Why the American Revolution Still Matters Today

Ken Burns, a renowned documentary maker, has unveiled a new series about the American Revolution. He believes this event was super important, perhaps even the most significant after the birth of Christ. However, he also asserts that human nature doesn't change, and the problems we face today are similar to those of the past.

Promoting the Documentary

Burns has been promoting his new 12-hour documentary, which features over 60 voice actors, including Morgan Freeman and Meryl Streep. He has been visiting historic sites and engaging with people across the country. Despite his past outspokenness, Burns has been careful not to delve too much into current politics.

Beyond the Big Names

The documentary isn't just about the big names like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. It also highlights everyday people, such as women who organized boycotts and teenage boys who ran away to fight. Burns aims to show that the Revolution was complicated and not just a simple tale of heroes and villains.

The Battle of Brooklyn

One of the most interesting parts of the documentary is the Battle of Brooklyn in 1776. This was a big mistake by George Washington, leading to the British taking control of New York for seven years. Burns also discusses the loyalists, who supported the British, and argues that they were not just traitors but had their own reasons for backing the Crown.

American Indians in the Revolution

Burns challenges the notion that American Indians were merely passive victims. He shows that they were actively involved in the war and had their own alliances. He tells the story of Rebecca Tanner, a Mohegan woman who lost five sons fighting for the Patriot cause. Burns believes this is an important story that needs to be told.

Relevance Today

Burns thinks the American Revolution is still relevant today. He argues that it was not just about highfalutin ideas but about natural rights and how everyday people got involved. He hopes his documentary will help people understand the complexity of the Revolution and why it still matters.