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The American Revolution

About the Series

The American Revolution, a six-part, twelve-hour series, presents the story of the men and women of the Revolutionary generation, their humanity in victory and defeat, and the crisis that they lived through. By weaving together accounts of American political leaders and their British counterparts with the perspectives of the so-called ordinary people who waged and witnessed war, The American Revolution is an expansive, evenhanded look at the virtues and the contradictions in the fight for independence and the birth of the United States.

Episodes

Classroom Resources

Louisiana's Hidden History: Spanish Louisiana in the American Revolution

LPB Education developed six standards-aligned resources to help students in grades 3-8 understand the role Spanish Louisiana played in the American Revolution.

Students learn about the diverse troops from Louisiana, led by Governor Bernardo de Gálvez, that fought several battles. Designed for use by educators and parents, this collection includes student-friendly videos and engaging lesson plans that explain this often overlooked chapter in our nation’s fight for independence. 

American Revolution Classroom Collection

PBS Learning Media created FREE classroom resources drawn from content in the documentary.

Aligned to five commonly taught topic areas, these resources are designed to build students’ critical thinking skills, including their abilities to think in terms of cause and effect and to analyze primary sources. Each resource is anchored by an essential question and features video clips, teaching tips, and discussion questions.

Louisiana: The State We're In - America 250 Stories

Louisiana Public Broadcasting
Louisiana’s role in the American Revolution | SWI | 11/14/25

Americans across the United States are beginning to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As we journey toward this historic milestone, PBS and LPB kick things off with the premiere of the new Ken Burns docu-series, The American Revolution. This six-part, 12-hour long event explores how America’s founding turned the world upside down, radically reshaping the continent and inspiring centuries of democratic movements around the globe. And yes, while the 13 original colonies may have been the epicenter, we cannot forget the important role Louisiana played in this fight for independence. From Bernardo de Gálvez to the New Orleans Free Black Militia, Louisiana played a vital part in the birth of the United States. 

SWI America 250 Stories
1 / 2 Videos
Louisiana’s role in the American Revolution | SWI | 11/14/25
Louisiana Public Broadcasting
Louisiana’s role in the American Revolution | SWI | 11/14/25
Krewe of Bacchus Mardi Gras Parade Honors America’s 250th Anniversary | SWI | 2/13/26
Louisiana Public Broadcasting
Krewe of Bacchus Mardi Gras Parade Honors America’s 250th Anniversary | SWI | 2/13/26

Thank You to Our Sponsors

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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.