WQLN PBS NPR
8425 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16509

Phone
(814) 864-3001

© 2025 PUBLIC BROADCASTING OF NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA
Donate
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
The American Revolution

The Real People Who Fought the American Revolution

Season 1 Episode 4 | 4m 31s

By early 1777, many soldiers were returning home, and Washington needed to enlist new men. The Continental Army offered cash bonuses and the promise of free Native American land to anyone who joined. The war would no longer be fought by men of property or ideals, but it would be fought by common men, immigrants, draftees and thousands of African-Americans, both enslaved and free.

Episodes presented in 4K UHD on supported devices. 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.
Latest Episodes
The American Revolution
The Most Sacred Thing (May 1780 – Onward)
Victory at Yorktown secures independence. Americans aspire for a more perfect union.
Episode: S1 E6
The American Revolution
The Soul of All America (December 1777 – May 1780)
The war drags on and moves to new theaters: at sea, in Indian Country, and in the South.
Episode: S1 E5
The American Revolution
Conquer by a Drawn Game (January 1777 – February 1778)
Philadelphia falls, but the American victory at Saratoga allows France to enter the war.
Episode: S1 E4
The American Revolution
The Times That Try Men’s Souls (July 1776 – January 1777)
Washington abandons New York City and flees across New Jersey, before attacking Trenton.
Episode: S1 E3
The American Revolution
An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)
Washington takes command of the Continental Army. Congress declares American independence.
Episode: S1 E2
The American Revolution
In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)
Political protest escalates into violence. War gives thirteen colonies a common cause.
Episode: S1 E1
Extras
Watch • 6:18
The American Revolution
Inside Look | Our Origin Story
Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt on the challenges of telling America's origin story.
Clip: 6:18
Watch • 6:04
The American Revolution
Benedict Arnold Turns Traitor and Defects to the British
George Washington discovers that Benedict Arnold has abandoned his post and defected to the British.
Clip: S1 E6 | 6:04
Watch • 6:41
The American Revolution
The Battle of Cowpens
Daniel Morgan leads the British into a trap, securing a crucial victory for the Patriots.
Clip: S1 E6 | 6:41
Watch • 5:56
The American Revolution
Episode 5: Introduction
The American Revolution has spilled into a global war, but the United States hangs on by a thread.
Clip: S1 E5 | 5:56
Watch • 8:56
The American Revolution
The Battle of Monmouth
The Continental Army engages the British in the last major battle in the North of the Revolution.
Clip: S1 E5 | 8:56
Watch • 8:59
The American Revolution
Patriot Victory at the Battle of Saratoga
After days of fighting at Saratoga, Benedict Arnold and Horatio Gates secure a Patriot victory.
Clip: S1 E4 | 8:59
Watch • 2:56
The American Revolution
Rising Tensions Didn't Keep European Settlers from Coming to North America
Thousands poured down the Great Wagon Road, eager to start a new life in North America’s interior.
Clip: S1 E1 | 2:56
Watch • 5:50
The American Revolution
Tsi'yu-gunsini and the American Revolution on the Frontier
Cherokee chief Tsi'yu-gunsini, Dragging Canoe in English, fights against Patriot settlers.
Clip: S1 E3 | 5:50
Watch • 6:14
The American Revolution
Democracy & The Adoption of the Articles of Confederation
The Continental Congress meets to debate and adopt the Articles of Confederation.
Clip: S1 E3 | 6:14
Watch • 6:10
The American Revolution
The Battle of Long Island (Brooklyn)
General Clinton ambushes George Washington in the largest battle of the American Revolution.
Clip: S1 E3 | 6:10
WQLN PBS Passport
WQLN PBS Passport is a member benefit that provides you with extended access to an on-demand library of quality public television programming!
Learn More