APUS—Gallo
1776---David McCullough
Study Guide*
Please read the following before you begin to read 1776. After reading the general questions,
you can work on the chapter questions.
How do the British view the rebellion of the colonies? What do they understand? What do they
feel in regard to the rebels? Is there disagreement among them?
What is in the minds of the Americans? Why do they rebel? What do they hope to accomplish?
Is there disagreement among them?
Keep a record as you read, of the extent to which the leaders are prepared for an extended war.
What training had Washington had to make him capable of leading a group in the rebellion?
Describe the armies which Washington had to lead. What very extensive limitations did these
armies have? How did these conditions affect his leadership?
What is the frame of mind throughout the country? To what extent do you see patriotism? Is the
universal feeling patriotic? What contributions are made by ordinary people?
Be always aware of the effect of the war on all the people, i.e., soldiers, tradesmen, homemakers,
farmers, etc.
Between August and November, five battles were lost: Brooklyn, Kips Bay, White Plains, Fort
Washington, retreat at Fort Lee. Be able to explain the reasons for failure.
How do you account for the success at Trenton?
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CHAPTER QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU REMEMBER:
Part I:
Chapter I Sovereign Duty
1.What was the purpose of George III's address to Parliament?
2. How does McCullough contrast the character of George III with the popular conception of him
today?
3. Explain the varied views Londoners held of the war,
Chapter 2 Rabble in Arms
1. In what way was Greene an unlikely general? What were his qualifications? What was his
opinion of the way to keep the British in Boston? Why and how/
2. Of what groups was the army composed? What various names were given the armies and how
well were they equipped?
3. Describe conditions and behaviors in the camps. What was Washington's view of this? How
were officers distinguished from regular troops? Why was this necessary? To what extent was
there discipline? Why?
4. What was the length of service in these armies? Why was this drawback?
5. Describe the differences of opinion held by Washington and many of his officers from other
states. In Washington's case what military training had he had? How much education? How did
he personally regard the request that he lead the armies?
6. What did Washington originally want to do in Boston? Why did his Council discourage it?
When did they decide against it?
7. Was independence the goal early in the war?
8. Name and describe the first American spy.
9. Identify Henry Knox and describe his contribution.
10. Describe conditions by the end of December, 1777. What is the official name of the army;
describe its flag.
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Chapter 3: Dorchester Heights
1. Explain why it was so hard for either side to decide to occupy Dorchester Heights. Why was
there indecision over whether to leave Boston for New York?
2. Why was Boston a difficult place to winter?
3. Explain Washington's desire for Boston and the opinion of his Council. How did they decide
about Dorchester?
4. Describe the attack on Dorchester Heights. Who succeeded and why?
5. Who were the Loyalists? Explain their problems and their actions.
6. Describe the departure of the British, the mood of the Americans, Congress, et al.
7. Evaluate Washington's behavior throughout the siege.
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Part II:
Chapter 4. Lines are Drawn
1. Describe the move from Boston to New York. How does New York differ from Boston and
why is it important?
2. How Many Loyalists live there/where/? How does this complicate Washington's position?
Where are the British warships?
3. How did New Yorkers differ from the soldiers? How did New Yorkers describe the soldiers?
4. Explain the weakness in General Lee's plan to defend from Long Island. (Battle of Brooklyn:
Fort Stirling)
5. July 2, 1776: What was the effect of the Declaration of Independence upon the army?
6. July 12: What ominous warning were the British ships/ bombing on New York?
7. As the British awaited the arrival of the full fleet, how did they behave in New York?
8 July 13: Describe the effort of Lord Howe to effect a discussion with George Washington.
Why did it take four attempts and what was the result?
9. In his defense of New York, Washington violated one fundamental rule of battle. Explain.
(July 13-.July 20) Explain the problems the army faced.
Chapter 5: Field of Battle
1. Describe the British invasion of New York, August 22nd.
2. Compare British troops to American troops.
3. August 26; Clinton to attack; describe. Evaluate Washington's leadership at this time.
4. Describe the reaction to this battle throughout the country, as well as in London.
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Part III:
Chapter 6: Fortune Frowns
1.Describe the meetings leading to the Continental Amy's retreat from New York.
2. Describe the Battle at Kip's Bay. What was Washington's reaction to this battle?
3. Explain the importance of the Battle of Harlem Heights.
4. Explain the causes of army desertions. What was Washington's plan to stop the desertions?
5. Why was the surrender of Fort Washington so devastating?
6. At this point General Washington has many detractors, especially General Lee. Why does Lee
feel so strongly against Washington and how does Lees express it?
Chapter 7: Darkest Hour: November-December 1776
1.Washington sent Reed with a note to Lee, suggesting but not ordering Lee to join him in New
Jersey. Reed included a personal note. Explain.
2. What was the size of Washington's army now? How would this number change December 1,
1776?
3. Describe the effect of the British Proclamation of November 30th.
4. Describe the actions of the British, Hessians, and New Jersey Loyalists in New Jersey.
5. Describe the capture of General Lee.
6. Describe the problems the army experienced crossing the Delaware to Trenton. What
examples of incredible bravery do you witness?
7. Describe the Battles of Trenton & Princeton. Why did they succeed? Which was more
important and why?
8. What was the effect the Battle of Trenton? Did it end the war? Discuss.
9. By the end of this book, how does David McCullough evaluate General Washington? How
does he regard the men who fought in the war?
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Other things to think about:
1. How does this depiction of 1776 differ from earlier history lessons? Were you surprised at the
conditions? The mistakes? The lack of training of the American leaders?
2. Do the things you have learned in this book bear any relation to efforts to bring democracy to
other parts of the world today? Does reading this book give you any new ideas concerning war,
revolution, patriotism, democracy, “good wars” vs.” bad wars”?
*From Wellesley High School, Wellesley, MA