1 00:00:05,214 --> 00:00:08,844 [ marching footsteps ] 2 00:00:08,884 --> 00:00:10,974 - [ officer shouts orders ] 3 00:00:11,012 --> 00:00:14,602 [ marching footsteps continue ] 4 00:00:14,640 --> 00:00:17,100 [ officers shout orders ] 5 00:00:17,143 --> 00:00:21,403 - Tell the two at the back to pick up their pace. 6 00:00:21,439 --> 00:00:25,479 - At age 44, George Washington has command of an army 7 00:00:25,526 --> 00:00:28,856 and some success as a general. 8 00:00:28,904 --> 00:00:31,614 He managed to outlast the British in Boston, 9 00:00:31,657 --> 00:00:36,157 but the standoff ended without a head-to-head battle. 10 00:00:36,203 --> 00:00:39,123 Now, more than a year into the war, 11 00:00:39,165 --> 00:00:41,915 he's preparing his still-untested army 12 00:00:41,959 --> 00:00:44,539 to take on the enemy in New York. 13 00:00:45,171 --> 00:00:47,381 - "I'm obliged to confess 14 00:00:47,423 --> 00:00:50,053 "my want of confidence in the troops. 15 00:00:50,092 --> 00:00:52,472 "Till of late, I had no doubt in my own mind 16 00:00:52,511 --> 00:00:54,851 "of defending this place, 17 00:00:54,889 --> 00:00:57,679 nor should I have yet if the men would do their duty." 18 00:00:57,725 --> 00:00:59,425 - One. 19 00:00:59,477 --> 00:01:00,887 - [ screams ] 20 00:01:00,978 --> 00:01:02,518 - Two. 21 00:01:02,563 --> 00:01:03,693 [ whip strikes, man screams ] 22 00:01:03,731 --> 00:01:05,941 - Washington is pretty determined 23 00:01:05,983 --> 00:01:10,903 that what he wants is a disciplined army 24 00:01:10,946 --> 00:01:13,316 that can compete with British regulars. 25 00:01:13,365 --> 00:01:16,275 He wants men that are disciplined enough 26 00:01:16,327 --> 00:01:19,947 that they fear their officers more than they fear the enemy. 27 00:01:19,997 --> 00:01:22,157 So Washington will have to inflict the kind of discipline 28 00:01:22,208 --> 00:01:24,248 that he thinks is necessary. 29 00:01:24,293 --> 00:01:25,883 - Five. - [ grunts ] 30 00:01:25,920 --> 00:01:27,800 - Six. - [ grunts ] 31 00:01:27,838 --> 00:01:30,588 - You can paint his harshness in harsh colors 32 00:01:30,633 --> 00:01:32,843 and make him look to be almost tyrannical, 33 00:01:32,885 --> 00:01:34,215 but that's not quite there. 34 00:01:34,261 --> 00:01:37,891 - Six. - [ grunts ] 35 00:01:37,932 --> 00:01:40,892 - Seven. - [ man grunts ] 36 00:01:40,935 --> 00:01:43,385 - But his commitment to discipline 37 00:01:43,437 --> 00:01:46,187 and to almost merciless enforcement of that discipline 38 00:01:46,232 --> 00:01:48,692 is justified, necessary. 39 00:01:48,734 --> 00:01:51,034 [ whip strikes, man grunts ] 40 00:01:51,070 --> 00:01:53,280 - These guys are no match 41 00:01:53,322 --> 00:01:55,822 for a real professional British force. 42 00:01:55,908 --> 00:02:03,538 ♪♪♪ 43 00:02:03,582 --> 00:02:05,922 - Let's take a step back here and understand 44 00:02:05,960 --> 00:02:09,840 how insane the notion of a war against the British was. 45 00:02:09,880 --> 00:02:13,800 They were one of the most powerful military forces 46 00:02:13,843 --> 00:02:16,763 and naval forces in the world. 47 00:02:16,804 --> 00:02:18,684 America didn't have a Navy. 48 00:02:18,722 --> 00:02:21,102 It had a military as of yesterday. 49 00:02:21,142 --> 00:02:24,772 They were underfunded. They were under-militarized, 50 00:02:24,812 --> 00:02:28,362 and Washington is just trying to catch up. 51 00:02:28,399 --> 00:02:32,319 - The fundamental weakness of the American government 52 00:02:32,361 --> 00:02:34,191 during the American Revolutionary War 53 00:02:34,238 --> 00:02:37,238 is that there is no real federal government. 54 00:02:37,283 --> 00:02:38,163 - Continental Congress does not have 55 00:02:38,200 --> 00:02:40,080 a lot of power to get money. 56 00:02:40,119 --> 00:02:42,239 They could request funds from the different colonies, 57 00:02:42,288 --> 00:02:45,158 but couldn't really demand. 58 00:02:45,207 --> 00:02:47,787 - Washington doesn't have funds 59 00:02:47,835 --> 00:02:50,415 for weapons, food, and uniforms. 60 00:02:50,462 --> 00:02:52,712 And he's running out of time. 61 00:02:52,756 --> 00:02:56,126 ♪♪♪ 62 00:02:56,177 --> 00:02:58,967 - A massive armada of British warships 63 00:02:59,013 --> 00:03:01,683 under orders from King George III 64 00:03:01,724 --> 00:03:03,684 is on its way to the colonies 65 00:03:03,726 --> 00:03:07,056 to intimidate the rebels into backing down. 66 00:03:07,104 --> 00:03:12,154 ♪♪♪ 67 00:03:12,318 --> 00:03:14,898 Commanding the British forces 68 00:03:14,945 --> 00:03:16,855 is General William Howe. 69 00:03:20,451 --> 00:03:23,411 - An empty glass is a terrible, poor sight, is it not? 70 00:03:23,454 --> 00:03:25,914 [ laughter ] - Yeah. 71 00:03:25,956 --> 00:03:29,876 - In any case, we shall arrive in New York soon enough. 72 00:03:29,919 --> 00:03:32,959 There, we shall see how deep these waters go. 73 00:03:33,005 --> 00:03:35,545 - The rebels have already had a year to come to their senses. 74 00:03:35,591 --> 00:03:38,131 - All children go astray from time to time. 75 00:03:38,177 --> 00:03:39,547 They always come back home. 76 00:03:39,595 --> 00:03:41,175 - Surely disloyalty to the crown 77 00:03:41,222 --> 00:03:43,762 cannot go unpunished? 