Enmanuel Castillo
Honors American History
Mr. Kumer
October 3, 2014

Ellis, Joseph J. Revolutionary Summer: The Birth of American Independence. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, Jun 4, 2013. Pp. 1, 625

Joseph Ellis considers congress essential in order to change the fate of the Americans. He loves to tell his stories in narratives that make you feel as if you’re inside the book. He takes us back to the historic summer of 1776 where the American colonist and the English disregarded their relationships and fought to the death. Everybody presumes the American Revolution started with the shots fired in the fields. Joseph Ellis believes when congress decided that independence from Britain was their best option in order to achieve freedom. The author views the battle between Continental Congress and English Parliament crucial, unlike the combat fought in the battlefield. He emphasizes the seriousness of government in the radical sunny season of 1776.
Joseph Ellis states the incomprehensible sense his book has if the military and political events are told separately. This is due to the need of military action in order to accomplish diplomatic success. The author credits the independence from England to the efforts of the Continental Congress more than he credits the Continental Army. The influential figures are John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, John Dickinson, and Benjamin Franklin. He highlights the works of John Adams and praises him as hero in congress. The author compliments Adams as a result of John’s work ethic and how he’s prepared for aftermath of this vital war. ‘His leadership in drafting the Plan of Treaties, as we have seen, charted the future course for American foreign policy’ (Ellis 284). Joseph Ellis shows his truly sharp judgment and utilizes things such as autobiographies from his heroes to present and argue his theme on this book.
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