Playback is currently unavailable for S1 E1 · In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775). Episode details remain available below.
The American Revolution
The American Revolution was at once a war for independence, a war of conquest, a civil war, and a world war, fought by neighbors on American farms and between global powers an ocean or more away. It impacted millions from Vermont’s Green Mountains to the swamps of South Carolina, from Indian Country to the Iberian Peninsula. In defeating the British Empire and giving birth to a new nation, the American Revolution turned the world upside-down. Thirteen colonies on the Atlantic Coast united in rebellion, won their independence, and established a republic that still endures. The American Revolution will present the story of the men and women of the Revolutionary generation, their humanity in victory and defeat, and the crisis that they lived through.
- Created by:
- Ken Burns
- Cast:
- Peter Coyote
- Language:
- English
- Country:
- United States of America
- Network:
- PBS
Episode guide
Seasons
Miniseries
Episodes
E01
Episode 1
★ 3.8In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)
2025-11-16 · 116mOpposition in colonial North America to British policies over taxes, land and sovereignty escalates into violent confrontation; war gives 13 colonies a common cause.
Current episode
E02
Episode 2
★ 3.6An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)
2025-11-17 · 124mCongress puts George Washington in command of a new Continental Army; Congress declares American independence in July 1776.
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E03
Episode 3
★ 4.0The Times That Try Men's Souls (July 1776 – January 1777)
2025-11-18 · 115mBritish 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.
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E04
Episode 4
★ 3.6Conquer by a Drawn Game (January 1777 – February 1778)
2025-11-19 · 116mGeneral Howe takes Philadelphia, but the Americans' surprising victory over General Burgoyne at Saratoga encourages France to support the U.S.
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E05
Episode 5
★ 3.6The Soul of All America (December 1777 – May 1780)
2025-11-20 · 114mThe 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.
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E06
Episode 6
★ 3.7The Most Sacred Thing (May 1780 – Onward)
2025-11-21 · 131mBritish General Cornwallis struggles to pacify the southern states; supported by the French, a victory at Yorktown secures independence for the Americans.
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Peter Coyote
Narrator (voice)