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In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)

The American RevolutionSeries 1
Episode 1 of 6

Opposition in colonial North America to British policies escalates into violence. But war gives 13 otherwise disunited colonies a common cause.

American colonists oppose efforts by the British Crown and Parliament to seize greater control in North America, escalating simmering tensions over land, taxes and sovereignty into a violent confrontation. After protesters dump tea in Boston Harbor, the British government enacts martial law in Massachusetts. Fighting at Lexington and Concord ignites a war that will last eight years.

A film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt

59 minutes

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Next Tuesday22:00
BBC Four

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An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)Series 1

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