“1776” is a highly readable account, based on David McCullough’s research in both American and British archives of the year 1776 during the American Revolution, and the trials, tribulations and triumphs experienced by both the Americans and the British during this crucial year in the war for independence, indeed — for the future of the United States.
McCullough, who died in 2022, authored many other historical books. He was twice awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his biographies of John Adams and Harry Truman. “1776” was written as a companion work to “John Adams.”
“1776” begins in London on Oct. 26, 1775. when George III, King of England, addressed the opening of Parliament about the crisis in America. “They have raised troops and are collecting a naval force. They have seized the public revenue, and assumed to themselves legislative, executive, and judicial powers, which they already exercise in the most arbitrary manner … ”
Even though the Declaration of Independence would not occur for another nine months, George denounced the leaders of the uprising for having American independence as their main goal. He confirmed that he would commit land and sea forces and foreign mercenaries to put down this rebellion, once and for all.
Moving into 1776, McCullough’s narrative describes the Siege of Boston, where the Continental Army, by fortifying Dorchester Heights with cannon mortars and several thousand soldiers, succeeded in forcing the British to........