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The American Revolution

How Land, Taxes and Rebellion Sparked the American Revolution

Season 1 Episode 1 | 7m 28s

To reduce debt suffered from the Seven Years' War, Britain levies several new taxes on American colonists. Unrest grows as colonists fear that giving into these new taxes will open the floodgates to even harsher taxes. Whipped up by pamphleteers and influential figures like Samuel Adams and Patrick Henry, mobs of American colonists take to the streets to intimidate tax collectors and troops.

Episodes presented in 4K UHD on supported devices. 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.
Extras
Watch • 59:49
The American Revolution
Campus Conversation
The film directors and guests discuss the Revolutionary War’s significance for young people today.
Special: 59:49
Watch • 0:30
The American Revolution
Critics Agree on The American Revolution
"Explosively Interesting" - critics agree The American Revolution must-watch TV.
Preview: 0:30
The American Revolution
American Revolution Interactives
Exploring the American Revolution.
Special:
Watch • 2:22
The American Revolution
Fort Mifflin on Mud Island and Fort Mercer at Red Bank
Fort Mifflin on Mud Island and Fort Mercer at Red Bank
Clip: 2:22
Watch • 0:43
The American Revolution
Martin Reenlists
Martin Reenlists
Clip: 0:43
Watch • 1:27
The American Revolution
Inoculation
Inoculation
Clip: 1:27
Watch • 4:05
The American Revolution
Returning Home
Returning Home
Clip: 4:05
Watch • 2:06
The American Revolution
The Battle on Kips Bay
The Battle on Kips Bay
Clip: 2:06
Watch • 3:12
The American Revolution
Retreat from Long Island [Brooklyn]
Retreat from Long Island [Brooklyn]
Clip: 3:12
Watch • 2:30
The American Revolution
The Battle in Trenton
The Battle in Trenton
Clip: 2:30