By: David McCullough - Stratford Academy

1776
By: David McCullough
The book that you are about to read is about the birth of our country from a
military perspective (make sure you thoroughly read it and expect a test when
you return to school). As you read it, I want you to keep one question in mind.
How was a rag tag militia able to defeat and repel the mightiest military of its day
The book is divided into three parts and as its title implies, solely takes place
during the year 1776. “Part I: The Siege” opens with a glance at the rebellion in
America from a British perspective. It then jumps right into the war, beginning
with Washington and the Continental Army’s siege of Boston. “Part II: Fateful
Summer” covers the march from Boston to New York City, where the Continental
Army attempts to save the city from a second British attack. “Part III: The Long
Retreat” portrays the frustrations and doubts that plague the American forces after
New York, and then ends with the victories at Trenton and Princeton, New Jersey.
Now, back to the original question: according to the battles portrayed in 1776, how
in the world was a small American rag tag army able to defeat the mighty British
Empire You will want to make a list of your reasons as you read the book.
*This is an independent assignment. Therefore, any group work or sharing of
thoughts will be considered a violation of the Stratford Academy honor code!

Now, before you begin reading, I want you to do a bit of research
that will help you better understand the events of 1776. The
answers to all identification and questions must be typed!! Complete
the following assignments below.
1. Identify the following people, events, and key terms. All answers should be at
least five or six sentences long. List your sources in MLA format after each
explanation.
1. The British Empire:
2. King George III:
3. The Townsend Acts:
4. “The Boston Massacre:”

5. Sons of Liberty
6. Tory:
7. The Boston Tea Party:
8. Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts):
9. The First Continental Congress:

10. The Battles of Lexington and Concord:
11. The Second Continental Congress:
12. Lord North:
13. Edmond Burke:
14. General Howe:

15. George Washington:

After reading 1776, answer each question below as thoroughly as you can. The
grade you will earn is based on your answers as a whole. They should be typed
and conform to standard rules of grammar and syntax (write in complete
sentences). Remember, this will be your first grade in U.S. history, so make
sure you provide thorough and detailed answers!
1. Describe the Continental Army. What sort of army was Washington in command of in
1776 At its peak, what was the highest number of soldiers in the Continental Army
What was the age range of the American soldiers What did many of them do before
joining the army How well equipped were they How well armed were they What
was missing in the American military that put them at a huge disadvantage You must
provide examples and page numbers when answering the above question.

2. Describe the British military. How were the British soldiers different from the enemy
they faced in America At its peak, what was the highest number of British soldiers
serving in the American colonies What did the British military possess that American
forces completely lacked How did this additional military component provide the
British with a huge advantage over the Continental Army What are some factors that
put the British military at a disadvantage You must provide examples and page
numbers when answering the above question.

3. Compare and contrast the battles that occurred at Boston and New York City. How were
they similar How were they different Be thorough in your explanation. Provide
examples and page numbers when answering the above question.

4. Why can the American Revolution also be considered America’s first civil war What
problems did this create for the British military What problems did this create for the
Continental Army Provide examples and page numbers when answering the above
question.

5. Using examples from the book (include page numbers) and any other information that
you uncovered in your research, explain how it is that a smaller, largely untrained
American militia defeated the mighty British military, which many considered the best
and most powerful of its day.