The American Revolution

In 1990, Ken Burns made a name for himself with his series, The Civil War. Since then, he has created many celebrated historical documentaries. In 2025, he (and his team) released The American Revolution.

I appreciate that the Civil War gets more attention than the Revolutionary War. But the Revolutionary War seemed a bit too marginalized in my own recollection of US History coursework. And too simplistic in my memory. So I was grateful to see this 12-hour documentation produced by Team Burns.

So of course, I have questions. As each episode runs well over 100 minutes, I have about 100 questions for each episode. This might seem like a heavy load for students watching each episode, but it is not. 

Each question requires a response that takes very few seconds to complete. Students can relax and listen for most of the screening time, but the questions will help maintain their focus. Most quickly become adept at pre-reading the next question up, and are ready to pounce when the answer comes up.

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Complete at TPT

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.

1. IN ORDER TO BE FREE at TPT

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.

2. AN AMERICAN ASYLUM at TPT

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.

3. THE TIMES THAT TRY MEN'S SOULS at TPT

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.

4. CONQUER BY A DRAWN GAME at TPT

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.

5. THE SOUL OF ALL AMERICA at TPT

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.

6. THE MOST SACRED THING at TPT

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.