78 00:03:43,807 --> 00:03:46,637 - A line has been crossed, most certainly. 79 00:03:48,270 --> 00:03:50,100 But I'm of the mind that it is 80 00:03:50,147 --> 00:03:52,857 preferable to educate rather than punish. 81 00:03:52,900 --> 00:03:54,400 A little more, please? 82 00:03:54,443 --> 00:03:57,493 - William Howe is a career military man 83 00:03:57,529 --> 00:04:00,779 with pro-American sympathies. 84 00:04:00,824 --> 00:04:03,374 He actually had proclaimed he would never go 85 00:04:03,410 --> 00:04:06,120 to command British troops in America 86 00:04:06,163 --> 00:04:09,003 because he thought that this war was wrong-headed. 87 00:04:09,083 --> 00:04:11,423 - He changes his mind because 88 00:04:11,460 --> 00:04:13,630 he's given the opportunity to be a peace commissioner 89 00:04:13,671 --> 00:04:15,711 as well as the commanding general. 90 00:04:15,756 --> 00:04:19,466 You will go and you will fight and deliver a few blows. 91 00:04:19,510 --> 00:04:22,050 You will be the person to negotiate a diplomatic end 92 00:04:22,096 --> 00:04:25,056 to this unnecessary war. 93 00:04:25,099 --> 00:04:27,469 That's what Howe thinks he's going to do. 94 00:04:27,518 --> 00:04:31,478 - Once the full force of the empire has been brought to bear, 95 00:04:31,522 --> 00:04:33,612 they will see how hopeless their position. 96 00:04:33,691 --> 00:04:36,111 - This Washington is out of his depth, 97 00:04:36,151 --> 00:04:38,651 but I like to think he is no fool. 98 00:04:38,696 --> 00:04:39,856 So... 99 00:04:43,200 --> 00:04:45,240 To Mr. Washington 100 00:04:45,286 --> 00:04:48,536 and choosing reason of a revolution. 101 00:04:48,580 --> 00:04:49,830 Mr. Washington. 102 00:04:49,873 --> 00:04:51,503 - Mr. Washington. 103 00:04:51,542 --> 00:04:54,632 ♪♪♪ 104 00:04:54,670 --> 00:04:57,210 - The British had this large empire, 105 00:04:57,256 --> 00:04:59,836 and to some degree from the British perspective, 106 00:04:59,883 --> 00:05:01,973 there was a principle that had to be upheld. 107 00:05:02,011 --> 00:05:04,851 If we let the Americans flout the authority 108 00:05:04,888 --> 00:05:06,968 of the British government, 109 00:05:07,016 --> 00:05:09,136 then who's to prevent other colonies 110 00:05:09,184 --> 00:05:10,814 from doing the same thing? 111 00:05:10,853 --> 00:05:13,103 And so, an example has to be made of them. 112 00:05:13,147 --> 00:05:17,067 - By the summer of 1776, 113 00:05:17,109 --> 00:05:20,989 the two armies are poised for a showdown over New York. 114 00:05:21,030 --> 00:05:23,740 A critical post on the Hudson Corridor 115 00:05:23,782 --> 00:05:25,912 that connects the colonies. 116 00:05:25,951 --> 00:05:28,791 - New York was really the key to North America. 117 00:05:28,829 --> 00:05:32,999 And whoever had control of New York and the Hudson River 118 00:05:33,042 --> 00:05:35,632 had the potential to control whatever would happened next. 119 00:05:35,669 --> 00:05:38,959 - Washington's been ordered by Congress 120 00:05:39,006 --> 00:05:42,166 to defend in New York at all costs, 121 00:05:42,217 --> 00:05:46,967 but the Continental Army only has 121 cannons. 122 00:05:47,014 --> 00:05:49,564 That's fewer than the arsenal onboard 123 00:05:49,600 --> 00:05:53,190 just two of the British warships heading their way. 124 00:05:53,228 --> 00:05:55,348 ♪♪♪ 125 00:05:55,397 --> 00:05:58,477 While he doesn't have the firepower, 126 00:05:58,525 --> 00:06:02,235 Washington does have a team of eager patriot officers 127 00:06:02,279 --> 00:06:05,069 fighting by his side. 128 00:06:05,115 --> 00:06:08,445 - Washington was great at spotting talent. 129 00:06:08,494 --> 00:06:10,624 He had no qualms about going after young people 130 00:06:10,662 --> 00:06:13,042 who had not necessarily established a reputation 131 00:06:13,082 --> 00:06:14,962 if they showed promise. 132 00:06:15,000 --> 00:06:17,380 - He learned the most important thing you do as a leader 133 00:06:17,419 --> 00:06:21,209 is develop followers and subordinate leaders 134 00:06:21,256 --> 00:06:23,376 who you can trust and who trust you. 135 00:06:23,425 --> 00:06:29,675 - Among his advisers, 34-year-old Nathanael Greene. 136 00:06:29,723 --> 00:06:32,393 - Nathanael Greene was one of his very, very favorites. 137 00:06:32,434 --> 00:06:35,604 He was actually a Quaker from Rhode Island, 138 00:06:35,646 --> 00:06:38,436 but he was brilliant and super ambitious 139 00:06:38,482 --> 00:06:41,112 and really understood how Washington thought. 140 00:06:41,151 --> 00:06:43,191 ♪♪♪ 141 00:06:43,237 --> 00:06:45,487 - And alongside Greene, 142 00:06:45,531 --> 00:06:50,161 a 25-year-old bookseller- turned-colonel, Henry Knox. 143 00:06:50,202 --> 00:06:51,702 - Henry Knox, very quickly, 144 00:06:51,745 --> 00:06:53,745 he became his head of the artillery. 145 00:06:53,789 --> 00:06:56,249 He learned all about cannons and ammunition, 146 00:06:56,291 --> 00:06:58,251 everything from reading 147 00:06:58,293 --> 00:07:00,003 and then talking to British officers about them. 148 00:07:00,045 --> 00:07:02,875 - He was a bookseller by trade. When Washington met him, 149 00:07:02,923 --> 00:07:06,303 he recognized someone who was organized, intelligent, 150 00:07:06,343 --> 00:07:10,143 and affable in that way you need to get things done. 151 00:07:10,180 --> 00:07:14,520 - With the British fleet bearing down on New York... 152 00:07:14,560 --> 00:07:17,060 - The map, Billy. 