The American Revolution

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, A NEW FILM FROM KEN BURNS

New Six-Part, 12-Hour Series Directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt and Written by Geoffrey Ward

All 6 episodes now streaming at https://www.pbs.org/show/the-american-revolution/

The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis is an oil painting by John Trumbull

Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

A group of people gathered closely, with one person standing in front holding a cane.

Ep1 | In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)

Soldiers in ornate gold helmets and dark uniforms aiming muskets during combat.

Ep3 | The Times That Try Men’s Souls (July 1776 – January 1777)

Soldiers in blue and red uniforms holding muskets, wearing black hats with white straps.

Ep5 | The Soul of All America (December 1777 – May 1780)

George Washington in a dark coat and large black hat with a white cravat.

Ep2 | An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)

A battle scene with soldiers firing muskets and smoke rising near a fallen cannon.

Ep4 | Conquer by a Drawn Game (January 1777 – February 1778)

A formal gathering of men in 18th-century attire, with one person presenting a document.

Ep6 | The Most Sacred Thing (May 1780 – Onward)

For more information on the film series & Filmmakers, visit the official sites:

The American Revolution | Premieres Nov. 16 | PBS

The American Revolution – Ken Burns

The American Revolution A Film By Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein & David Schmidt

For a GENERAL OVERVIEW READING LIST that aligns to Ken Burns THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION review this PDF.

Carefully curated by PBS Books, the filmmakers and partner organizations, this booklist is designed to complement THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION and to spark meaningful exploration of the series, the historical events surrounding the founding of the United States, and the enduring ideas of liberty, freedom, democracy, and independence.Themes include union, empire, civic conflict, possibility, and more—providing multiple entry points for discussion, research, and engagement. Whether you are planning a library event, book discussion, or classroom activity, these books can help guide thoughtful conversations and highlight diverse perspectives.