The American Revolution, a landmark documentary by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, examines how our nation’s founding was at once a war for independence, a civil war, and a world war that impacted millions. We are pleased to present screenings of all six episodes in their entirety for America 250.

Episode Three: The Times That Try Men’s Souls (July 1776 – January 1777)

General George Washington and his Continental Army move to defend New York City as British ships begin arriving in the harbor. They are the first to join a massive invasion fleet with tens of thousands of soldiers, sailors, and marines under the joint command of Admiral Richard Howe and his brother General William Howe. Thousands of hired German soldiers, known collectively as “Hessians,” will also be part of the offensive.

In the south, the British launch an attack on Charleston Harbor in South Carolina. Their warships bombard a Patriot fort on Sullivan’s Island, but the rebels return fire, inflicting serious damage. The British are forced back to sea and won’t attempt to recapture a southern colony again for two and a half years.

Seeing an opportunity to push back against settlements encroaching into their territory, Cherokee warriors led by Tsi’yu-gunsini — “Dragging Canoe” in English — attack settlers in the backcountry. Militiamen from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia march into Cherokee Country and burn towns in retaliation. Dragging Canoe continues to fight, but older Cherokee leaders sue for peace and cede land that extends the western borders of the southern states.