1776 David Mccullough Character Analysis
1776 by David McCullough
Characterization:
George Washington: Washington was 43 year old when he was appointed by the Continental Congress to be Commander-in-Chief of the American army. He had almost no formal schooling, and was a self-educated man. He was a brave man who was totally dedicated to America, the country he loved. He was strong and rarely showed his discouragement or despair, even though he suffered greatly through the course of the American Revolution.
After seeing Washington for the first time, Dr. James Thatcher, a doctor at the army’s hospital at Cambridge, described Washington: “His Excellency was on horseback, in company with several military gentlemen. It was not difficult to distinguish him from all others. …show more content…
290)
Nathanael Greene: Greene was a Quaker in his thirties. He was an inexperienced soldier, but nonetheless served as a general in Washington’s army. He was burly, handsome, and walked with a limp. He was smart and resolved, but received little formal schooling. Like Washington, he was self-educated. He came from a prosperous family. He worked hard and was a natural leader. He was an ardent supporter of Washington.
Totally devoted to the American cause, Greene, a fine writer, was one of the first people to write about a “declaration of independence” being wanted by Americans. (p. 55) In response to King George III’s speech about controlling America’s destiny, Greene wrote expressing his commitment, bravery, and belief that God wanted a free America: “Heaven hath decreed that tottering empire Britain to irretrievable ruin and thanks to God, since Providence hath so determined, America must raise an empire of permanent duration, supported upon the grand pillars of Truth, Freedom, and Religion, encouraged by the smiles of Justice and defended by her own patriotic sons….Permit me then to recommend from the sincerity of my heart, ready at all times to bleed in my country’s …show more content…
He said: “The future happiness or misery of a great proportion of the human race is at stake—and if we make a wrong choice, ourselves and our posterity must be wretched. Wrong choice! There can be but one choice consistent with the character of a people possessing the least degree of reason. And that is to separate—to separate from that people who from a total dissolution of virtue among them must be our enemies—an event which I de[v]outly pray may soon take place: and let it be as soon as may be.” (p. 130)
Faithful to his country, even not staying with his beloved, but scared wife when they saw the British fleet arriving, Knox said “I not at liberty to attend her, as my country cries loudest.” (p 134)
Knox knew what was at stake. He said, “On the success of this campaign the happiness or misery of millions may depend.” (p. 135) After congress declared the decision for independence form Britain, Knox, who understood the importance of the decision, was also realistic about what the outcome could be. He said, “As we play our part posterity will bless or curse us.” (p.
Characterization:
George Washington: Washington was 43 year old when he was appointed by the Continental Congress to be Commander-in-Chief of the American army. He had almost no formal schooling, and was a self-educated man. He was a brave man who was totally dedicated to America, the country he loved. He was strong and rarely showed his discouragement or despair, even though he suffered greatly through the course of the American Revolution.
After seeing Washington for the first time, Dr. James Thatcher, a doctor at the army’s hospital at Cambridge, described Washington: “His Excellency was on horseback, in company with several military gentlemen. It was not difficult to distinguish him from all others. …show more content…
290)
Nathanael Greene: Greene was a Quaker in his thirties. He was an inexperienced soldier, but nonetheless served as a general in Washington’s army. He was burly, handsome, and walked with a limp. He was smart and resolved, but received little formal schooling. Like Washington, he was self-educated. He came from a prosperous family. He worked hard and was a natural leader. He was an ardent supporter of Washington.
Totally devoted to the American cause, Greene, a fine writer, was one of the first people to write about a “declaration of independence” being wanted by Americans. (p. 55) In response to King George III’s speech about controlling America’s destiny, Greene wrote expressing his commitment, bravery, and belief that God wanted a free America: “Heaven hath decreed that tottering empire Britain to irretrievable ruin and thanks to God, since Providence hath so determined, America must raise an empire of permanent duration, supported upon the grand pillars of Truth, Freedom, and Religion, encouraged by the smiles of Justice and defended by her own patriotic sons….Permit me then to recommend from the sincerity of my heart, ready at all times to bleed in my country’s …show more content…
He said: “The future happiness or misery of a great proportion of the human race is at stake—and if we make a wrong choice, ourselves and our posterity must be wretched. Wrong choice! There can be but one choice consistent with the character of a people possessing the least degree of reason. And that is to separate—to separate from that people who from a total dissolution of virtue among them must be our enemies—an event which I de[v]outly pray may soon take place: and let it be as soon as may be.” (p. 130)
Faithful to his country, even not staying with his beloved, but scared wife when they saw the British fleet arriving, Knox said “I not at liberty to attend her, as my country cries loudest.” (p 134)
Knox knew what was at stake. He said, “On the success of this campaign the happiness or misery of millions may depend.” (p. 135) After congress declared the decision for independence form Britain, Knox, who understood the importance of the decision, was also realistic about what the outcome could be. He said, “As we play our part posterity will bless or curse us.” (p.