The American Revolution

Thirteen colonies unite in rebellion, win their independence, and found the United States.

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Episodes

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    The Most Sacred Thing (May 1780 – Onward)

    S1 Ep6 |
    Victory at Yorktown secures independence. Americans aspire for a more perfect union.
  • The Soul of All America (December 1777 – May 1780): asset-mezzanine-16x9
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    The Soul of All America (December 1777 – May 1780)

    S1 Ep5 |
    The war drags on and moves to new theaters: at sea, in Indian Country, and in the South.
  • Conquer by a Drawn Game (January 1777 – February 1778): asset-mezzanine-16x9
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    Conquer by a Drawn Game (January 1777 – February 1778)

    S1 Ep4 |
    Philadelphia falls, but the American victory at Saratoga allows France to enter the war.
  • The Times That Try Men’s Souls (July 1776 – January 1777): asset-mezzanine-16x9
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    The Times That Try Men’s Souls (July 1776 – January 1777)

    S1 Ep3 |
    Washington abandons New York City and flees across New Jersey, before attacking Trenton.
  • An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776): asset-mezzanine-16x9
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    An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)

    S1 Ep2 |
    Washington takes command of the Continental Army. Congress declares American independence.
  • In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775): asset-mezzanine-16x9
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    In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)

    S1 Ep1 |
    Political protest escalates into violence. War gives thirteen colonies a common cause.

Specials

  • Inside Look: Making The American Revolution: asset-mezzanine-16x9
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    Inside Look: Making The American Revolution

    Step behind the scenes of Ken Burns’s new film to see how The American Revolution came to life.
  • Campus Conversation: asset-mezzanine-16x9
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    Campus Conversation

    The film directors and guests discuss the Revolutionary War’s significance for young people today.

About The American Revolution

Thirteen American colonies unite in rebellion, win an eight-year war to secure their independence, and establish a new form of government that would inspire democratic movements at home and around the globe. What begins as a political clash between colonists and the British government grows into a bloody struggle that will engage more than two dozen nations and forever change the world.

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Extras