Get ready for a journey through time with Ken Burns’ latest masterpiece, ‘The American Revolution’ – a documentary series that promises to transcend the culture wars and offer a fresh perspective on our nation’s origins. With an unprecedented investment of $30 million, 10 years of dedication, and a team of 60 voice actors and 18,000 maps, this six-part series is an epic endeavor.
Co-directed by the renowned Ken Burns, alongside Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, this project is a labor of love and a testament to their passion for American history. Burns, known for his celebrated documentaries like ‘Civil War’, ‘Baseball’, and ‘Vietnam’, has boldly stated that this project is his most important yet.
In an era of short attention spans and soundbites, the producers acknowledge the challenge of engaging audiences for 12 hours. But they believe it’s a commitment worth making, especially when considering the sacrifices of those who fought for America’s independence.
“These people deserve it,” Schmidt emphasizes. “The Revolutionary generation gave so much; we can give them 12 hours of our time.”
The documentary aims to present a nuanced view, avoiding both cynical and romanticized interpretations. It’s a delicate balance, as Schmidt points out, between “unquestioned reverence” and a modern-day attitude of superiority. Botstein adds that patriotism and pride can coexist with a realistic understanding of our history.
“People are complex,” Schmidt explains. “They have various motivations, and it’s important to consider their perspectives beyond our initial assumptions.”
Botstein emphasizes the team’s commitment to empathy and context, even when presenting figures like Thomas Jefferson, an enlightened man who owned slaves. It’s a paradox that reflects the human condition, she suggests: “How can you know something is wrong and still do it?”
Burns believes that cynicism and darkness are not productive paths. Instead, he advocates for a generous and empathetic approach to history.
“We are not a cynical bunch,” Botstein says, “and we aim to move forward, honoring the promises of the American Revolution.”
With Thanksgiving approaching, Schmidt hopes that our shared history can be a unifying force. He believes this documentary can contribute to healing societal divisions.
“It belongs to everybody,” he says. “I hope our production helps with that healing process.”
Burns echoes this sentiment, stating that this is “our story, our origin. Understanding our past might help us move forward as a nation.”
Schmidt’s love for his country has deepened through this project. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the sacrifices made during the Revolution, a time of profound suffering and uncertainty.
“War is messy,” he says. “But understanding this history makes me love my country even more.”
Burns highlights the global context of the American Revolution, positioning it as the fourth global war for North America and the first of two civil wars in our country’s history. The documentary also sheds light on the experiences of Native Americans, women, and free Black Americans, often overlooked in traditional historical narratives.
Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, once said, “The American Revolution is still going on.” Burns sees this as a call to continue opening up and evolving our understanding of “all men are created equal.”
Botstein reminds us that the founders envisioned a Republic of educated, virtuous, and thoughtful citizens. Schmidt expresses their aspiration to welcome as many people as possible into this story, encouraging viewers to find themselves and their communities reflected in it.
“I hope they watch the whole series,” Botstein says. “It’s like reading a book – you need to see the whole picture to understand our message.”
Educational materials are being prepared to accompany the series, targeting 3rd to 12th grades.
The first episode of ‘The American Revolution’ premieres this Sunday at 5 p.m. MST on PBS and can be livestreamed through various PBS platforms. Get ready for an immersive journey through our nation’s past, present, and future.