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The American Revolution

Campus Conversation

At the event held at New York University on November 19, 2025, filmmakers Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein, experts Maggie Blackhawk and Christopher Brown, and NYU professor and moderator Patrick Egan discussed the significance of the American Revolution for young people and students today.

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The Most Sacred Thing (May 1780 – Onward)
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2:10:41
Victory at Yorktown secures independence. Americans aspire for a more perfect union.
The Soul of All America (December 1777 – May 1780)
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1:53:53
The war drags on and moves to new theaters: at sea, in Indian Country, and in the South.
Conquer by a Drawn Game (January 1777 – February 1778)
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1:55:38
Philadelphia falls, but the American victory at Saratoga allows France to enter the war.
The Times That Try Men’s Souls (July 1776 – January 1777)
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1:54:35
Washington abandons New York City and flees across New Jersey, before attacking Trenton.
An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)
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2:04:18
Washington takes command of the Continental Army. Congress declares American independence.
In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)
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1:56:09
Political protest escalates into violence. War gives thirteen colonies a common cause.
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