Director Ken Burns discusses new PBS doc ‘The American Revolution’

Key Concepts

• American Revolution as a Global Conflict: The series emphasizes that the American Revolution was not solely an internal struggle but a complex global war involving multiple European powers and Native American nations.
• Revolution as a Civil War: The transcript highlights the internal divisions within the colonies, portraying the Revolution as a bloody civil war alongside the fight against Britain.
• Enlightenment Ideals: The influence of Enlightenment philosophy, particularly the concepts of equality and unalienable rights, is presented as a transformative force that broadened the revolution's scope beyond its initial intentions.
• Contingency in History: The idea that historical outcomes are not predetermined and that events could have unfolded differently is a key perspective.
• George Washington's Leadership: The summary details Washington's complex character, including his battlefield rashness and tactical errors, but also his ability to inspire, unite, and his crucial act of relinquishing power.
• The American Idea: The concept of America being founded on an idea of who "we" are, where "we" came from, and what "our forebears" were willing to die for is central.
• Peaceful Transfer of Power: Washington's voluntary relinquishment of military and presidential power is identified as a foundational American tradition.

The American Revolution: A Comprehensive Summary

Ken Burns' new 12-hour documentary series, "The American Revolution," offers a fresh perspective on the founding of the United States, reframing it as a bloody, global civil war that profoundly impacted the world in the 1700s and beyond. The series argues that the American Revolutionary Movement served as a foundational model for independence movements worldwide, stemming from an inherent American idea about identity, origin, and sacrifice.

The Revolution's Global and Civil Dimensions

Contrary to a common perception of the Revolution as a purely intellectual endeavor by men in Philadelphia, Burns emphasizes its brutal reality. He describes it as a "bloody civil war" and a "global war" for control of North America. This conflict involved not only Britain and its German mercenaries ("hierlings") but also France, Spain, and the Dutch, all vying for influence. Furthermore, the series highlights the significant role and struggles of Native American nations whose lands were central to the conflict.

A key revelation for many viewers, including Burns himself, is the extent of British colonial holdings. The transcript notes that Britain had 26 colonies, with the Caribbean colonies being the most profitable due to their reliance on slave labor (90% slaves). This complicated dynamic meant Britain had to balance protecting its lucrative Caribbean interests with managing the less profitable thirteen colonies. The conflict arose from a complex interplay of factors, including taxation, representation, and the desire of the colonists to expand westward onto Native American lands.

The Influence of Enlightenment Ideals

The disagreements over British law eventually escalated into a struggle for "universal truths" rooted in the Enlightenment. The series underscores the transformative impact of Enlightenment philosophy, particularly the declaration that "all men are created equal" and are endowed with "certain unalienable rights: that are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This philosophical shift, while initially intended for a specific demographic, had profound implications for those on the margins of society. Scholar Maggie Blackhawk is quoted, emphasizing the importance of historical perspective that acknowledges "contingency," meaning that history could have unfolded differently. The series illustrates this by showing that even with French assistance, George Washington was uncertain of victory after the fall of Charleston.

George Washington: A Complex Figure

The documentary delves into the multifaceted nature of George Washington. Beyond his well-known roles as a Founding Father, Commander of the Continental Army, and first President, Burns reveals Washington's battlefield rashness. He would personally ride into danger, risking the entire cause if captured or killed. The series points to tactical mistakes made at significant battles like Long Island (the war's largest battle), Brandywine, and Germantown.

Despite these errors, Washington possessed an extraordinary ability to inspire and unite. He convinced individuals from disparate regions like Georgia and Massachusetts, who initially saw themselves as separate entities, to identify as "Americans." His deference to Congress and his skill in selecting capable subordinates are also highlighted. Crucially, Washington's legacy is cemented by his voluntary relinquishment of power – first his military commission and then his presidency. This act established the American tradition of the peaceful transfer of power, a feat so remarkable that King George III reportedly stated, "Then he is the greatest character of the age."

Timing and Relevance of the Series

Burns notes that the project began during the final year of Barack Obama's presidency, with no intention of coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the Revolution. However, he believes the series' release is "poignant," especially as the nation grapples with perceived division. Burns expresses hope that "The American Revolution" can help "put the US back in the US," presenting a shared story that transcends political orientation, age, wealth, social standing, gender, or geographic location. He and his team aimed to be "just umpires calling balls and strikes," presenting historical events as they occurred.

Conclusion and Call to Action

"The American Revolution" is presented as a vital historical narrative that can offer perspective and unity in contemporary times. The series, created by Ken Burns, written by Jeffrey Ward, and co-directed with Sarah Bodstein and David Schmidt, premiered on PBS and aired for six consecutive nights. It is also available for streaming on PBS.org. The enthusiasm of the creators suggests a strong belief in the series' potential to resonate with a broad audience and foster a deeper understanding of the nation's founding principles and struggles.