one by one. Victories are had on both sides. The book ends with the great comeback of Washington's army, when most definitely outnumbered and outgunned, surprise the enemy several times over and begin to push back.

Reading about the Revolutionary war in this book was very eye opening for me. I've not studied this time period of history very well. I'm more of a WWII fan. Anyhow, I wanted to hear about the American doctor, on board a British ship, describing the attack on the fort for which the "Star Spangled Banner" became so well known. But that is much later. This book focused solely on the year 1776, with a bit of preface in the later months of 1775. Ultimately the Revolutionary war did not end until 1783. As I finished reading this book the day before Independence Day, I was overcome with gratitude for all who have given their lives and fought for our freedoms. The great men and women who did what had to be done, staking their very lives for those who would come after them, not knowing, and perhaps not understanding the repercussions. Truly, America is a great nation and we can continue protecting and appreciating our freedoms day by day.
1 like · flag

Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read 1776.
Sign In »

Reading Progress

October 30, 2015 – Shelved
June 30, 2016 – Started Reading
July 3, 2016 – Finished Reading

No comments have been added yet.