
Episode 1
In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)
Political protest escalates into violence. War gives thirteen colonies a common cause.
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.

Episode 1
Political protest escalates into violence. War gives thirteen colonies a common cause.

Episode 2
Washington takes command of the Continental Army. Congress declares American independence.

Episode 3
Washington abandons New York City and flees across New Jersey, before attacking Trenton.

Episodse 4
Philadelphia falls, but the American victory at Saratoga allows France to enter the war.

Episode 5
The war drags on and moves to new theaters: at sea, in Indian Country, and in the South.

Episode 6
Victory at Yorktown secures independence. Americans aspire for a more perfect union.

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.

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.
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.



