Questions for 1776 (David McCullough)

One of the optional extra credit opportunities for the first 9 weeks (students may complete 2 extra credit projects each nine weeks) is a book review for 1776. These questions can assist students in their note-taking and preparation for that opportunity. In addition, this book provides valuable insight into the Revolutionary era and many major themes in U.S. history.

Chapter One

1. “Sovereign Duty” begins with the British national anthem “God Save the King (Queen)”. Do you know the American patriotic song “My Country ’Tis of Thee” The melody is the same for both. What is the significance of this?

2. Thursday, October 26, 1775, King George III addressed the British Parliament on the rebellion in America. Compare the arguments presented by the Members of Parliament in support of the King’s request to send land and sea forces to put down the rebellion and with those arguments opposed to such action.

Reflection… Why do you think that McCullough chooses to begin 1776 with King George III of England? How does this set the tone for the historical events about to unfold?

Chapter Two

3. “Rabble in Arms” discusses the American forces at in the summer of 1776 when assumed command of the Continental Army. Identify obstacles he faced and analyze the extent to which he successfully dealt with them.

Chapter Three

4. “Dorchester Heights” tells the story of the geographic importance of Dorchester, just south of Boston. Why was the geography of Dorchester so strategically important to both the British and the Continental Armies?

5. The story of Dorchester Heights cannot be told without considering the importance of 25-year- old . What were his contributions to the Revolution and to the at Dorchester Heights? (When Washington is inaugurated President in 1789, he will appoint Henry Knox as the first Secretary of War.)

6. How did the Siege of Boston end?

7. “If New York was the key to the continent, then Long Island was the key to NewYork and the key to the defense of Long Island was Brooklyn Heights.”—As the War shifts to New York City, what were the weaknesses of the Continental Army at this point?

8. What was the result of the Battle of Harlem Heights on September 16, 1776? What American officer was mortally wounded at this battle?

9. What natural event coincided with Nathan Hale’s mission? What was his mission?

10. The final chapter is entitled “The Darkest Hour”. What was there about November and December, 1776 that made these months “The Darkest Hour”?

Reflection

1. Were you surprised by anything that you learned from this book? Do you recommend it?

2. Does this book relate in any way to the current state of the world and the United States?

3. Do you think the men and women of your generation could have fought the way the colonists did during the revolution? Explain your reasoning.

4. What qualities made General George Washington a successful leader? Do you think that there was anything in particular about Washington that enabled him to turn a lost cause into a victory?

5. Do you think the war could have been won if George Washington had not led the Colonies?

6. There was a lot of regional prejudice in the Continental Army. Are any of those feelings still with us today?

7. What was the effect of the Declaration of Independence on the army? What significance does this document have today for Americans?

8. Most Americans know very little about the American Revolution… as attention for war history tends to gravitate mostly to the Civil War and WWII. Why do you think the American Revolution is overshadowed by these other two wars? Do you think its justified?

Analyze the link between the American Revolution and the Civil War.