153 00:07:17,104 --> 00:07:20,194 - Washington consults the Council of War, 154 00:07:20,232 --> 00:07:24,232 his most trusted officers, including Knox and Greene, 155 00:07:24,278 --> 00:07:26,858 to devise a defensive strategy. 156 00:07:28,866 --> 00:07:30,776 - Time is not on our side. 157 00:07:30,826 --> 00:07:33,156 - Yet we're faced with the same issues. 158 00:07:33,203 --> 00:07:35,703 - No matter how thin we stretch our artillery, 159 00:07:35,747 --> 00:07:39,207 there is simply not enough to cover all the shoreline... 160 00:07:39,251 --> 00:07:41,591 and our insufficient crews to man what we do have. 161 00:07:41,628 --> 00:07:45,048 Do I have permission to speak freely, sir? 162 00:07:45,090 --> 00:07:46,630 - Of course. 163 00:07:46,675 --> 00:07:49,125 - The wise counsel will be to withdraw. 164 00:07:52,598 --> 00:07:56,848 - I have often held there is no honor in retreat. 165 00:07:56,894 --> 00:08:00,604 But even if that would not sell, the world is watching. 166 00:08:00,647 --> 00:08:02,687 If we are to fight for our independence, 167 00:08:02,733 --> 00:08:05,073 we must show them we are worthy. 168 00:08:05,110 --> 00:08:06,990 - Then I suggest 169 00:08:07,029 --> 00:08:09,319 we aim to inflict as much damage as possible. 170 00:08:11,408 --> 00:08:13,448 - Artillery... 171 00:08:13,494 --> 00:08:15,954 on either side of the East River, 172 00:08:15,996 --> 00:08:17,906 creating a gauntlet that they must travel through 173 00:08:17,956 --> 00:08:20,366 if they are to land. 174 00:08:20,417 --> 00:08:23,497 It is doubtful that we will stop them completely. 175 00:08:23,545 --> 00:08:24,705 But we will certainly see them bloody. 176 00:08:28,550 --> 00:08:30,050 - Are you all in agreement? 177 00:08:34,723 --> 00:08:36,893 Then begin preparations and report back 178 00:08:36,934 --> 00:08:41,064 once the batteries are ready to be inspected. 179 00:08:41,104 --> 00:08:47,534 ♪♪♪ 180 00:08:47,569 --> 00:08:50,569 - By July, the British are no longer coming. 181 00:08:52,616 --> 00:08:54,736 They're here. 182 00:08:54,785 --> 00:08:56,025 - What is the count now? 183 00:08:56,078 --> 00:08:57,738 - It's 130. 184 00:08:57,788 --> 00:08:59,078 We're already dropping anchor in the bay. 185 00:08:59,122 --> 00:09:12,882 ♪♪♪ 186 00:09:13,470 --> 00:09:15,010 ♪♪♪ 187 00:09:15,055 --> 00:09:17,805 - George Washington's finally getting the attention 188 00:09:17,849 --> 00:09:20,559 he's long sought from the British Empire. 189 00:09:20,602 --> 00:09:22,022 - My spyglass, Billy. 190 00:09:22,145 --> 00:09:26,265 ♪♪♪ 191 00:09:26,316 --> 00:09:30,816 - More than 100 warships sent by King George III 192 00:09:30,862 --> 00:09:34,322 have arrived to stamp out the colonist rebellion. 193 00:09:34,366 --> 00:09:37,696 - This is the largest naval and military force 194 00:09:37,744 --> 00:09:40,204 ever assembled in the Americas. 195 00:09:40,247 --> 00:09:42,327 For any sensible person looking out at that, 196 00:09:42,374 --> 00:09:45,294 you'd have to think, "We're in a lot trouble here." 197 00:09:45,335 --> 00:09:47,085 - The next time anything like that will happen 198 00:09:47,129 --> 00:09:49,959 is the American force going the other way in World War I. 199 00:09:50,007 --> 00:09:52,127 Huge. 200 00:09:52,175 --> 00:09:53,715 - General Howe certainly wishes us to know 201 00:09:53,760 --> 00:09:56,550 he has arrived. 202 00:09:56,597 --> 00:09:58,177 Inform the generals. 203 00:09:58,223 --> 00:10:00,523 We will meet at top of the hour. 204 00:10:00,559 --> 00:10:02,349 - Yes, sir. 205 00:10:03,770 --> 00:10:07,730 - "Our cruel and unrelenting enemy leaves us no choice 206 00:10:07,774 --> 00:10:10,574 "but a brave resistance. 207 00:10:10,611 --> 00:10:13,361 We have therefore to resolve to conquer..." 208 00:10:15,115 --> 00:10:16,405 "...or die." 209 00:10:16,450 --> 00:10:20,370 ♪♪♪ 210 00:10:20,412 --> 00:10:23,912 - Washington and the Americans are outgunned, 211 00:10:23,957 --> 00:10:26,707 but they have a weapon the British don't-- 212 00:10:26,752 --> 00:10:28,542 a cause. 213 00:10:28,587 --> 00:10:31,877 - It's an amazing coincidence that at the same time 214 00:10:31,923 --> 00:10:34,553 as the British are coming into the New York Harbor, 215 00:10:34,593 --> 00:10:40,013 The Declaration of Independence is passed by Congress. 216 00:10:40,057 --> 00:10:41,637 - It had taken just three weeks 217 00:10:41,683 --> 00:10:44,063 for a historic committee of founding fathers, 218 00:10:44,102 --> 00:10:47,192 including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, 219 00:10:47,230 --> 00:10:50,190 and Benjamin Franklin, to draft the document, 220 00:10:50,233 --> 00:10:53,403 which they hope will unite all colonists 221 00:10:53,445 --> 00:10:55,895 behind a common cause. 222 00:10:55,947 --> 00:10:57,907 - When we learn about the revolution in school, 223 00:10:57,949 --> 00:11:00,989 it's presented as a rather clean-cut story. 224 00:11:01,036 --> 00:11:03,366 All of America wanted to rebel. 