1776
David McCullough
How I consumed the book: Audible
Short Recap: This is obviously an historic account of the first year of the revolutionary war, which was also the most difficult year. In the famous words of George Washington … few people know the predicament we are in. This kind of sums up the sometimes seemingly impossible fight that America was in for her very existence. However, I still learned quite a bit about this first year that I didn’t’ realize previously.
The fact that King George III was waging a war for a land that he had never and would never actually see, and that there was actual debate in parliament over whether the British could win the war. I had always believed the British saw it as inventible, but some members had recommend repealing the stamp act and other taxes to appease the Americans. As we know, the war continued.
Despite the British offering peace overtures on more than one occasion and the fact that Washington’s leadership was being openly questioned early on the army continued. As troops deserted or left and took weapons and resources with them, Washington held out the possibility of a “brilliant stroke,” being possible out of the blue to change the tide of the war.
Even with large numbers of troops sick and unable to fight the states were reluctant to send troops that might be used to protect themselves. In December, America was staring 2,000 troops whose enlistment was coming to an end on New Year’s day. At the time those men were a large piece of an already stricken Army. Then on Dec 14th Washington’s opportunity for the brilliant stroke came.
The now famous picture of the crossing of the Delaware river came in winter with the waters nearly frozen solid. Despite the failure of two distraction attempts in different locations, Washington’s attack began at 0800 on an encampment of Hessian soldiers. Fighting carried over house to house with over 1,000 Hessians being killed or captures. This was the victory that America needed to “rouse the spirits.”
It was reported everywhere, and it simultaneously helped build back up the confidence of the Americans and showed his men that there was victory to be had. On December 31st Washington made a heart felt plea to those men to re-enlist even offering the substantial sum of $10 per man. The drums rolled, and no one stepped forward. Washington again reminded them that he had not right to ask what he was asking, but that they were needed to continue the cause of America. The drums rolled, and men began stepping forward choosing to re-enlist. Though the war continued for several more years, 1776 showed the British and American people that this war could be won and this cause of freedom could be realized.
Application to Business: Business is often compared to war, which we know is a silly comparison. However, the struggle of war and overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles can be a valuable lesson in business. When a cause or purpose is so strong, the long odds may be no obstacle at all. It is the will of the individual and the leadership that must be calm in the storm or those around you will certainly waiver.
Application to Life: Any time I read something that makes me more thankful for what I have and how easily it could not even exist I see value in that. Reminding us of the meager beginnings of America reminds us what we truly have and hopefully reminds us what it is to be American.
Recommendation: Worth the Read (If you enjoy history, but if not skip it and red my review. Haha)
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