Series
Liberty!
DocumentaryDrama
Dramatic documentary about the birth of the American Republic and the struggle of a loosely connected group of states to become a nation.
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Seasons & episodes
1The Reluctant Revolutionaries: 1763-177423 Nov 1997 · 54mIn 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?
2Blows Must Decide: 1774-177623 Nov 1997 · 55m 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.
3The Times That Try Men's Souls: 1776-177724 Nov 1997 · 54mDays 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.
4Oh Fatal Ambition: 1777-177824 Nov 1997 · 55mThe "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.
5The World Turned Upside Down: 1778-178325 Nov 1997 · 54mThe 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.
6Are We to Be a Nation?: 1783-178825 Nov 1997 · 55mPeace 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.
Details
- First aired
- 23 Nov 1997
- Last aired
- 25 Nov 1997
- Status
- Ended
- Language
- English
- Network
- PBS
- Episodes
- 6
- Votes
- 12 on TMDB
Cast
Victor GarberJohn Dickinson
Donna MurphyAbigail Adams
Alex JenningsKing George III
Anthony HealdPhilip Vickers Fithian
Colm FeoreAlexander Hamilton
Peter DonaldsonJohn Adams
Stephen LangGeorge Washington
Jefferson MaysJames Madison
Edward HerrmannNarrator
Philip Seymour HoffmanJoseph Plumb Martin
Jane AdamsSara Scott
Jake WeberVirginia Officer
Isiah Whitlock Jr.Luke - Slave
Terrence MannGeneral John Burgoyne