225 00:11:03,413 --> 00:11:04,913 The British were the oppressor. 226 00:11:04,956 --> 00:11:06,536 - But it was by no means unanimous 227 00:11:06,583 --> 00:11:08,213 that Americans thought, 228 00:11:08,251 --> 00:11:09,421 "Okay. Independence is this great thing." 229 00:11:09,461 --> 00:11:13,131 - Within the colonies, within families, 230 00:11:13,173 --> 00:11:14,513 there was division. 231 00:11:14,549 --> 00:11:16,219 There were loyalists and patriots 232 00:11:16,343 --> 00:11:17,843 living in the same house. 233 00:11:17,886 --> 00:11:21,426 This was a civil war. 234 00:11:21,473 --> 00:11:25,393 - So in towns, in cities around the colonies, 235 00:11:25,435 --> 00:11:27,265 people were meeting in groups 236 00:11:27,312 --> 00:11:29,602 and debating what they thought about independence. 237 00:11:29,648 --> 00:11:32,358 Declaring independence was a process, not an act. 238 00:11:33,944 --> 00:11:36,404 - The declaration made a case 239 00:11:36,446 --> 00:11:39,236 to the people on the fence in America 240 00:11:39,282 --> 00:11:43,412 that this was a cause worth betting on. 241 00:11:43,453 --> 00:11:46,663 And it gave the colonials, the Yankees 242 00:11:46,707 --> 00:11:49,867 something to fight for besides real estate. 243 00:11:49,918 --> 00:11:52,248 It was almost a letter to investors. 244 00:11:52,295 --> 00:11:54,335 "Do you wanna invest in this experiment? 245 00:11:54,381 --> 00:11:57,341 This is what we're about. This is why we're doing it." 246 00:11:57,384 --> 00:11:59,974 - "And for the support of this declaration..." 247 00:12:00,011 --> 00:12:01,551 - And so they were very intentional 248 00:12:01,596 --> 00:12:04,506 about how they got out word. 249 00:12:04,558 --> 00:12:06,928 They sent it on ships to all major ports. 250 00:12:06,977 --> 00:12:08,767 They printed copies of it. 251 00:12:08,812 --> 00:12:11,602 They published it. They wanted it to spread. 252 00:12:11,648 --> 00:12:12,978 - And it's the kind of thing 253 00:12:13,024 --> 00:12:14,574 that would be a rallying cry to people. 254 00:12:14,609 --> 00:12:16,279 And it was meant to be read aloud. 255 00:12:16,319 --> 00:12:19,239 It has the ring of a-- of a song in a way. 256 00:12:24,828 --> 00:12:27,748 - "When in the course of human events, 257 00:12:27,789 --> 00:12:29,579 "it becomes necessary for one people 258 00:12:29,624 --> 00:12:31,674 "to dissolve political bands 259 00:12:31,710 --> 00:12:35,000 "which have connected them with another 260 00:12:35,046 --> 00:12:37,796 and to assume among the powers of the earth..." 261 00:12:37,841 --> 00:12:41,181 ♪♪♪ 262 00:12:41,219 --> 00:12:44,299 "We hold these truths to be self-evident." 263 00:12:44,347 --> 00:12:46,927 - "That all men are created equal." 264 00:12:46,975 --> 00:12:48,725 - "They are endowed by their creator 265 00:12:48,769 --> 00:12:51,139 with certain unalienable rights." 266 00:12:51,188 --> 00:12:56,978 - "But among these are life, liberty, 267 00:12:57,194 --> 00:12:58,824 and the pursuit of happiness." 268 00:12:58,862 --> 00:13:00,492 - "That whenever any form of government 269 00:13:00,530 --> 00:13:02,780 becomes destructive of these ends..." 270 00:13:02,824 --> 00:13:07,244 - "It is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it." 271 00:13:07,287 --> 00:13:11,207 - "And for the support of this declaration, 272 00:13:11,249 --> 00:13:12,919 "with the firm reliance on the protection 273 00:13:12,959 --> 00:13:15,169 "of divine providence, 274 00:13:15,212 --> 00:13:19,552 "we mutually pledge to each other our lives, 275 00:13:19,591 --> 00:13:24,341 our fortunes... and our sacred honor." 276 00:13:24,387 --> 00:13:27,597 ♪♪♪ 277 00:13:27,641 --> 00:13:29,431 - When you read the declaration, 278 00:13:29,476 --> 00:13:33,386 most people only remember the first few paragraphs. 279 00:13:33,438 --> 00:13:36,478 No one else remembers that it's really a list of charges 280 00:13:36,525 --> 00:13:38,435 against the British king. 281 00:13:38,485 --> 00:13:42,025 - "The history of the present king of Great Britain 282 00:13:42,072 --> 00:13:45,912 "is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, 283 00:13:45,951 --> 00:13:50,451 "all having indirect object the establishment 284 00:13:50,497 --> 00:13:55,417 of an absolute tyranny over these states." 285 00:13:55,460 --> 00:13:58,340 ♪♪♪ 286 00:13:58,380 --> 00:14:01,340 Are you certain this is authentic? 287 00:14:01,383 --> 00:14:03,633 - It has already been distributed across the colonies. 288 00:14:03,677 --> 00:14:05,967 ♪♪♪ 289 00:14:06,012 --> 00:14:08,682 - Bloody fools. 290 00:14:08,723 --> 00:14:11,143 - The declaration was an act of treason. 291 00:14:11,184 --> 00:14:13,644 It was primarily a document 292 00:14:13,687 --> 00:14:16,307 that was stating that the United States of America 293 00:14:16,356 --> 00:14:17,726 was gonna be a new country. 294 00:14:17,774 --> 00:14:20,324 Jefferson lists all of the grievances 295 00:14:20,360 --> 00:14:23,150 that have been collected from the various colonies. 296 00:14:23,196 --> 00:14:24,896 So everybody is a part of it. 297 00:14:24,948 --> 00:14:27,488 These people could have been tried for that 298 00:14:27,534 --> 00:14:29,664 and killed for that. 299 00:14:29,703 --> 00:14:31,043 - Time after time, 300 00:14:31,079 --> 00:14:32,369 I have given them the opportunity 301 00:14:32,414 --> 00:14:34,914 to abandon this foolish cause. 