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informative
inspiring
slow-paced
informative
inspiring
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adventurous
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hopeful
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reflective
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Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the free copy for review and for giving me the opportunity to revisit one of the all-time great works on the American Revolution: 1776 by the incomparable David McCullough. Often called “the biography of a year,” 1776 dives deep into the pivotal moments of a nation’s birth. As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, it’s both stunning and sobering to reflect on how a ragtag collection of militias helped launch what would become a great nation.
McCullough excels at painting the arc of a fledgling Continental army—from the euphoric victory at the Siege of Boston to the near-disastrous retreat from New York, where George Washington’s forces came perilously close to annihilation by the British Redcoats, to victories in New Jersey that restored faith in the commander to close out the year. The future of American independence was far from certain, and McCullough’s narrative reminds us just how fragile the cause was in those early days.
But it’s not just the sweeping historical events that McCullough captures so brilliantly—it’s the vivid, often heart-wrenching details: the doubts and hopes of ordinary soldiers, the hunger, the lack of proper equipment (many had no shoes), and the sheer weight of uncertainty as they faced impossible odds. Even the British are given thoughtful treatment—not just as the villains of the story, but as men who believed the Americans were dangerously misguided. McCullough writes on page 158:
“In fact, the Americans of 1776 enjoyed a higher standard of living than any people in the world. . . How people with so much . . . would ever choose to rebel against the ruler God had put over them and thereby bring down such devastation upon themselves was for the invaders incomprehensible.”
We all remember that 1776 is the year the Declaration of Independence was signed—but McCullough reminds us that it came in the second year of what would be a grueling seven-year war. The Declaration gave purpose to the cause and joy to the troops transforming the Continental Army to the Army of America—while enraging the British. One British official, Ambrose Serle, wrote that the news only confirmed “the villainy and the madness of a deluded people” (p. 141).
At the heart of 1776 is George Washington, stepping into the role of Commander-in-Chief, flanked by two passionate patriots: 33-year-old General Nathanael Greene, a self-taught Quaker, and 25-year-old Henry Knox, a former #bookseller whose legendary transport of heavy artillery through harsh winter terrain earned him national acclaim. Though neither had formal military experience, their deep knowledge—much of it from books—proved invaluable to Washington during the darkest days of the war. McCullough also works in several cameos by a young Alexander Hamilton beginning his rise up from the bottom.
After the devastating defeats and retreat from New York, Washington faced growing doubt—even among his own officers and soldiers. But by year’s end, the surprise victories at Trenton and Princeton restored morale and sealed his status as the right man to lead The Cause of Freedom. As The Pennsylvania Journal put it:
“Had Washington been born in the days of idolatry... he would be worshipped as a god.” (p. 290)
McCullough makes the compelling case that it wasn’t brilliance in strategy or mastery of military science that defined Washington—it was his relentless perseverance. He wasn’t the most experienced, the most educated, or the most charismatic. But he was determined to see it through, and that quiet resolve inspired those around him.
To tell this story, McCullough draws on the archives of 25 libraries and countless primary sources—letters, diaries, memoirs, and maps—to give readers a vivid and comprehensive view of the year he argues is the most significant in American history. The book is further enriched by portraits of major figures and detailed maps, providing both depth and clarity. Taken together, 1776 isn’t just a book about a moment—it’s a masterwork of historical storytelling that reminds us just how much was at stake in that one extraordinary year.
McCullough excels at painting the arc of a fledgling Continental army—from the euphoric victory at the Siege of Boston to the near-disastrous retreat from New York, where George Washington’s forces came perilously close to annihilation by the British Redcoats, to victories in New Jersey that restored faith in the commander to close out the year. The future of American independence was far from certain, and McCullough’s narrative reminds us just how fragile the cause was in those early days.
But it’s not just the sweeping historical events that McCullough captures so brilliantly—it’s the vivid, often heart-wrenching details: the doubts and hopes of ordinary soldiers, the hunger, the lack of proper equipment (many had no shoes), and the sheer weight of uncertainty as they faced impossible odds. Even the British are given thoughtful treatment—not just as the villains of the story, but as men who believed the Americans were dangerously misguided. McCullough writes on page 158:
“In fact, the Americans of 1776 enjoyed a higher standard of living than any people in the world. . . How people with so much . . . would ever choose to rebel against the ruler God had put over them and thereby bring down such devastation upon themselves was for the invaders incomprehensible.”
We all remember that 1776 is the year the Declaration of Independence was signed—but McCullough reminds us that it came in the second year of what would be a grueling seven-year war. The Declaration gave purpose to the cause and joy to the troops transforming the Continental Army to the Army of America—while enraging the British. One British official, Ambrose Serle, wrote that the news only confirmed “the villainy and the madness of a deluded people” (p. 141).
