The Most Sacred Thing (May 1780 – Onward)
The British Army under General Cornwallis struggles to pacify the southern states. Meanwhile, one of the most respected American generals betrays the cause and defects to the British. Supported by the French Army and Navy, Washington’s Continental Army wins the decisive victory at Yorktown. Peace is restored, independence is won, and Americans aspire for a more perfect union.
Episodes
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The Most Sacred Thing (May 1780 – Onward)
S1 E6 - 2h 10m
The British Army under General Cornwallis struggles to pacify the southern states. Meanwhile, one of the most respected American generals betrays the cause and defects to the British. Supported by the French Army and Navy, Washington’s Continental Army wins the decisive victory at Yorktown. Peace is restored, independence is won, and Americans aspire for a more perfect union.
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The Soul of All America (December 1777 – May 1780)
S1 E5 - 1h 53m
Washington’s Continental Army emerges from the harsh winter at Valley Forge to fight the British Army in the inconclusive Battle of Monmouth. But the alliance with France changes the war and moves it to other theaters. Navies battle off England’s coast and in the Caribbean, while armies advance into Indian Country and the southern states. Together, the British Army and Navy capture Charleston.
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Conquer by a Drawn Game (January 1777 – February 1778)
S1 E4 - 1h 55m
As America braces for a third year of devastating war, British commanders launch campaigns to take Albany and Philadelphia. General Howe beats General Washington at Brandywine and Germantown, while the Continental Congress flees Philadelphia. But the Americans’ surprising victory over General Burgoyne at Saratoga opens the door for France to officially support the United States.
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The Times That Try Men’s Souls (July 1776 – January 1777)
S1 E3 - 1h 54m
The Revolution, now a war for American independence, faces its toughest challenge yet as General Washington tries to defend New York City from invasion by sea. The resulting Battle of Long Island is a huge defeat for the Americans, who narrowly escape and spend the next several months on the run. In late December, Washington’s army regroups and prepares to attack an outpost in Trenton, New Jersey.
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An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)
S1 E2 - 2h 4m
New Englanders rush to surround the British Army in Boston, but as war begins Americans find themselves sharply divided. After the Battle of Bunker’s Hill, George Washington of Virginia arrives to command the newly created Continental Army. In July 1776, the Continental Congress issues the Declaration of Independence, insisting on the people’s right to resist tyranny and govern themselves.
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In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)
S1 E1 - 1h 56m
American colonists oppose efforts by the British Crown and Parliament to seize greater control in North America, escalating simmering tensions over land, taxes, and sovereignty into violent confrontation. After protestors dump tea in Boston Harbor, the British government enacts martial law in Massachusetts. Fighting at Lexington and Concord ignites a war that will last eight years.
Extras + Features
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Preview: The Soul of All America
S1 E5 - 30s
Washington’s Continental Army emerges from the harsh winter at Valley Forge to fight the British Army in the inconclusive Battle of Monmouth. But the alliance with France changes the war and moves it to other theaters. Navies battle off England’s coast and in the Caribbean, while armies advance into Indian Country and the southern states. Together, the British Army and Navy capture Charleston.
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The British Siege of Charleston
S1 E5 - 4m 44s
Looking towards the South, General Clinton aims to take the Carolinas. Charleston is one of the largest cities in the United States. The British surround and lay siege on the city as thousands of enslaved men, women and children flee to the British lines. After a month of constant bombardment, the city surrenders, which will become the biggest defeat of the Revolution.
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The Battle of Monmouth
S1 E5 - 8m 56s
A solar eclipse plunges the colonies into darkness in June 1778 as the Continental Army mobilizes from Valley Forge to attack British supply chains. The two armies clash near Monmouth Court House in New Jersey in brutal summer heat. At the end of the battle, both sides are bloodied, yet both claim victory. The Battle of Monmouth will be the last major engagement of the war in the North.
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Episode 5: Introduction
S1 E5 - 5m 56s
France and Spain join the war against Britain, continuing the series of wars between the European Empires for the prize of North America. The weary Continental Army settles in Valley Forge for the winter, where they suffer from a lack of supplies, brutal winter storms and outbreaks of deadly diseases like typhus and influenza. The fight for independence hangs by a thread.
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Financing the American Revolution
S1 E5 - 2m 59s
Securing resources for the American Revolution was top of mind for both sides. In the United States, funding the war effort meant borrowing money. This created an entire class of lenders with an interest in establishing a strong government to ensure they’d get repaid. The British had the funds, but how long should they pour money into a war with no end in sight?
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Spain Joins the American Revolution Against the British
S1 E5 - 5m 43s
In June 1779, Spain joins France in the war against England. As empire with colonies in America, Spain does not support American independence. However, they see opportunity to attack their British enemies. Meanwhile, privateer John Paul Jones leads daring raids on British supply ships and is hailed a hero by the French court.