302 00:14:37,878 --> 00:14:40,128 And now this. 303 00:14:45,051 --> 00:14:46,261 - Your orders, sir? 304 00:14:48,388 --> 00:14:50,098 - The American colonists and the British Government 305 00:14:50,140 --> 00:14:53,520 could've met halfway before July of 1776. 306 00:14:53,560 --> 00:14:55,770 But once independence is declared, 307 00:14:55,812 --> 00:14:59,272 there is a kind of Rubicon that has passed. 308 00:15:00,609 --> 00:15:02,529 - Sir, your orders? 309 00:15:02,569 --> 00:15:06,569 ♪♪♪ 310 00:15:07,991 --> 00:15:14,161 [ screaming and yelling ] 311 00:15:14,205 --> 00:15:16,245 ♪♪♪ 312 00:15:16,291 --> 00:15:18,541 - The colonies have declared their independence... 313 00:15:18,585 --> 00:15:20,165 [ cannon fire ] 314 00:15:20,211 --> 00:15:23,591 ♪♪♪ 315 00:15:23,632 --> 00:15:26,302 - But if the Americans want their freedom, 316 00:15:26,343 --> 00:15:28,343 they'll have to bleed for it. 317 00:15:28,386 --> 00:15:31,096 ♪♪♪ 318 00:15:31,973 --> 00:15:35,023 [ explosion ] 319 00:15:35,060 --> 00:15:37,640 - When the colonies declare independence, 320 00:15:37,687 --> 00:15:40,187 Britain responds with cannon fire. 321 00:15:43,360 --> 00:15:45,400 But these first shots on New York 322 00:15:45,445 --> 00:15:48,235 are just a warning of what's to come. 323 00:15:53,453 --> 00:15:57,003 - This is not the full fleet. - No. 324 00:15:57,040 --> 00:15:59,120 They remain anchored in the harbor as of now. 325 00:15:59,167 --> 00:16:01,457 - Then what are we facing? 326 00:16:01,503 --> 00:16:04,753 - It is two ships moving north up the Hudson. 327 00:16:04,798 --> 00:16:06,628 - And our batteries? 328 00:16:06,675 --> 00:16:09,715 - They have opened fire but... 329 00:16:09,761 --> 00:16:12,511 we have so few cannons as it is. 330 00:16:12,555 --> 00:16:15,965 And those that we do have are failing to reach the warships. 331 00:16:16,017 --> 00:16:19,017 - So essentially, we are defenseless. 332 00:16:19,062 --> 00:16:21,272 And not only have we been made aware of that fact, 333 00:16:21,314 --> 00:16:23,234 but General Howe has as well. 334 00:16:24,401 --> 00:16:26,191 Casualties? 335 00:16:26,236 --> 00:16:28,566 - Confirmed so far. 336 00:16:28,613 --> 00:16:31,283 One of our cannons misfired and exploded. 337 00:16:31,324 --> 00:16:32,664 We are still awaiting word 338 00:16:32,701 --> 00:16:33,911 from the other areas of bombardment. 339 00:16:33,952 --> 00:16:38,372 ♪♪♪ 340 00:16:38,415 --> 00:16:40,115 - Send men to sweep the streets. 341 00:16:40,166 --> 00:16:41,706 Check on the civilians. 342 00:16:41,751 --> 00:16:44,541 Make sure they steer clear of the river. 343 00:16:44,587 --> 00:16:45,917 And, Colonel Knox... 344 00:16:45,964 --> 00:16:47,714 - Yes, sir? 345 00:16:47,757 --> 00:16:49,717 - I want to know where those ships are heading. 346 00:16:49,759 --> 00:16:50,879 - Of course, sir. 347 00:16:52,721 --> 00:16:54,681 - Dismissed. - Follow. 348 00:16:54,723 --> 00:17:06,773 ♪♪♪ 349 00:17:06,818 --> 00:17:09,318 - Howe doesn't want to destroy Washington 350 00:17:09,362 --> 00:17:11,032 or the Continental Army. 351 00:17:11,072 --> 00:17:13,662 Howe wants to rough them up. 352 00:17:13,700 --> 00:17:17,040 Make them realize they can't win. 353 00:17:17,078 --> 00:17:19,368 Make them decide on their own. 354 00:17:21,082 --> 00:17:23,832 This was a misguided venture. 355 00:17:23,877 --> 00:17:26,957 - In the days following his show of force, 356 00:17:27,005 --> 00:17:28,795 General Howe makes two attempts 357 00:17:28,840 --> 00:17:31,590 to get Washington to lay down arms, 358 00:17:31,634 --> 00:17:33,724 offering him a pardon for his role 359 00:17:33,762 --> 00:17:37,222 in leading the rebellion against the king. 360 00:17:37,265 --> 00:17:39,345 Both fail. 361 00:17:39,392 --> 00:17:41,102 - General Howe sends an emissary. 362 00:17:41,144 --> 00:17:43,484 And he sends one letter. 363 00:17:43,521 --> 00:17:46,231 It's addressed informally-- "Mr. Washington." 364 00:17:46,274 --> 00:17:48,784 He sends another letter, again informally, 365 00:17:48,818 --> 00:17:51,818 "George Washington, Esquire, et cetera." 366 00:17:51,863 --> 00:17:53,743 - Washington won't accept the letter 367 00:17:53,782 --> 00:17:55,202 because he's General Washington. 368 00:17:55,241 --> 00:17:57,121 That's his title. You want to address him, 369 00:17:57,160 --> 00:17:58,620 you address him as General Washington. 370 00:17:58,661 --> 00:18:00,831 And if you're not gonna address him that way, 371 00:18:00,872 --> 00:18:02,122 he's not gonna engage in that conversation. 372 00:18:02,165 --> 00:18:06,535 ♪♪♪ 373 00:18:06,586 --> 00:18:08,956 - Despite Washington's two refuses, 374 00:18:09,005 --> 00:18:11,545 Howe reaches out again, 375 00:18:11,591 --> 00:18:14,301 this time, sending his own adjutant 376 00:18:14,344 --> 00:18:18,144 with a third offer for the rebel commander. 377 00:18:18,181 --> 00:18:20,471 - Welcome, Lieutenant Colonel Patterson. 378 00:18:22,685 --> 00:18:24,635 - Mr. Washington. 379 00:18:24,687 --> 00:18:26,977 - General. 