The American Revolution by Ken Burns (1 Viewer)

[Terp152]

Watched episode one and thought it quite good. Some of the interviewed historians were also featured in Burns docuseries Benjamin Franklin. Enjoyed seeing R Atkinson as I have read most of his books, sometimes twice. One historian said the main basis of the Revolution was land acquisition by settlers. Had not read or heard of that previously although the banning of settlers west of the Alleghany Mountains was was an issue. Don't believe that was the main reason.

One criticism I have is the listing of the authors of quoted text from letters and documents without identifying who they were other than names. Such as Hannah Winthrop, eyewitness to the battle at Concord, correspondent with Abagail Adams and Mercy Otis Warren. And Andrew Elliot, last Royal Gov of NY circa 1783, John Greenwood, Continental fifer but also Washington's personal dentist who made W's dentures out of hippopotamus tusks (maybe that is mentioned later). Sarah Mifflin, wife of T Mifflin, 1st PA gov and famous for depicted in a painting making garments herself to support the import boycott. Who these people were gives more context and importance to their words.

Hope to see other's comments and opinions of the series. Chris

 

[Go for Broke]

Watched episode one and thought it quite good. Some of the interviewed historians were also featured in Burns docuseries Benjamin Franklin. Enjoyed seeing R Atkinson as I have read most of his books, sometimes twice. One historian said the main basis of the Revolution was land acquisition by settlers. Had not read or heard of that previously although the banning of settlers west of the Alleghany Mountains was was an issue. Don't believe that was the main reason.

One criticism I have is the listing of the authors of quoted text from letters and documents without identifying who they were other than names. Such as Hannah Winthrop, eyewitness to the battle at Concord, correspondent with Abagail Adams and Mercy Otis Warren. And Andrew Elliot, last Royal Gov of NY circa 1783, John Greenwood, Continental fifer but also Washington's personal dentist who made W's dentures out of hippopotamus tusks (maybe that is mentioned later). Sarah Mifflin, wife of T Mifflin, 1st PA gov and famous for depicted in a painting making garments herself to support the import boycott. Who these people were gives more context and importance to their words.

Hope to see other's comments and opinions of the series. Chris

Went through 3-episodes. Great illustrations and paintings. Enjoying them, but I keep falling asleep. Of the 6-hours thus far, I probably saw 3-hours.

 

[jazzeum]

I’m starting to find the series a little tedious because there is only so much you can do in the absence of photos with re-enactments, paintings, drawings and computer generated battle re-enactments. Moreover, the narration sounds like a book. Personally, I found the origins of the war and the adoption of the Declaration interesting but when it comes to battle after battle and they can’t be shown except through one’s imagination, the series starts to bog down. Burns has a formula as to how he does his documentaries but I’m not sure it works as well here because of the above reasons.

 

[Warrior]

Went through 3-episodes. Great illustrations and paintings. Enjoying them, but I keep falling asleep. Of the 6-hours thus far, I probably saw 3-hours.

I DVR'd the series and watched episode three today; fell asleep twice.................

 

[Warrior]

I’m starting to find the series a little tedious because there is only so much you can do in the absence of photos with re-enactments, paintings, drawings and computer generated battle re-enactments. Moreover, the narration sounds like a book. Personally, I found the origins of the war and the adoption of the Declaration interesting but when it comes to battle after battle and they can’t be shown except through one’s imagination, the series starts to bog down. Burns has a formula as to how he does his documentaries but I’m not sure it works as well here because of the above reasons.

I thought it was just me, tedious for sure, they spent nearly an hour in episode 3 yammering about slavery and how Washington did not want African American troops in the army as he was a slave holder, blah, blah, blah.....................

 

[jazzeum]

I thought it was just me, tedious for sure, they spent nearly an hour in episode 3 yammering about slavery and how Washington did not want African American troops in the army as he was a slave holder, blah, blah, blah.....................

I think those stories about slavery and the role of slavery in the War are important ones to tell and glad Burns is doing that.

 

[Terp152]

I thought it was just me, tedious for sure, they spent nearly an hour in episode 3 yammering about slavery and how Washington did not want African American troops in the army as he was a slave holder, blah, blah, blah.....................

