" The first section of the book closes with the March "Miracle of Dorchester," when, in a surprise move, the Continental Army occupied the high ground surrounding Boston and began a bombardment that ended with the evacuation of British troops from the city. ... " By the end of the book, however, it is also clear how much chance played its role in the quest for American independence. ... Nonetheless, some critics have found 1776 light on analysis and narrow in scope, and others have criticized McCullough for giving the Declaration of Independence and its framers short shr...

• Word Count: 1576
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Thomas Paine played a pivotal role in galvanizing American thought, with his revolutionary pamphlet, Common Sense, which spoke of such radical ideas as natural rights and independence. Statesman, diplomat, legislature and future president Thomas Jefferson, undoubtedly influenced by Locke, Smith and Paine issued the Declaration of Independence, which led to the eventual adoption of Libertarian principles. ... As I mentioned earlier Libertarians believe in a society where government plays a limited role in the everyday lives of its citizens; they see government solely as an institution respons...

• Word Count: 7038
• Approx Pages: 28
• Grade Level: Undergraduate