Reflection #1- “1776”-(Pg.3–69)

I choose David McCullough’s 1776 mostly because of its title. Any American should instantly understand the historical significance of that year and the ones to follow. I personally love history, I find the events and circumstances that lead to the modern world we live in to be incredibly interesting. And while my love of history has lead me to know most of the United States history the years of and before the revolution are still a bit of a mystery. But I heard about this book when it was coming out a couple years ago. I heard it from Glen Beck, when he was still on fox news network, and I am excited to have a reason to read it.

David McCullough has so far not disappointed me in shedding light on those mysterious and eventful years. McCullough’s focus on key historical figures really creates the atmosphere and mindset of the people in that time with accuracy. For instance, our traditional American view of King George III leads us to believe he was a “mad king” completely out of touch with the issues in the colonies at the time of the revolution. McCullough shows this to be untrue, “the so-called ‘madness’ of king George III-for which he would be long remembered, did not come until much later”(pg.5).

A grabbing and immersive feature McCullough demonstrates is his use of imagery. Using letters and eye witness accounts McCullough creates accurate and truthful portrayals of the people involved and the circumstances of certain historical settings, like the siege of Boston.

I enjoy being able to experience the situations these historical figures went through with the accurate descriptions and facts. My favorite so far is the difficulty George Washington is having in his task of turning the untrained and undisciplined colonial militia into a standing patriotic army to fight the greatest superpower in the world at the time. It’s truly gripping and the realization that our modern way of life and the entire modern world hinged on the decisions made in such an uncertain time.

McCullough introduces several characters in this section and throughout the rest of the book. Some will be major figures, like George Washington or King George III, others are of less importance but it seems McCullough introduces these lesser characters to further the image of other characters or events; like Billy Lee, Washington's body servant, or John Greenwood, a colonial army fifer. These characters are introduced to show attributes of others or feelings the people have to an event. Billy Lee shows Washington's wealth and view of slavery. John Greenwood would inspire others in the patriot cause by “going to fight for my[his] country, they were astonished such a little boy, and alone, should have so much courage”(35).