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Democracy & The Adoption of the Articles of Confederation

Season 1 Episode 3 | 6m 14s

The Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia to debate the Articles of Confederation: the document that will formally bind all 13 states together. The debates last weeks as Congress discusses taxation, border disputes and the autonomy of states. As the debates continue, Abigail Adams urges her husband to consider the rights of women in this new country.

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
The film directors and guests discuss the Revolutionary War’s significance for young people today.
"Explosively Interesting" - critics agree The American Revolution must-watch TV.
James Forten was 14 when he signed onto a privateer to fight for his country.
Philadelphia falls, but the American victory at Saratoga allows France to enter the war.
Cherokee chief Tsi'yu-gunsini, Dragging Canoe in English, fights against Patriot settlers.
General Clinton ambushes George Washington in the largest battle of the American Revolution.
The Articles were weak by design and left Congress unable to pay soldiers in the Continental Army.
Artistic renderings of the Revolution often include the flag, but little is known about its origins.
The British assault Breed's Hill and Bunker Hill near Boston in the bloodiest battle of the war.
George Washington takes action when an unsigned manifesto starts circulating among his officers.
Washington takes command of the Continental Army. Congress declares American independence.
Washington abandons New York City and flees across New Jersey, before attacking Trenton.
Philadelphia falls, but the American victory at Saratoga allows France to enter the war.
The war drags on and moves to new theaters: at sea, in Indian Country, and in the South.
Victory at Yorktown secures independence. Americans aspire for a more perfect union.
Political protest escalates into violence. War gives thirteen colonies a common cause.