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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The Articles of Confederation
S1 E4 - 2m 14s
It took the Continental Congress 526 days to fashion the Articles of Confederation and another 39 months to ratify them. They were meant to show France the 13 former colonies could work together. But they were also weak and constrained by design, leaving each state more-or-less independent and giving Congress no power to tax. That meant they had no way to pay the soldiers in the Continental Army.
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Preview: Conquer by a Drawn Game
S1 E4 - 30s
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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Religion & the Revolutionaries
S1 E4 - 2m 5s
Some of the most influential creators of the United States believed in a Supreme Being — but one who did not interfere in the affairs of men or distinguish between faiths. They believed it was an individual’s responsibility to lead a virtuous life, which could only come from tolerance and a lifetime of learning.
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The British Capture Philadelphia & The Battle of Germantown
S1 E4 - 6m 29s
Following the loss of the Battle of the Brandywine, Continental Congress flees Philadelphia and the approaching British army. Washington sends men ahead to defend the city, but they are ambushed at the Paoli Massacre, and Philadelphia is occupied by the British. Washington devises an ambitious plan to engage the British at their headquarters in Germantown.
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A New Flag for a New Country
S1 E4 - 1m 9s
The Continental Congress had called for a new flag to represent their new country. But two years later, there was still no “national standard.” While artistic renderings of Revolutionary events often include the flag, little is known about its origins – including whether it flew above a battlefield and who made the first one.
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The Battle of Bunker Hill
S1 E3 - 5m 24s
The British plan to capture Breed's Hill and Bunker Hill on the Charlestown peninsula overlooking Boston. When the Patriots catch wind of the plan, Colonel William Prescott rushes to seize and fortify the hills. The following day on June 17th, 1775, British forces led by General William Howe assault the hastily constructed Patriot defenses, resulting in the bloodiest battle of the war.
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Tsi'yu-gunsini and the American Revolution on the Frontier
S1 E3 - 5m 50s
Tsi'yu-gunsini, or Dragging Canoe in English, is a Cherokee chief who leads raids against illegal settlements by American colonists on Native lands. Their British allies urge them to be patient, but Dragging Canoe doesn't hesitate. In response, thousands of colonial militiamen pour into Native territories and wage a war of total annihilation.
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Warpath of Nations: The Naval Battle That Prevented a Canadian Invasion
S1 E3 - 5m 48s
After the defeat at Quebec City, a British invasion down the Hudson River seemed inevitable. Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold are appointed to construct a navy to stop the British invasion on Lake Champlain. Despite being outnumbered two to one, Gates and Arnold are able to fend off the British force and halt the planned invasion until the following spring.
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Democracy & The Adoption of the Articles of Confederation
S1 E3 - 6m 14s
The Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia to debate the Articles of Confederation: the document that will formally bind all 13 states together. The debates last weeks as Congress discusses taxation, border disputes and the autonomy of states. As the debates continue, Abigail Adams urges her husband to consider the rights of women in this new country.
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Preview: The Times That Try Men’s Souls
S1 E3 - 30s
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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The Battle of Long Island (Brooklyn)
S1 E3 - 6m 10s
Guided by three volunteers in the dark of night, British General Henry Clinton leads 10,000 men to attack George Washington's forces at Long Island. The battle is the largest of the American Revolution, and it turns into a complete victory for the British. However, rather than dealing a final blow, the British stop, giving Washington and his troops time to flee across the river into Manhattan.
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The Battle of Trenton
S1 E3 - 6m 44s
With days until the enlistment runs out for many soldiers within his army, General George Washington devises a bold plan to cross the Delaware River on Christmas night and strike the town of Trenton, New Jersey. Despite the frigid temperatures and complexity of the mission, Washington and his forces are successful in capturing Trenton, which is a crucial victory for morale.
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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