In 1763, Britain stands at the peak of its power, master of a global empire. Yet within a decade, some of its most prosperous colonies will be in open revolt. Our documentary covers the road to America's Declaration of Independence — from the first stirrings of colonial defiance to the moment the rebellion threatened to engulf the world.

We follow the escalating clash between a Parliament determined to assert its authority and colonists who refuse to be governed without consent. We witness the spark that ignites open warfare, the formation of a ragged Continental Army, and the emergence of the leaders — Washington, Adams, Franklin, and others — who will define a nation.

Along the way: celebrated battles, catastrophic defeats, desperate retreats, and moments of extraordinary courage. And through it all, the slow, painful realisation on both sides that there may be no going back.

By 1776, the thirteen colonies have declared independence, and Britain's imperial rivals are beginning to take notice. The colonial revolution is becoming a global war.

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Thank you to our series historical consultant, Professor Frank Cogliano of the University of Edinburgh. Find out more about his research and publications here: https://edwebprofiles.ed.ac.uk/profile/frank-cogliano

His recent book, 'A Revolutionary Friendship', which explores the fascinating relationship between George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, is available now: US: https://bookshop.org/a/99532/9780674292499 / UK: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/12275/9780674292499

And a big thanks to Ryan Schwartz for additional historical expertise.

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🎨 Thank you also to the artists, museums and other organisations that kindly gave permission to use the artwork in this video. Visit their websites to find more great artworks of American history:

Don Troiani – https://www.dontroiani.com
Robert Griffin – https://robertgriffingart.com
Keith Rocco – https://keithrocco.com
David Wright – https://davidwrightart.com
White Historic Art – https://www.whitehistoricart.com
Gil Cohen – https://vectorfineart.co.uk/product-category/limited-edition-prints/gil-cohen/
Fraunces Tavern Museum ('Retreat to Victory' by Henry Hintermeister) – https://frauncestavern.pastperfectonline.com/webobject/2FD12305-B947-442B-AE77-022255125326
The National Guard Bureau – https://www.nationalguard.mil/Resources/Image-Gallery/Historical-Paintings/
National Park Service – https://www.nps.gov/subjects/arts/collections-search.htm

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📚 Further recommended reading:

Michael McDonell's website with links to numerous memoirs by participants: https://www.michaelamcdonnell.org/sources-war-stories
"The American Revolution Reborn" by Michael Zuckerman and Patrick Spero (ed.) – US: https://bookshop.org/a/99532/9780812248463 / UK: https://amzn.eu/d/eWpfR1A
"The British Are Coming" by Rick Atkinson – US: https://bookshop.org/a/99532/9781250231321 / UK: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/12275/9780008303334
"American Revolutions: A Continental History" by Alan Taylor – US: https://bookshop.org/a/99532/9780393354768 / UK: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/12275/9780393354768
"1776" by David McCullough – US: https://bookshop.org/a/99532/9780743226721 / UK: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/12275/9780141021713
"Our First Civil War" by H.W. Brands – US: https://bookshop.org/a/99532/9780593082560 / UK: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/12275/9780593082560
"Declaration" by William Hogeland – US: https://bookshop.org/a/99532/9781416584100 / UK: https://amzn.eu/d/dkygCLe
"Crucible of War" by Fred Anderson – US: https://bookshop.org/a/99532/9780375706363 / UK: https://amzn.eu/d/87DEr5Y
"Glorious Cause" by Robert Middlekauff – US: https://bookshop.org/a/99532/9780195315882 / UK: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/12275/9780195315882
"Washington: A Life" by Ron Chernow – US: https://bookshop.org/a/99532/9780143119968 / UK: https://amzn.eu/d/0NgkLpo

You can visit our online bookshop to find great books on the American Revolution and other Epic History topics:
UK site – https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/epichistorytv
US site – https://bookshop.org/shop/epichistorytv
As a bookshop.org affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases, while donating 10% of sales to support independent bookshops!

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