The Revolution

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History Documentary hosted by Edward Herrman, published by History Channel in 2011 - English narration

also known as

The American Revolution

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The Revolution They came of age in a new world of intoxicating and innovative ideas about human and civil rights, diverse economic systems, and self-government. In a few short years, these men and women would transform themselves into architects of the future through the building of a new nation unlike any that had ever come before. From the roots of the rebellion and the signing of the Declaration of Independence to victory on the battlefield at Yorktown and the adoption of The United States Constitution, The Revolution tells he remarkable story of this important era in history. Venturing beyond the conventional list of generals and politicians, The History Channel introduces the full range of individuals who helped shape this great conflict, including some of the war's most influential unsung heroes. Through cinematic recreations, intimate biographical investigations, and provocative political, military, and economic analysis, The Revolution breathes new life into one of the most pivotal periods in American history.

[edit] Boston Bloody Boston

-- A look at the controversies and conflicts leading to war, including the Stamp Act riots, the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and Lexington and Concord. The key players of the Revolution emerge, including Samuel Adams, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry, Thomas Hutchinson, as well as England's King George III and British General Thomas Gage.

[edit] Rebellion to Revolution

-- Rebellion escalates into war with the Battle at Bunker Hill. The Continental Congress establishes an army and appoints George Washington as Commander-in-Chief. The army surrounds the British troops that occupy Boston, and Britain sends additional troops and its three best generals -- William Howe, John Burgoyne and Henry Clinton -- to take over command. The Continental assault from Dorchester Heights forces the British and loyalists to evacuate the city.

[edit] Declaring Independence

-- Noble ideas and dreams of independence ring out as America is born in 1776. However, dark, devastating struggles will quickly challenge these hopes and leave few believing that the glorious cause will survive.

[edit] American Crisis

-- The new nation stares at the stark realization that it could soon be dead. Desperate and determined, General Washington gambles on a brilliant yet dangerously daring stroke to save his army and America.

[edit] Path to World War

-- Benjamin Franklin heads to Paris to seduce the French to join the fight against their common enemy, England. British General William Howe delivers a crushing blow to Washington's troops at the Battle of Brandywine, taking Philadelphia. To the North, Horatio Gates defeats British General Burgoyne at the Battle of Saratoga, a victory that convinces France to enter the fight, turning the American Revolution into a World War.

[edit] Forging an Army

-- As Washington's losses add up, some in Congress begin to question his leadership. Washington's concern is sustaining and rebuilding his ragged, starving and dwindling army through the frigid winter at Valley Forge. With the help of Baron Von Steuben and Nathanael Greene, the Continental Army becomes a more professional fighting force. Washington rebuilds his reputation by holding back the British at the Battle of Monmouth.

[edit] Treason and Betrayal

-- General Benedict Arnold turns his back on his cause and country in an act of pride, sealing forever his legacy as a traitor. Washington takes his war to the frontier, burning the Iroquois Indians out of New York State and leaving a wake of destruction and devastation.

[edit] The War Heads South

-- Failing to defeat Washington, the British turn their attention southward. In a last ditch effort to quell the rebellion, they lay siege to Charleston, South Carolina, the third largest city in the colonies. General Benjamin Lincoln, commander of the Southern wing of the Continental Army, braces for the attack but his outnumbered force will fall.

[edit] A Hornets Nest

-- After the fall of Charleston, the war explodes into the Carolina backcountry. The Americans, under General Gates, suffer a humiliating defeat at Camden, forcing Congress to send Nathanael Greene to lead the southern forces. In an unconventional strategy, Greene and General Daniel Morgan split the army, leading Cornwallis on a harrowing chase, which culminates in the Battle of Guildford Courthouse.

[edit] The End Game

-- Washington faces two mutinies, Congress is broke, and the army desperately needs more help from the French. In England, the opposition to the war grows. The French are tired of supporting the war, but Franklin continues to beg for aid. The French finally send their fleet to America. Cornwallis moves his army to Yorktown, and the Allied forces close in for the last major battle of the war.

[edit] Becoming a Nation

-- The news of the American victory at Yorktown spreads like wildfire around the globe. Patriots celebrate and Loyalists begin evacuating, as Washington awaits the next British move. John Adams joins Benjamin Franklin in France to negotiate the treaty of 1783. The thirteen American states convene a Constitutional Convention to hammer out a new form of government, and urge a reluctant Washington to become American's first President.

[edit] Road to the Presidency

--Selected as the first president of the United States, George Washington journeys from his home in Virginia to New York City for his inauguration.

[edit] A President and his Revolution

Also Known as (LEGACY) -- As George Washington rides to his inauguration as the first President of the United States, he looks back on the war and its most critical moments, and looks to its meaning for the future.