380 00:18:27,023 --> 00:18:29,653 - I bring another message from General Howe. 381 00:18:29,692 --> 00:18:33,152 - And we are eager to hear what he has to say. 382 00:18:33,196 --> 00:18:35,736 But I understand you've walked here from the harbor. 383 00:18:35,782 --> 00:18:37,822 Perhaps you are thirsty. We can offer water, ale? 384 00:18:37,867 --> 00:18:41,037 - I should prefer to deliver this message and be on my way. 385 00:18:41,079 --> 00:18:42,539 - Of course. 386 00:18:56,219 --> 00:18:59,599 - Your words will suffice. 387 00:18:59,639 --> 00:19:04,019 - Well, the king has granted General Howe considerable powers 388 00:19:04,060 --> 00:19:06,440 to come to some understanding in this matter. 389 00:19:08,148 --> 00:19:10,308 Perhaps you have a particular request 390 00:19:10,358 --> 00:19:14,028 you would like me to relay to General Howe? 391 00:19:14,070 --> 00:19:16,400 - None. 392 00:19:16,447 --> 00:19:19,527 But please do feel free to offer him my compliments. 393 00:19:19,576 --> 00:19:25,196 ♪♪♪ 394 00:19:25,248 --> 00:19:28,118 - Sir, if you will not even have a discussion, 395 00:19:28,168 --> 00:19:31,208 it leaves us with little choice on how to proceed. 396 00:19:31,254 --> 00:19:34,554 - If I understand your implications, 397 00:19:34,591 --> 00:19:37,131 the crown has bestowed upon General Howe 398 00:19:37,177 --> 00:19:39,717 the authority to grant pardons. 399 00:19:39,762 --> 00:19:41,852 That is very good. 400 00:19:41,890 --> 00:19:44,810 But those who have committed no fault... 401 00:19:44,851 --> 00:19:47,061 want no pardon. 402 00:19:47,103 --> 00:19:54,443 ♪♪♪ 403 00:19:54,485 --> 00:19:57,855 - And it seems we have nothing further to discuss. 404 00:19:57,906 --> 00:20:00,906 - I wish you a pleasant return. 405 00:20:00,950 --> 00:20:03,700 And please, do give General Howe my regards. 406 00:20:05,121 --> 00:20:06,081 - Good day. 407 00:20:16,799 --> 00:20:20,129 - Washington was very aware of the fact 408 00:20:20,178 --> 00:20:22,428 that respect for him was respect for the army, 409 00:20:22,472 --> 00:20:24,352 was respect for America. 410 00:20:24,390 --> 00:20:27,520 - He was establishing protocols not just for himself, 411 00:20:27,560 --> 00:20:29,890 but for his army and for his nation. 412 00:20:29,938 --> 00:20:32,808 - In this situation, he is beyond brave. 413 00:20:32,857 --> 00:20:35,017 He's resonant. 414 00:20:35,068 --> 00:20:36,898 - Within weeks, the king's fleet 415 00:20:36,945 --> 00:20:39,195 more than doubles in strength. 416 00:20:39,239 --> 00:20:44,029 400 warships, carrying 32,000 soldiers, 417 00:20:44,077 --> 00:20:46,787 outnumbered more than 2 to 1. 418 00:20:46,829 --> 00:20:49,039 Washington's challenge is to figure out 419 00:20:49,082 --> 00:20:50,872 where Howe will strike. 420 00:20:52,210 --> 00:20:53,830 His solution-- 421 00:20:53,878 --> 00:20:56,088 split his forces to meet the British, 422 00:20:56,130 --> 00:20:58,260 wherever they may land. 423 00:20:58,299 --> 00:21:02,089 - Washington needs to maintain significant forces on Manhattan 424 00:21:02,136 --> 00:21:05,046 as well to establish a defensive line 425 00:21:05,098 --> 00:21:08,808 on Gowanus Heights on Long Island. 426 00:21:08,851 --> 00:21:11,481 - All reports continue to indicate 427 00:21:11,521 --> 00:21:13,651 Howe is preparing a major assault on Long Island. 428 00:21:15,441 --> 00:21:16,731 - And what is your general opinion 429 00:21:16,776 --> 00:21:19,146 of our defenses, Colonel Knox? 430 00:21:19,195 --> 00:21:21,815 - I wish I could say they were stronger. 431 00:21:21,864 --> 00:21:24,744 The New England men have a few small cannons. 432 00:21:24,784 --> 00:21:27,244 We are lacking in heavy guns. 433 00:21:27,287 --> 00:21:29,657 Though I have had not much time 434 00:21:29,706 --> 00:21:32,916 to study our fort position at Gowanus Heights. 435 00:21:32,959 --> 00:21:34,959 Frankly, I'm concerned we are ill prepared. 436 00:21:35,003 --> 00:21:37,003 - And our works? 437 00:21:37,046 --> 00:21:38,796 - We have made adjustments on the river. 438 00:21:38,840 --> 00:21:42,680 But further inland, it is a large area, 439 00:21:42,719 --> 00:21:43,839 hard to defend. 440 00:21:43,886 --> 00:21:48,756 ♪♪♪ 441 00:21:48,808 --> 00:21:52,638 - We will send General Greene an additional 1,500 men. 442 00:21:52,687 --> 00:21:53,807 - 1,500? 443 00:21:55,732 --> 00:21:58,362 Yes, sir. 444 00:21:58,401 --> 00:22:01,321 - Would you be so kind to give us a few moments? 445 00:22:01,362 --> 00:22:08,622 ♪♪♪ 446 00:22:08,661 --> 00:22:10,661 What is your concern, Colonel Knox? 447 00:22:10,705 --> 00:22:13,575 Speak your mind. 448 00:22:13,624 --> 00:22:17,134 - I do not mean to question your judgment, sir. 449 00:22:17,170 --> 00:22:20,710 But Howe could put 20,000 men on Long Island, more. 450 00:22:20,757 --> 00:22:22,627 He could easily double our numbers. 451 00:22:22,675 --> 00:22:25,045 - And yet, it appears he still holds 452 00:22:25,094 --> 00:22:28,354 many thousands of their army in reserve, why? 453 00:22:28,389 --> 00:22:31,469 To draw us from our position here. 454 00:22:31,517 --> 00:22:34,387 - And if you are wrong? 455 00:22:34,437 --> 00:22:36,017 - Providence will see us through. 