The American Revolution: A Fight for Citizenship

Ken Burns, a renowned documentary filmmaker, has dedicated his career to exploring pivotal moments in American history. His works include documentaries on the Civil War, the Holocaust, and jazz music. Now, he turns his lens to the American Revolution, which he considers one of the most significant events in history.

A New Six-Part Series on PBS

In a recent interview, Burns discussed his new six-part series on the American Revolution. He aims to highlight how the revolution introduced the concept of citizens with responsibilities, a stark contrast to the authoritarian rule that most people lived under at the time.

The series weaves together the stories of various individuals, including:

• Political and military leaders
• Native soldiers
• Free and enslaved African soldiers

The first episode of the series premieres on PBS.

Insights from the Filmmaker

Burns shared his insights from making the series:

• The Founding Fathers thought about future Americans when they created the country.
• They believed in lifelong learning and the pursuit of happiness, which they saw as a marketplace of ideas.
• The revolution was often violent and brutal, making its significance even more profound.

Division and Democracy

Burns also emphasized that division has always been a part of American history. During the revolution, people were killing their neighbors, a fact often overlooked. He believes the series serves as a reminder of why America's experiment with democracy is so special. The Founding Fathers talked about future generations and the importance of understanding their vision.