1776 David Mccullough Summary

David McCullough's "1776" provides readers with a thorough and insightful analysis of the events that took place during a pivotal year of the American Revolution. Through extensive research and attention to detail, McCullough examines the key figures, decisions, and battles that shaped the nation's destiny. He did research in twenty five different libraries, archives, and special collections. He even went to several historic sights in the United States and the United Kingdom, to make sure that all of his facts are correct, and to give the best depiction possible of what happened during the year 1776. Throughout the book McCullough puts a huge emphasis on certain military figures, such as General Charles Lee, John Sullivan, Nathanael Greene,
Some major events that happened during this time were: the British fleet arriving in New York Harbor, The Continental Congress adopted the declaration of independence, the Battle of Long Island, the British captured New York City and forced Washington to retreat to New Jersey, and The battle of White plains and Washington's retreat to Pennsylvania. Part three of “The Long Retreat” takes place in the final months of 1776. Some key events from this time are: Washington and his army crossing the Delaware River on Christmas night, the battle of Trenton, and the battle of Princeton. McCullough also explains why the victories at Trenton and Princeton were so important in turning the tide of the war in favor of the Americans. The book highlights how Washington's daring crossing of the Delaware River in such harsh conditions and his subsequent victories at Trenton and Princeton brilliantly demonstrate the impact that the American military leaders had. The two most vital people to this mission were Henry Knox and, of course, George Washington. One of the American soldiers even said that if it wasn’t for “the extraordinary exertions” of Knox, then the crossing would have