456 00:22:37,482 --> 00:22:39,402 - I have no doubt it will, sir. 457 00:22:39,442 --> 00:22:41,442 - Good. Then go and tell 458 00:22:41,486 --> 00:22:43,186 the other officers they may return. 459 00:22:49,285 --> 00:22:52,195 ♪♪♪ 460 00:22:52,246 --> 00:22:53,786 - Washington's a little overconfident, 461 00:22:53,831 --> 00:22:55,371 given what he's up against. 462 00:22:55,416 --> 00:22:56,826 He's not looking out there and saying, 463 00:22:56,876 --> 00:22:59,336 "I'm about to lose, and this is suicide." 464 00:22:59,379 --> 00:23:02,249 He's thinking, "I'll think of something. 465 00:23:02,298 --> 00:23:04,918 We'll work this out." 466 00:23:04,967 --> 00:23:07,797 - Washington's wanted to prove his American army 467 00:23:07,845 --> 00:23:11,595 equal to the British since the start of the war. 468 00:23:11,641 --> 00:23:13,931 Now he'll get his chance. 469 00:23:17,980 --> 00:23:20,770 ♪♪♪ 470 00:23:23,820 --> 00:23:27,070 [ explosions ] 471 00:23:27,115 --> 00:23:30,195 - In the first major battle of the revolution, 472 00:23:30,243 --> 00:23:33,203 George Washington's army is getting leveled. 473 00:23:35,706 --> 00:23:37,576 - Washington was completely outgeneraled 474 00:23:37,625 --> 00:23:39,205 in the battle of Long Island. 475 00:23:39,252 --> 00:23:41,752 He did not organize his armies efficiently. 476 00:23:41,796 --> 00:23:43,796 He divided it. 477 00:23:43,840 --> 00:23:45,260 - The name of the game 478 00:23:45,299 --> 00:23:47,339 is to never fight unless you have 479 00:23:47,385 --> 00:23:49,085 superior numbers or superior terrain. 480 00:23:49,137 --> 00:23:51,257 [ explosions ] 481 00:23:51,305 --> 00:23:53,845 And here, in the first major battle, 482 00:23:53,891 --> 00:23:56,311 he's making a blunder. 483 00:23:56,352 --> 00:23:59,602 [ explosions ] 484 00:23:59,647 --> 00:24:02,817 - Washington loses nearly one-fifth of his army 485 00:24:02,859 --> 00:24:06,149 in two days of fighting. 486 00:24:06,195 --> 00:24:10,775 Now, what's left of his army has been pushed west, 487 00:24:10,825 --> 00:24:14,025 flanked, and is now trapped between the East River 488 00:24:14,078 --> 00:24:17,078 and the advancing enemy. 489 00:24:17,123 --> 00:24:20,253 As the sun sets on the second day of battle, 490 00:24:20,293 --> 00:24:24,253 Washington is hours away from annihilation. 491 00:24:24,297 --> 00:24:25,957 - If they captured him, 492 00:24:26,007 --> 00:24:27,547 they would have carried him, back to England, 493 00:24:27,592 --> 00:24:29,182 they would have tried to-- they would've hung him, 494 00:24:29,218 --> 00:24:30,378 and they would've corded him, 495 00:24:30,428 --> 00:24:32,048 and they put his head on and spit 496 00:24:32,096 --> 00:24:34,846 that would've been there for years. 497 00:24:34,891 --> 00:24:36,431 And that's all you would remember 498 00:24:36,476 --> 00:24:38,886 about George Washington. 499 00:24:38,936 --> 00:24:43,516 ♪♪♪ 500 00:24:43,566 --> 00:24:45,436 - How far? 501 00:24:45,485 --> 00:24:47,645 - 600 yards, perhaps a little less. 502 00:24:49,947 --> 00:24:52,027 Scouts say the British trenches could reach us by morning. 503 00:24:52,074 --> 00:24:57,124 ♪♪♪ 504 00:24:57,163 --> 00:24:59,583 - His army could have been destroyed relatively early 505 00:24:59,624 --> 00:25:01,424 when it was stranded on Long Island. 506 00:25:03,252 --> 00:25:05,922 He knew... 507 00:25:05,963 --> 00:25:08,013 that he always had to have a plan "B." 508 00:25:08,049 --> 00:25:10,759 And I think the, um... 509 00:25:10,801 --> 00:25:13,391 the early defeats he suffered 510 00:25:13,429 --> 00:25:16,059 in the French and Indian War... 511 00:25:16,098 --> 00:25:17,638 contributed to that. 512 00:25:17,683 --> 00:25:21,233 ♪♪♪ 513 00:25:21,270 --> 00:25:23,980 - It's time. - Yes, sir. 514 00:25:24,023 --> 00:25:28,073 ♪♪♪ 515 00:25:28,110 --> 00:25:31,150 - Washington sets in motion in audacious escape 516 00:25:31,197 --> 00:25:34,657 from the western edge of Long Island. 517 00:25:34,700 --> 00:25:38,080 His plan employs a revolving fleet of row boats 518 00:25:38,120 --> 00:25:40,200 to ferry thousands of troops 519 00:25:40,248 --> 00:25:43,998 nonstop across the mile-wide East River. 520 00:25:44,043 --> 00:25:46,843 ♪♪♪ 521 00:25:46,879 --> 00:25:48,999 - This is an extraordinary challenge. 522 00:25:49,048 --> 00:25:51,338 How do you move an army 523 00:25:51,384 --> 00:25:54,394 across the river in the middle of the night 524 00:25:54,428 --> 00:25:58,808 under the threat of British guns the entire time? 525 00:25:58,849 --> 00:26:02,019 - Everything has to work. The weather has to be right. 526 00:26:02,061 --> 00:26:04,481 The fog has to come in at the right time. 527 00:26:04,522 --> 00:26:07,152 The river currents have to be right. 528 00:26:07,191 --> 00:26:09,861 - He's got to muffle all the wheels. 529 00:26:09,902 --> 00:26:12,192 He's got to keep the men quiet. 530 00:26:12,238 --> 00:26:15,738 You've got to pack up silently and move out. 531 00:26:15,783 --> 00:26:19,793 ♪♪♪ 532 00:26:19,829 --> 00:26:23,369 - To deceive the enemy and conceal his retreat, 533 00:26:23,416 --> 00:26:26,996 Washington uses some clever trickery. 