Ken Burns Explores the American Revolution in New PBS Series

NEW YORK, NY – Filmmaker Ken Burns returns to PBS with a new six-part documentary series titled “The American Revolution,” set to air on Sunday, Nov. 16. This project, a decade in the making, investigates the multifaceted history of America’s fight for independence from Britain.

Burns, alongside co-directors David Schmidt and Sarah Botstein, aims to shine a light on the complexities of the Revolutionary War. In an interview, Burns highlighted the significance of this event, stating it marked the shift from subjects under authoritarian rule to citizens bearing responsibilities. “For most of human history, most people had been subjects under authoritarian rule, and what happened in the eastern seaboard of North America created citizens,” he explained.

The series incorporates various perspectives, focusing on leaders, soldiers, and civilians alike — including Native American and African American contributions. The first episode provides insights into pivotal moments, highlighting not just the well-known figures like George Washington but also the lesser-known heroes of the time.

Burns emphasized that the American Revolution was not solely a series of romanticized events, but a bloody struggle marked by division and violence. He pointed out that understanding the war’s brutality, which is often glossed over, can make its ideals even more inspiring.

“When you look at the revolution, we were really divided then, really divided,” Burns noted, reflecting on the tensions of the time. He added that this division is a recurring theme in U.S. history.

As the series launches, Burns encourages viewers to consider the broader implications of the Revolution. He noted the Founding Fathers metaphorically spoke of “unborn millions” who would be influenced by their actions, underscoring the timeless relevance of their discussions about democracy and citizenship.

With contributions from notable actors providing voiceovers and a deep narrative exploration, “The American Revolution” promises to offer a fresh perspective on a pivotal chapter in American history.

In Burns’ words, the film ultimately serves as a reminder of the ongoing relevance of the revolutionary principles. “We’ve got an obligation to listen to what they were offering and try to hand that off to our posterity,” he said.