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Britain and the Southern Strategy
S1 E5 - 4m
When the British realize they won’t win in New England, they change their tactics. Instead of trying to keep all 13 colonies, they would focus on the most valuable – that meant those in the South. Southern colonies were part of an economic system that generated power and wealth for Britain. Plus, the British assumed there were more Loyalists in those areas who would come to their aid.
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Winter at Valley Forge: Hardship & Desperation
S1 E5 - 4m 26s
The Continental Army settles down in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, for the winter, where they face harsh conditions and dwindling supplies. Hundreds of soldiers desert, either returning home or surrendering to the British in nearby Philadelphia. Morale among the Patriots is low, and there is discussion of mutiny or demanding that Washington step down as commander.
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The Real People Who Fought the American Revolution
S1 E4 - 4m 31s
By early 1777, many soldiers were returning home, and Washington needed to enlist new men. The Continental Army offered cash bonuses and the promise of free Native American land to anyone who joined. The war would no longer be fought by men of property or ideals, but it would be fought by common men, immigrants, draftees and thousands of African-Americans, both enslaved and free.
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Patriot Victory at the Battle of Saratoga
S1 E4 - 8m 59s
The Continental Army at Saratoga swells to 17,000 as it once again clashes with the British, led by General John Burgoyne. Benedict Arnold is seriously wounded while leading the troops, but the Patriots are successful in pushing back the British. Completely surrounded with dwindling supplies, Burgoyne has little choice but to surrender to Horatio Gates in a major victory for the Patriots.
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The Haudenosaunee Choose Sides in the American Revolution
S1 E4 - 8m 7s
The Haudenosaunee was a centuries-old union of the Six Nations: Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Tuscarora, Oneida and Mohawk. But the confederacy is divided on their support of the American Revolution. The Oneidas support the Patriots, but some Mohawks led by Thayendanegea ally with the British. Things come to a head at the bloody Battle of Oriskany as Patriot, British and Native American forces clash.
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The Battle of Saratoga Begins
S1 E4 - 6m 18s
General Horatio Gates and his Patriot forces are dug in along the Bemis Heights just south of Saratoga, and the British Army led by General John Burgoyne. Burgoyne is determined to find the Patriots and drive them out. Some of his forces battle with Patriots led by Benedict Arnold and Daniel Morgan. The battle is a draw, but crucially, the British do not discover the main Patriot fortifications.
Schedule
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Image
The American Revolution
Conquer by a Drawn Game
Saturday
Dec 6
2 Hours 30 Minutes
General Howe takes Philadelphia, but the Americans' surprising victory over General Burgoyne at Saratoga encourages France to support the U.S. -
Image
The American Revolution
The Soul of All America
Saturday
Dec 6
2 Hours 30 Minutes
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. -
Image
The American Revolution
The Most Sacred Thing
Saturday
Dec 6
3 Hours
British General Cornwallis struggles to pacify the southern states; supported by the French, a victory at Yorktown secures independence for the Americans. -
Image
The American Revolution
The Times That Try Men's Souls
Sunday
Dec 7
2 Hours
British General Howe defeats General Washington, forcing the Americans to abandon New York; Washington's army regroups in New Jersey before attacking an outpost at Trenton. -
Image
The American Revolution
Conquer by a Drawn Game
Monday
Dec 8
2 Hours 30 Minutes
General Howe takes Philadelphia, but the Americans' surprising victory over General Burgoyne at Saratoga encourages France to support the U.S. -
Image
The American Revolution
The Times That Try Men's Souls
Monday
Dec 8
2 Hours
British General Howe defeats General Washington, forcing the Americans to abandon New York; Washington's army regroups in New Jersey before attacking an outpost at Trenton. -
Image
The American Revolution
The Soul of All America
Monday
Dec 8
2 Hours 30 Minutes
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. -
Image
The American Revolution
The Times That Try Men's Souls
Monday
Dec 8
2 Hours
British General Howe defeats General Washington, forcing the Americans to abandon New York; Washington's army regroups in New Jersey before attacking an outpost at Trenton. -
Image
The American Revolution
The Most Sacred Thing
Tuesday
Dec 9
3 Hours
British General Cornwallis struggles to pacify the southern states; supported by the French, a victory at Yorktown secures independence for the Americans. -
Image
The American Revolution
Conquer by a Drawn Game
Sunday
Dec 14
2 Hours
General Howe takes Philadelphia, but the Americans' surprising victory over General Burgoyne at Saratoga encourages France to support the U.S. -
Image
The American Revolution
Conquer by a Drawn Game
Monday
Dec 15
2 Hours
General Howe takes Philadelphia, but the Americans' surprising victory over General Burgoyne at Saratoga encourages France to support the U.S. -
Image
The American Revolution
Conquer by a Drawn Game
Monday
Dec 15
2 Hours
General Howe takes Philadelphia, but the Americans' surprising victory over General Burgoyne at Saratoga encourages France to support the U.S.
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