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The American Revolution

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

Season 1 Episode 3 | 1hr 54m 35s

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.

Aired: 11/15/25 | Expires: 01/01/26
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 • 0:30
The American Revolution
Critics Agree on The American Revolution
"Explosively Interesting" - critics agree The American Revolution must-watch TV.
Preview: 0:30
Watch • 9:20
The American Revolution
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
The American Revolution
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
The American Revolution
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
The American Revolution
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
The American Revolution
"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
The American Revolution
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
The American Revolution
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
Watch • 8:07
The American Revolution
The Haudenosaunee Choose Sides in the American Revolution
The Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee choose opposing sides at the Battle of Oriskany.
Clip: S1 E4 | 8:07