On July 4, 2026, Americans will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The Civic Thought & Leadership Initiatiave at UVU's Center for Constitutional Studies is leading a yearlong UT Together: Reading 1776 effort.
And find reading lists for adults and K–12 students to supplement your reading of 1776.
David McCullough's 1776 focuses on the pivotal year when American colonists fought for independence from British rule.
The narrative follows George Washington as he transforms from an inexperienced military commander into a determined leader facing seemingly impossible odds. His Continental Army was poorly equipped, underfunded, and often outnumbered by professional British forces.
McCullough shows how ordinary farmers and merchants became soldiers, enduring harsh weather and constant danger.
Through detailed accounts from both the American and British perspectives, the book reveals how close the Revolution came to failure and how Washington's persistence and strategic thinking kept the cause of independence alive during its darkest hour.
As part of the UT Together: Reading 1776 effort, this page contains a reading guide and discussion questions for the Declaration of Independence and for McCullough's 1776 for use in book clubs, classrooms, or public reading activities, which can be adapted by parents for use at home.
While the book 1776 does not focus specifically on the Declaration of Independence, the battles of 1776—which the book does focus on—brought Americans together, solidifying their determination to be a free and self-governed people.
