Founding Fathers

2000

Production

Four episodes: "Rebels With A Cause" discusses Sam Adams and John Hancock and how they influenced the start of the revolution. "Taking Liberties" discusses the heavy British tax levies, the Boston Massacre, the eloquence of orator Patrick Henry and the attempt of Benjamin Franklin to patch things up with King George. "You Say You Want a Revolution" discusses Thomas Jefferson, the early failures of George Washington, the arrest of Benjamin Franklin's son for plotting to aid the British and the support of the French. "A healthy Constitution" goes into what happened after the final defeat of the British, the lack of funds to run the country, James Madison's salvation of the revolution, and George Washington's refusal of the title "King".

Seasons

4 Episodes • Premiered 2000

1. Rebels With A Cause

Part 1 of a documentary series presenting the flesh-and-blood men behind early American legends examines the political agitation of the early 1770s and a group of loyal British citizens driven to commit treason.

2. Taking Liberties

Join the first sessions of the Continental Congress and witness the battles of Lexington and Concord, the election of Washington as Commander of the Army, and publication of "Common Sense".