Posted on 12/23/2013 6:08:10 PM PST by ETL
This is part three of a 6-part 1997 PBS documentary on the Revolutionary War. The episode is titled "The Times That Try Men's Souls" (1776-1777). In addition to the Delaware River crossing and Hessian camp attack it also covers the British invasion of New York and subsequent Battle of Brooklyn, aka, The Battle of Long Island.
"Days after the Declaration of Independence is signed, a British force arrives in New York harbor. Washington and his troops are driven to New Jersey. With only a few days of enlistment left for many of his volunteers, a desperate Washington leads his army quietly across the Delaware River on the day after Christmas, 1776, to mount a surprise attack on a sleeping garrison in Trenton."--The Times That Try Men's Souls (1776-1777), Episode 3 of "Liberty! The American Revolution"
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymotion.com ...
LIBERTY! is a six-part series of one-hour documentaries for PBS. It describes how the American Revolution evolved and how a new nation was born in the aftermath of the Revolutionary War, using actors, Revolutionary era scholars, and eyewitness accounts of the time. LIBERTY! is hosted by award winning journalist and ABC news anchor, Forrest Sawyer. Edward Herrmann is the narrator. It was originally broadcast Nov. 23 - 25, 1997.
EPISODE 1: “The Reluctant Revolutionaries” 1763-1774
In 1763, the capitol city of America is London, George Washington is lobbying for a post in the British army, and no one thinks of Boston harbor when they hear talk of tea parties. In a dozen years, the colonies are on the brink of rebellion. What happens to bring this country so quickly near war with England?
EPISODE 2: “Blows Must Decide” 1774-1776
A total break from Great Britain remains hard for Americans to imagine, even after shots are fired at Lexington and Concord. Words push matters “Over the Edge” in 1776. Common Sense argues that it is the natural right of men to govern themselves. The Declaration of Independence declares this same idea a “self-evident” truth. For Americans, there is no looking back. There will be war with England.
EPISODE 3: “The Times That Try Men’s Souls” 1776-1777
Days after the Declaration of Independence is signed, a British force arrives in New York harbor. Washington and his troops are driven to New Jersey. With only a few days of enlistment left for many of his volunteers, a desperate Washington leads his army quietly across the Delaware River on the day after Christmas, 1776, to mount a surprise attack on a sleeping garrison in Trenton.
EPISODE 4: “Oh Fatal Ambition” 1777-1778
The “united” states remain in dire need of funds and military support. Congress dispatches Benjamin Franklin to France in hopes of creating an alliance which will provide both. Meanwhile, a British army marches down the Hudson River trying to cut off New England from the other colonies. The British are crushed by Americans at Saratoga. The French enter the conflict on the American side.
EPISODE 5: “The World Turned Upside Down” 1778-1783
The British hope to exploit the issue of slavery and to enlist the support of loyalists in the south. They fail. After a series of brutal engagements, the British army heads for Virginia, only to be trapped by the miraculous convergence of Washington’s army and the French fleet at Yorktown. The end of the war is at hand.
EPISODE 6: “Are We to Be a Nation? 1783-1788
Peace comes to the United States, but governing the world’s newest republic is no simple task. Congress is ineffectual and individual states act like sovereign nations. By the time the Constitutional Convention convenes in 1787, many wonder if the country can survive. The long ratification process helps define what sort of nation the United States is to be—a process that continues to this day.
Also see:
Washington's Crossing
Ping.
Hopefully the links all work. They are to other videos of the 6-part series.
You’re welcome. And thank you.
Thread looks like a dud. It’s actually an excellent series.
I believe I’ve seen this series before. It is very good, if it’s the same one I’m thinking of. Can’t watch Revolutionary War docs too much!
There was another very good 13-part series on the RW titled The American Revolution, or simply The Revolution. It apparently had these 2 slightly different titles. YouTube link to it at the end.
Episodes were:
“Boston, Bloody Boston.”
The controversies and conflicts leading to war, including the Stamp Act, the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
“Rebellion to Revolution.”
The Revolutionaries lay siege to Boston; the formation of the Continental Army and the conscription of slaves by both sides.
“Declaring Independence.”
Dark and devastating struggles challenge the dreams for independence in 1776.
“American Crisis.”
General George Washington gambles on a brilliant yet dangerously daring stroke to save his army and America.
“Path to World War.”
Benjamin Franklin tries to convince the French to join the fight against Britain; Philadelphia falls to the British; the Americans win a stunning victory at Saratoga and gain a new ally.
“Forging an Army.”
Washington struggles to sustain and rebuild his Army at Valley Forge.
“Treason & Betrayal.”
General Benedict Arnold betrays the revolution.
“The War Heads South.”
The British lay siege to Charleston.
“Hornet’s Nest.”
War erupts in the Southern Colonies.
“The End Game.”
The struggle for independence reaches its climax as both sides are tired of the war.
“Becoming a Nation.”
King George III is forced by the parliament to sue for peace and Washington disbands the Continental Army
“Road to the Presidency.”
The War is over, but Washington is enlisted for another duty.
“A President and His Revolution.”
While Washington is on his way to be inaugurated as the first US president, he looks back at some defining moments in the revolution.
The Revolution:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%22the+revolution%22+history+channel+doc+box&sm=12
Last year, on Christmas, we went to Washington’s Crossing Park to witness the yearly re-enactment of Washington’s crossing of the Delaware. Stirring — even though they were forced to abort because the waters were too swift.
Saw a movie a few ago with I believe Jeff Daniels as Wasington.... Was same event albeit Hollywood version. Was a fair movie that drove me to read up on this important battle..... Great read ETL.... Thanks.
Stay safe and Merry Christmas
I saw that one too. It was pretty good.
What about the 2 documentary series I linked to here? Or at least the one episode that covers the Delaware River crossing, attack on the Hessian camp, and Battle of Brooklyn. It really is a great episode.
In any case, Merry Christmas to you too.
“Jeff Daniels as Wasington”
Dumb and Dumber ruined Jeff Daniels for me. As a serious actor, anyway.
Will watch those you linked here this week..... Grateful.
Someone you might find interesting is a man named Fredrick Russell Burnham .... Very interesting life this man led. Worth a peek. Almost hard to believe.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Russell_Burnham
Stay safe !!
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