New Burns documentary series premiers ahead of U.S. 250th anniversary

Key Concepts

• American Revolution Documentary: A six-part, 12-hour epic by Ken Burns exploring the American Revolution.
• Founding Fathers and Mothers: Key figures of the American Revolution whose words and actions are central to the narrative.
• Citizenry vs. Subjects: The shift from authoritarian rule to a system requiring citizen responsibility.
• Justice of the Cause: The belief in the righteousness of the American fight for independence.
• Reenactments: Historical reenactments used to visually represent the events and experiences of the Revolution.
• Inclusivity: The documentary's effort to include the stories of all participants, including women, Native Americans, and Black Americans (enslaved and free).
• Dynamic Nature of the Revolution: Portraying the Revolution as a complex event encompassing a civil war and a world war.
• "Tree of Liberty" Metaphor: Thomas Jefferson's quote about the necessity of periodic rebellion to refresh liberty.
• Fluidity of the American Idea: The concept that the United States is a nation in progress, with ideals like the "pursuit of happiness" and a "more perfect union" open to interpretation and evolution.
• American Promise: The expanding ideal of what the United States represents.

The American Revolution: A Ken Burns Epic

Ken Burns' latest documentary, a six-part, 12-hour epic, delves into the American Revolution, a project he and his co-directors, David Schmidt and Sarah Bodstein, consider to be of paramount importance. While acknowledging the immense challenges of previous works like "Vietnam," "The Civil War," and "Baseball," Burns emphasizes the profound significance of this particular subject.

Bringing the Past to Life Through Words

A key methodology employed in the documentary is the use of Hollywood stars to voice the words of historical figures. This approach aims to make the experiences and perspectives of those involved in the Revolution more immediate and relatable.

Example: Claire Danes reads the words of Abigail Adams, written shortly after the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Adams's poignant reflection captures the gravity of the situation: "What a scene has opened upon us. If we look back, we are amazed at what is passed. If we look forward, we must shudder at the view. Our only comfort lies in the justice of our cause. All our worldly comforts are now at stake. Our nearest and dearest connections are hazarding their lives and properties. God, give them wisdom and integrity sufficient to the great cause in which they are engaged."

Burns highlights that many of the founders, like Abigail Adams, seemed to possess an awareness that their actions were not merely part of an epic battle but were fundamentally altering the course of history. John Adams, for instance, is quoted as believing the Revolution would affect "untold millions that are yet born."

The Transformation from Subjects to Citizens

The documentary explores a pivotal shift in human history: the transition from being subjects under authoritarian rule to becoming citizens. This new paradigm, as articulated by the founders, demanded significant responsibility. The narrative grapples with the immense challenge faced by these nascent citizens, who, despite the "justice of their cause," were up against the "greatest military power on earth." The central question posed is how a group of individuals, initially overwhelmed at Lexington Green and later fighting back at the North Bridge, could ultimately achieve victory at Yorktown six and a half years later.

Methodology and Scope

Lacking photographic or filmic records from the era, the documentary relies on:

• The Words of the Founders: Their writings serve as the primary source material.
• Historical Locations: The places where the Revolution unfolded are showcased.
• Historical Reenactments: Extensive filming over six to seven years captured reenactments in diverse conditions (time of day, season, location from Maine to Georgia) to convey the lived experience of the Revolution.

The documentary strives for inclusivity, aiming to represent not only prominent figures like George Washington but also the crucial roles played by women in sustaining the resistance, as well as the experiences of Native Americans and Black Americans, both enslaved and free. The Revolution is presented as a complex, "dynamic story of a revolution but a civil war and a world war all at once," described as the "fourth world war over the prize of North America."

Perspectives on Rebellion and the Evolving Nation

The discussion touches upon Thomas Jefferson's controversial quote following Shays' Rebellion: "God forbid we should ever be 20 years without such a rebellion. The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Burns suggests that Jefferson may have later regretted this statement, particularly its potential to be used as an excuse for violence, referencing the Declaration of Independence's stipulation that changes should not be made for "lighter transient reasons."

However, the founders' intention was to establish an idea of the United States that was "fluid." This fluidity is evident in phrases like the "pursuit of happiness," which they understood as encompassing "lifelong learning," and the constitutional aspiration for "a more perfect union." This concept of a nation "in the process of becoming" has been a consistent theme in Ken Burns' work over his 50-year career, exploring the "unusual and so complicated" yet "inspiring" story of the United States.

Conclusion: The Big Bang of the American Promise

Ken Burns views the American Revolution as the "big bang of this universe," initiating the story of the "expanding American promise." This ongoing expansion and evolution of American ideals are what he finds "exhilarating" about diving into the subject. The documentary aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of this foundational period, acknowledging its complexities and its enduring relevance.