I think it may be for people who know nothing about American history. But you're right it is the single most important fact now presented in every biography, book, tv series, article, etc. It does get wearisome. The Ken Burns docuseries on B Franklin went on at great length about this.

 

[Warrior]

I think those stories about slavery and the role of slavery in the War are important ones to tell and glad Burns is doing that.

That's all well and good but it seems like it's the focal point of the series.

"Hey everybody, the Father of our country was not the swell guy you all thought he was."

 

[jazzeum]

That's all well and good but it seems like it's the focal point of the series.

"Hey everybody, the Father of our country was not the swell guy you all thought he was."

I don’t see it that way at all. The focus is on the battles, especially last night. One thing I liked about is the discussion about the loyalists and those who wanted nothing to do with the War like the Quakers. Most people probably believe that the colonies were united in getting rid of the British but that’s simply not true.

 

[Warrior]

I don’t see it that way at all. The focus is on the battles, especially last night. One thing I liked about is the discussion about the loyalists and those who wanted nothing to do with the War like the Quakers. Most people probably believe that the colonies were united in getting rid of the British but that’s simply not true.

I haven't gotten that far yet, I watched part 3 yesterday, the majority of that episode was all about slavery.

That's all I have to go on, what I've watched so far.

And anyone who has a good understanding of the AWI knows all about the loyalists and how they wanted nothing to do with the war/were loyal to the king.

It was not this massive one for all, all for one 13 colonies united in overthrowing the British like some people think it was.

Many of the colonists fought with the British during the French & Indian War and were loyal to the crown.

 

[paxtoysoldier]

Finished the series late last night. Dad & I never mind a bit of talk about slavery in US History. I thought it was mostly relevant and not overly woke. I enjoyed the focus on battles and had little trouble imagining them - especially in toy soldier form! Some interesting issues are raised.
Overall it's worth watching IMHO.
Paddy

 

[Warrior]

I think it may be for people who know nothing about American history. But you're right it is the single most important fact now presented in every biography, book, tv series, article, etc. It does get wearisome. The Ken Burns docuseries on B Franklin went on at great length about this.

I will say that the NYTs 1619 project tried to say the Patriots fought to keep their slaves. Burns throws cold water on that by pointing out Britain was the biggest slave trader around. And their holdings in the Caribbean were the most valuable because of the slave economy.

 

[jazzeum]

I will say that the NYTs 1619 project tried to say the Patriots fought to keep their slaves. Burns throws cold water on that by pointing out Britain was the biggest slave trader around. And their holdings in the Caribbean were the most valuable because of the slave economy.

The 1619 Project is not historically sound and many experts have pointed out its deficiencies so I would never give credence to anything it says.

 

[jazzeum]

In the winter of 1779-1780 Washington’s army wintered at Jockey Hollow (near Morristown, NJ), which is only 15 minutes from where I live. It’s a nice national park and you can see some of the houses the troops stayed in. Wonder if it will be mentioned in tonight’s episode.

 

[Panzer ace]

Watching these types of documentaries just makes me want to buy toy soldiers that are represented in whatever era is being shown.

 

[Terp152]

Recently finished watching what I consider a "companion" series, Apple TV "Franklin." While a dramatic series, not documentary as Burns' is, found it quite interesting. Michael Douglas is outstanding, although not physically similar to Franklin. Much of the story is historical although some major distortions at the end (think this is called dramatic license). THe dialogue is well written and recommend this to anyone interested in the period and Franklin in particular.

 

[jazzeum]

Watching these types of documentaries just makes me want to buy toy soldiers that are represented in whatever era is being shown.

For me, it’s a bit different. Whenever a new historian I look up their books and save them to my Amazon lists for possible future purchases.

 

[Combat]

I found the first episode a bit of a drag. Almost nothing new. Just a rehash of old tropes. The usual woke take on the Indians (peace loving people whose land was stolen). It's dry stuff given from the perspective of academic, Martha Vineyard's type historians with a desired narrative. That doesn't mean it is necessarily unwatchable. Just very predictable.