The American Revolution, a film series by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, explores the journey of the thirteen American colonies as they 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.
Connections with Evan Dawson hosted an interview with David Schmidt co-director on the film series and Michael Jarvis, Professor of History at University of Rochester and Paul Moyer, Professor of History at SUNY Brockport
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A highly anticipated documentary series launches on PBS this weekend. Ken Burns’ “The American Revolution: An Intimate History” is a six-part series about the men and women who fought and lived through the war for America’s independence. This hour, we’re joined by filmmaker David Schmidt and local history professors to preview the series and to discuss what we can learn — and what we get wrong — about the Revolutionary War. Our guests:
(in studio) Michael Jarvis, Ph.D., professor of early American, Atlantic, and digital history and archeology at University of Rochester
(Teams) David Schmidt, co-director of “The American Revolution”
(in studio) Paul B. Moyer, Ph.D., professor of history at SUNY Brockport
NPR Interviews with Ken Burns about The American Revolution Series
Following the airing of the episode it will be available on-demand through December 14th on the PBS Player website and the PBS App.
More About The Series: The American Revolution brings an expansive look at the virtues and contradictions of the war and the birth of the United States of America, the film series follows dozens of figures from a wide variety of backgrounds. Through their individual stories, viewers experience the war through the memories of the men and women who experienced it: the rank-and-file Continental soldiers and American militiamen (some of them teenagers), Patriot political and military leaders, British Army officers, American Loyalists, Native soldiers and civilians, enslaved and free African Americans, German soldiers in the British service, French and Spanish allies, and various civilians living in North America, Loyalist as well as Patriot, including many made refugees by the war.
The Revolution began a movement for people around the world to imagine new and better futures for themselves, their nations, and for humanity. It declared American independence with promises that we continue to strive for. The American Revolution opened the door to advance civil liberties and human rights, and it asked questions that we are still trying to answer today.
Episodes
Episode 1: In Order To Be Free: The American Revolution In Order to Be Free Opposition in colonial North America to British policies over taxes, land, and sovereignty escalates into violent confrontation. Fighting in Massachusetts. Airs November 16.
Episode 2: An Asylum For Mankind: As New Englanders work to force the British Army from Boston, Congress puts George Washington in command of a new Continental Army. In July 1776, Congress declares American independence, insisting on the people’s right to resist tyranny. Airs November 17, 2025.
Episode 3: The Times That Try Men’s Souls: British General Howe soundly defeats General Washington at Long Island and in Manhattan, forcing the Americans to abandon New York City. After fleeing across New Jersey, Washington’s army regroups before attacking an outpost at Trenton. Airs November 18, 2025.
Episode 4: Conquer by a Drawn Game: After beating General Washington in battle, General Howe takes Philadelphia, forcing Congress to flee the city. But the Americans’ surprising victory over General Burgoyne at Saratoga encourages France to openly support the United States. Airs November 19, 2025.
Episode 5: The Soul of All America: After Valley Forge and Monmouth, the French American alliance changes the war and moves it to other theaters. Navies battle off England and in the Caribbean, while armies advance in Indian Country and the South. The British take Charleston. Airs: November 20, 2025.
Episode 6: The Most Sacred Thing: British General Cornwallis struggles to pacify the southern states. Supported by the French, Washington wins the decisive victory at Yorktown. With independence secured, Americans aspire for a more perfect union Airs November 21, 2025.
