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The American Revolution

Tea, Tar and Tyranny: How the Boston Tea Party Changed Everything

Season 1 Episode 1 | 9m 26s

The British impose a new law on the colonies called the Tea Act, which is intended to stop smuggling and support the bankrupt East India Company. The act is deeply unpopular and prompts 50 to 60 Bostonians crudely dressed as Native Americans to dump 46 tons of British tea into the Boston Harbor. The British government responds by cracking down on Massachusetts, hoping to contain the rebellion.

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
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The American Revolution
Campus Conversation
The film directors and guests discuss the Revolutionary War’s significance for young people today.
Special: 59:49
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"Explosively Interesting" - critics agree The American Revolution must-watch TV.
Preview: 0:30
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Dunmore's Proclamation & Black Americans in the Revolution
Royal governor Lord Dunmore offers freedom to enslaved people that fight their Patriot masters.
Clip: S1 E2 | 9:20
Watch • 11:47
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The Declaration of Independence & Birth of the United States
Thomas Jefferson writes the Declaration of Independence and proclaims all men are created equal.
Clip: S1 E2 | 11:47
Watch • 8:18
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The Battle of Quebec
Benedict Arnold's army braves the fierce winter to attack Quebec City in Canada.
Clip: S1 E2 | 8:18
Watch • 4:56
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George Washington: Farmer, Patriot, Commander
George Washington assumes command of the Continental Army and must turn it into a unified force.
Clip: S1 E2 | 4:56
Watch • 6:36
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"Common Sense" and the Birth of a New World
"Common Sense" awakens the American colonies to the idea of true independence.
Clip: S1 E2 | 6:36
Watch • 6:10
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The Battle of Long Island (Brooklyn)
General Clinton ambushes George Washington in the largest battle of the American Revolution.
Clip: S1 E3 | 6:10
Watch • 5:48
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Tsi'yu-gunsini and the American Revolution on the Frontier
Cherokee chief Tsi'yu-gunsini, Dragging Canoe in English, fights against Patriot settlers.
Clip: S1 E3 | 5:48
Watch • 6:14
The American Revolution
Democracy & The Adoption of the Articles of Confederation
The Continental Congress meets to debate and adopt the Articles of Confederation.
Clip: S1 E3 | 6:14