Discuss the role of hope and despair in 1776. How do these emotions drive the actions of key figures and influence the course of events? Consider these points as you formulate a response.

• How does McCullough highlight the despair felt by the Continental Army and its leaders, and how does this sense of despair impact their strategic choices?
• How is hope portrayed as a motivating force in the book? How does a sense of hope significantly alter the course of events or a strategic decision?
• Consider the balance of hope and despair. How does this balance shift throughout the book, and what does this tell us about the nature of the Revolutionary War and its impact on those who lived through it?

Teaching Suggestion: Students might choose or be assigned specific leaders for additional study, so that they can focus on how each leader experiences both hope and despair. These figures might all represent the American side, or students might be challenged by the inclusion of British leaders. To make a clear connection from the book to the modern world, students might be asked to make a comparison to a contemporary leader and how they may have experienced hope and despair. Utilizing research skills and materials, students might find helpful interviews with that leader.