At the heart of 1776 is George Washington, stepping into the role of Commander-in-Chief, flanked by two passionate patriots: 33-year-old General Nathanael Greene, a self-taught Quaker, and 25-year-old Henry Knox, a former #bookseller whose legendary transport of heavy artillery through harsh winter terrain earned him national acclaim. Though neither had formal military experience, their deep knowledge—much of it from books—proved invaluable to Washington during the darkest days of the war. McCullough also works in several cameos by a young Alexander Hamilton beginning his rise up from the bottom.
After the devastating defeats and retreat from New York, Washington faced growing doubt—even among his own officers and soldiers. But by year’s end, the surprise victories at Trenton and Princeton restored morale and sealed his status as the right man to lead The Cause of Freedom. As The Pennsylvania Journal put it:
“Had Washington been born in the days of idolatry... he would be worshipped as a god.” (p. 290)
McCullough makes the compelling case that it wasn’t brilliance in strategy or mastery of military science that defined Washington—it was his relentless perseverance. He wasn’t the most experienced, the most educated, or the most charismatic. But he was determined to see it through, and that quiet resolve inspired those around him.
To tell this story, McCullough draws on the archives of 25 libraries and countless primary sources—letters, diaries, memoirs, and maps—to give readers a vivid and comprehensive view of the year he argues is the most significant in American history. The book is further enriched by portraits of major figures and detailed maps, providing both depth and clarity. Taken together, 1776 isn’t just a book about a moment—it’s a masterwork of historical storytelling that reminds us just how much was at stake in that one extraordinary year.
informative
medium-paced
informative
slow-paced
This book is a good example of why I should do a better job of reading the preview of a book. I was expecting a full history of the Revolutionary War, not just through the catalytic year. In spite of this, I felt much more understanding of my nation's history and better informed of not just how but why we came to be.
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Okay pardon the mini-manifesto that's about to happen right now but I have to be real. Since November 2024 I have really been grappling with the fact that the thing in my life that has been the greatest disappointment to me is my country. (Really sorry for this next bit) I think a lot about what Lin Manuel-Miranda said (talking about Hamilton), re: how the musical deals with "... the origin of [America, being] based on ideals that we fell short of the minute they were written down."
Because truly, to a degree that embarrasses me, I want to be proud of my country. I felt genuinely inspired at times while reading this book: it is amazing to me that despite being at an overwhelming disadvantage, a small number of dirty, untrained farmers and artisans started a revolution against the most powerful empire on Earth, and did it in pursuit of the basic ideal that all humans should be equal. George Washington's own words, which are interwoven beautifully with this book's narrative, made me honestly teary-eyed at times. And then I would flip the page to a description of the renovations he was planning for his mansion, built and maintained by slaves.
I don't know how to reconcile the deep shame and deep love I have for my country. I want us to be better. You really have to forgive me for this insane nonsensical review but this last Saturday I marched with 5 million other Americans to protest tyranny and then the next day I housed this book in about 4 hours. It's been a trying week. Also I think every American should read this book.
"Still, [Washington] allowed, if properly led, the army would undoubtedly fight. And in a letter to General Philip Schuyler, who was in command at Albany, Washington insisted - possibly to rally his own resolve - that they must never lose sight of the 'goodness of our cause.' Difficulties were not insurmountable. 'Perserverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.'"
Because truly, to a degree that embarrasses me, I want to be proud of my country. I felt genuinely inspired at times while reading this book: it is amazing to me that despite being at an overwhelming disadvantage, a small number of dirty, untrained farmers and artisans started a revolution against the most powerful empire on Earth, and did it in pursuit of the basic ideal that all humans should be equal. George Washington's own words, which are interwoven beautifully with this book's narrative, made me honestly teary-eyed at times. And then I would flip the page to a description of the renovations he was planning for his mansion, built and maintained by slaves.
I don't know how to reconcile the deep shame and deep love I have for my country. I want us to be better. You really have to forgive me for this insane nonsensical review but this last Saturday I marched with 5 million other Americans to protest tyranny and then the next day I housed this book in about 4 hours. It's been a trying week. Also I think every American should read this book.
"Still, [Washington] allowed, if properly led, the army would undoubtedly fight. And in a letter to General Philip Schuyler, who was in command at Albany, Washington insisted - possibly to rally his own resolve - that they must never lose sight of the 'goodness of our cause.' Difficulties were not insurmountable. 'Perserverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.'"
Would've given it a 4, but it ended too abruptly I was left pining for 1777.
informative
medium-paced