LIBERTYVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, DISTRICT 128
ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY
SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT
We are glad that you have enrolled in AP U.S. History. You will find this a fastpaced, rigorous, college-level course which stresses analytical and interpretive
thinking, in addition to basic factual knowledge. A major component of the course
is extensive reading of a variety of types of material. We begin with what many
people find the most interesting type of history reading – the narrative. This will
provide you with a richly-detailed story about a particular period of American
history, as well as the opportunity to analyze how history is constructed. It will
provide a much more complex, sophisticated, and interesting account than the
textbook does and will be the basis of several of our first assignments and
discussions. The assigned book is a good example of the level of reading that will
be used in the AP course throughout the school year. If the book sparks no
interest or if you struggle with the style, vocabulary, or the writing structure,
consider that a student enrolled in the AP US History course will have readings
like this assigned weekly. If you have any doubts about your choice of AP US
History over the other levels offered we suggest that you contact your counselor
about your placement selection.
The book selected for the 2010-2011 school year is 1776 by David McCullough
(Simon & Schuster, 2006). It is widely available in paperback at local
bookstores and online stores such as amazon and overstock.com. We suggest that
you buy your own copy so that you can annotate the book. We have provided a
reading guide for you on the pages that follow. While it is not required, most
APUSH students find that it is beneficial to take reading notes. The format and
depth of these notes is up to you. The purpose of your note-taking is to help you
organize your thoughts so as to better understand and master the content of the
book.
When school opens in August, be prepared to discuss, write about, and
demonstrate your knowledge of the book. Enjoy your summer as you get
acquainted with 1776.
If you have any questions about this assignment, email Ms. Robertson at
[email protected]
Be able to identify the following key personalities as they are referenced in the book:
George Washington
Thomas Jefferson
King George III
John Hancock
Edmund Burke
Richard Howe
Lord Frederick North
Charles Lee
William Howe
Henry Knox
John Burgoyne
Alexander Hamilton
Charles Cornwallis
George Germaine
Henry Clinton
James Monroe
Nathanael Greene
Joseph Reed
Israel Putnam
Thomas Paine
Martha Dandridge Custis
Be able to identify the following events, battles, and locations as they are referenced
in the book:
Lexington & Concord
Breed’s Hill
Siege of Boston
Charlestown, Massachusetts
Mount Vernon
Fort Ticonderoga
Fort Washington
Battle of Brooklyn Heights
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Battle of Trenton
Battle of Princeton
Delaware River
General Questions
1. How does the British government view the rebellion in 1775? Is there disagreement
among the British leadership over the war in America?
2. What is in the minds of Americans in 1776? Why do they rebel? What do they hope
to accomplish?
3. What training did George Washington have to lead the rebellion?
4. How do you account for the American success at the Battle of Trenton?
Chapter Questions
Chapter One: Sovereign Duty
1. What was the purpose of the address to Parliament by King George III?
2. How does McCullough (the author) describe George III?
3. Explain the varied views held by members of Parliament regarding the war in the Americas.
Chapter Two: Rabble in Arms
1. In what way was Nathaniel Greene an unlikely general?
2. What was Greene’s opinion of the way to keep the British in Boston?
3. Of what groups was the Continental Army composed? What various names were
to the army and how well was it equipped?
4. Describe the conditions and behavior in the camps of the Continental Army. How
were officers distinguished from regular troops? Why was this necessary?
5. What was the length of the service in the Continental Army? Why was the length of
service considered a drawback?
6. Describe the differences of opinion held by Washington and officers from other
states. How did he personally regard the request that he lead the armies?
7. What did Washington originally want to do in Boston in dealing with the British?
Why did Washington’s council of war discourage his ideas?
8. Was independence the goal early in the war? Explain.
9. Identify Henry Knox’s contribution to the siege at Boston.
Chapter Three: Dorchester Heights
1. Describe why it was difficult for either the British or Americans to occupy Dorchester
Heights.
2. What issues surfaced with the British command over whether to leave Boston for
New York?
3. Why was Boston a difficult place for the British to camp in the winter?
4. Explain Washington’s decision to take Dorchester Heights.
5. Describe the seizing of Dorchester Heights. Who succeeded and why?
6. Describe the departure of the British from Boston, the mood of the Americans,
and the reaction of Congress.
7. Evaluate Washington’s performance throughout the siege of Boston.
Chapter Four: Lines are Drawn
1. Describe the move of the Continental Army from Boston to New York. How did
defending New York differ from that of Boston?
2. How did Loyalists living in New York complicate Washington’s urban defense?
3. What affect did the Declaration of Independence have on the Continental Army?
4. What ominous warning were the British sending Washington when ships from the
Royal Navy bombed New York City on 12 July, 1776?
5. As the British awaited the arrival of the full fleet and more troops, how did many
British officers expect the Americans in New York to act when the fighting began?
6. Describe the effort of General William Howe to initiate a discussion with Washington
on 13 July, 1776? Why did it take three attempts and what was the result?
7. In defense of New York, Washington violated what one fundamental rule of battle?
Chapter Five: Field of Battle
1. Describe the British invasion of New York on 22 August, 1776.
2. Compare and contrast the British troops with that of the American troops on 24
August.
3. Describe the attack by British General Henry Clinton at Brooklyn on 26 August and
evaluate Washington’s leadership at this time.
4. Describe the reaction by Americans and British at the Battle of Brooklyn Heights.
Chapter Six : Fortune Frowns
1. What was the result of the meetings between Washington and his council of war in
September of 1776?
2. Explain the causes of desertions in the Continental Army. What was Washington’s
plan to stop the desertions?
3. Why was the surrender of Fort Washington so devastating for the Americans?
4. After the surrender of Fort Washington, General Washington’s detractors began to
attack his decision, especially General Lee. Why does Lee feel so strongly against
Washington and how does he express it?
Chapter Seven : Darkest Hour: November-December 1776
1. What was the size of Washington's army when he departed southward into New
Jersey from New York on 21 November 1776? What happened to this number by 1
December 1776?
2. Describe how the British Proclamation of 30 November 1776 affected Washington’s
ability to raise a fighting force in New Jersey.
3. Describe the actions of the British and the Hessians in New Jersey during the last two
months of 1776.
4. Describe the capture of General Lee by the British.
5. Describe the problems the Continental Army experienced in crossing the Delaware
River to Trenton.
6. Describe the Battle of Trenton. Why did the Americans succeed?
7. Explain how the Battle of Trenton affected the war.
8. By the end of this book, how does David McCullough evaluate General Washington?
How does McCullough regard the men who fought the war?
Conclusion Questions
1. Does this depiction of 1776 differ from earlier history lessons you have been taught
about the Revolution? Were you surprised at the conditions of the army or the
mistakes made by leaders on both sides? Did the lack of training of the American
leaders affect the war effort before the Battle of Trenton? Explain.
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, nationalism, and democracy?
Explain.
Reading Guide adapted from materials by Douglas Liscio, Hill Grove High School.
http://hillgrovehighschool.typepad.com/douglasliscio/2009/06/index.html