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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

Louisiana's Role in the American Revolution

Louisiana's Diverse Army

When Spain entered the American Revolution, Louisiana Governor Bernardo de Gálvez fielded an army that included Spanish soldiers, Louisiana patriots, and free black militia. Gálvez also recruited enslaved Louisianans by offering freedom for service.

Dr. Andrew Sluyter, professor at the LSU Department of Geography and Anthropology, describes the motivations behind the creation of a diverse army that fought for freedom.

Louisiana America 250

America 250

Louisiana America 250

 Louisiana’s legacy echoes in America’s birthday. The Louisiana America 250 Commission is dedicated to commemorating the 250th anniversary of our nation by highlighting Louisiana’s significant contributions to the founding and development of the United States. Explore events and programs surrounding our country’s semiquincentennial that are happening right here in Louisiana.

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.