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The Most Sacred Thing (May 1780 – Onward)

Season 1 Episode 6 | 2hr 10m 41s

The British Army under General Cornwallis struggles to pacify the southern states. Meanwhile, one of the most respected American generals betrays the cause and defects to the British. Supported by the French Army and Navy, Washington’s Continental Army wins the decisive victory at Yorktown. Peace is restored, independence is won, and Americans aspire for a more perfect union.

Aired: 11/15/25 | Expires: 12/14/25
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.
Extras
With Washington commanding less than 3,000, the winter of 1777 became a fight over supplies.
Historian Stephen Conway on the psychological impact of Saratoga on the British.
Historian Christopher Brown. The American Revolution premieres November 16.
Historian Stephen Conway. The American Revolution premieres November 16.
Historian Jane Kamensky. The American Revolution premieres November 16.
Historian Stacey Schiff. The American Revolution premieres November 16.
Historian Annette Gordon-Reed. The American Revolution premieres November 16.
John Adams, read by Paul Giamatti. The American Revolution premieres November 16.
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, a new six-part, 12-hour documentary from Ken Burns.
A single shot echoes on Lexington Green, and the American Revolution begins.
Latest Episodes
Political protest escalates into violence. War gives thirteen colonies a common cause.
The war drags on and moves to new theaters: at sea, in Indian Country, and in the South.
Philadelphia falls, but the American victory at Saratoga allows France to enter the war.
Washington takes command of the Continental Army. Congress declares American independence.
Washington abandons New York City and flees across New Jersey, before attacking Trenton.