© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
DONATE
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

The American Revolution

Preview: The Soul of All America

Season 1 Episode 5 | 30s

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.

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 • 0:43
The American Revolution
The First Shot
A single shot echoes on Lexington Green, and the American Revolution begins.
Clip: S1 E1 | 0:43
Watch • 0:33
The American Revolution
Saratoga: A Psychological Turning Point
Historian Stephen Conway on the psychological impact of Saratoga on the British.
Clip: S1 E4 | 0:33
Watch • 0:50
The American Revolution
From A Small Spark
A spark ignites—quiet, unstoppable. What follows changes everything.
Clip: S1 E1 | 0:50
Watch • 0:59
The American Revolution
Turning the Tide in New Jersey
With Washington commanding less than 3,000, the winter of 1777 became a fight over supplies.
Clip: S1 E4 | 0:59
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 • 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 • 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