534 00:26:27,044 --> 00:26:29,004 - They manage to fool the British 535 00:26:29,046 --> 00:26:31,836 by creating an impression 536 00:26:31,882 --> 00:26:34,762 that they have not evacuated from their encampment. 537 00:26:34,802 --> 00:26:41,852 ♪♪♪ 538 00:26:41,892 --> 00:26:44,182 - Washington keeps the campfires burning 539 00:26:44,228 --> 00:26:46,398 along the edges of his parameter. 540 00:26:46,439 --> 00:26:49,019 He orders troops from time to time 541 00:26:49,066 --> 00:26:50,646 to fire off their muskets. 542 00:26:50,693 --> 00:26:52,743 [ gunfire ] 543 00:26:52,778 --> 00:26:55,278 - All the while, small numbers of boats 544 00:26:55,364 --> 00:26:56,664 are rowing back and forth. 545 00:26:56,699 --> 00:26:59,779 ♪♪♪ 546 00:26:59,827 --> 00:27:02,867 - Washington was an unconventional commander. 547 00:27:02,913 --> 00:27:05,873 He enjoyed the sneaky parts of war, 548 00:27:05,916 --> 00:27:08,496 of surprising the enemy, 549 00:27:08,544 --> 00:27:11,214 convincing the enemy you're going to do one thing 550 00:27:11,255 --> 00:27:14,295 when you're actually doing the other. 551 00:27:14,342 --> 00:27:17,762 - And as the last man steps onboard the boat, 552 00:27:17,803 --> 00:27:19,643 Washington can hardly believe his luck. 553 00:27:19,680 --> 00:27:21,680 ♪♪♪ 554 00:27:21,724 --> 00:27:24,394 The British haven't detected what's happening. 555 00:27:24,435 --> 00:27:27,225 - This way, sir. - He's made his escape. 556 00:27:27,271 --> 00:27:29,151 It's one of the most brilliant withdrawals 557 00:27:29,190 --> 00:27:30,860 in the history of warfare. 558 00:27:33,277 --> 00:27:35,027 - It wasn't so much running away in fear 559 00:27:35,071 --> 00:27:38,531 as it was surviving to fight another day. 560 00:27:38,574 --> 00:27:42,834 So I think he really was using retreat as a strategy. 561 00:27:42,870 --> 00:27:44,790 - But I kind of think of this as the American Dunkirk. 562 00:27:44,830 --> 00:27:48,170 It's this moment where you save the army 563 00:27:48,209 --> 00:27:50,829 to fight again, and it really is one of Washington's 564 00:27:50,878 --> 00:27:53,378 great tactical victories early on in the war. 565 00:27:53,422 --> 00:27:55,382 ♪♪♪ 566 00:27:55,424 --> 00:27:58,184 - But Washington's army has escaped one island, 567 00:27:58,219 --> 00:28:01,509 only to be vulnerable on another. 568 00:28:01,555 --> 00:28:04,175 As his troops eventually make their way north 569 00:28:04,225 --> 00:28:06,095 to get off Manhattan, 570 00:28:06,143 --> 00:28:08,693 13,000 enemy fighters invade, 571 00:28:08,729 --> 00:28:13,149 overwhelming the men guarding Washington's retreat. 572 00:28:13,192 --> 00:28:14,692 ♪♪♪ 573 00:28:14,735 --> 00:28:17,025 They flee and panic. 574 00:28:17,071 --> 00:28:26,081 ♪♪♪ 575 00:28:26,122 --> 00:28:27,832 - When Washington gets word, 576 00:28:27,873 --> 00:28:30,833 he pivots and moves toward the battle. 577 00:28:30,876 --> 00:28:37,256 ♪♪♪ 578 00:28:37,299 --> 00:28:40,549 - Washington thinks that if somebody decides to attack, 579 00:28:40,594 --> 00:28:43,144 it's like a challenge to do. 580 00:28:43,180 --> 00:28:45,560 You cannot say no. 581 00:28:45,599 --> 00:28:47,469 You cannot say, "I don't wanna do that" 582 00:28:47,518 --> 00:28:49,228 without losing honor. 583 00:28:49,311 --> 00:28:51,401 ♪♪♪ 584 00:28:51,439 --> 00:28:53,269 - Halt! 585 00:28:53,315 --> 00:28:54,265 [ horse whinnies ] 586 00:28:54,316 --> 00:29:01,106 [ men yelling in distance ] 587 00:29:01,157 --> 00:29:02,607 - Stay back! 588 00:29:02,658 --> 00:29:04,278 Turn them around! 589 00:29:04,326 --> 00:29:06,156 Stop the running! 590 00:29:06,203 --> 00:29:08,203 - Washington saw his worst nightmare 591 00:29:08,247 --> 00:29:10,117 being enacted in front of him. 592 00:29:10,166 --> 00:29:11,916 - Stay back! 593 00:29:11,959 --> 00:29:13,919 - His men fleeing-- 594 00:29:13,961 --> 00:29:17,251 there's not even a sign of resistance. 595 00:29:17,298 --> 00:29:19,168 - Get back, you coward! 596 00:29:19,216 --> 00:29:21,676 - [ shouting indistinctly ] 597 00:29:21,719 --> 00:29:23,509 - He had lost control of his men. 598 00:29:23,554 --> 00:29:25,184 He lost control of himself. 599 00:29:25,222 --> 00:29:28,142 - About face! Turn around! 600 00:29:28,184 --> 00:29:30,434 Turn around, you coward! 601 00:29:30,478 --> 00:29:31,638 Just stay! 602 00:29:31,687 --> 00:29:33,397 Stay, you coward! 603 00:29:33,439 --> 00:29:34,729 - [ man shouts indistinctly ] 604 00:29:34,774 --> 00:29:36,404 - Stay back! 605 00:29:36,442 --> 00:29:37,822 Hold on! 606 00:29:37,860 --> 00:29:39,400 Stay where you are! 607 00:29:39,445 --> 00:29:41,775 - He had a volcanic temper 608 00:29:41,822 --> 00:29:44,992 and worked mightily to constrain it. 609 00:29:45,034 --> 00:29:46,664 It would occasionally come out, 610 00:29:46,702 --> 00:29:49,162 and by all accounts, it was a terrible thing 611 00:29:49,205 --> 00:29:50,905 to be on the receiving end of it. 612 00:29:50,956 --> 00:29:52,286 - Damn you! 613 00:29:52,333 --> 00:29:54,583 - Sir! Sir, sir! 614 00:29:54,627 --> 00:29:56,627 - Stop that running! - Sir! 615 00:29:56,670 --> 00:29:58,380 - Let go. - Sir. 616 00:29:58,422 --> 00:29:59,632 Please, sir. - Let go of me! 617 00:29:59,673 --> 00:30:02,633 - Sir, please! - Let go! 618 00:30:05,471 --> 00:30:07,761 Are these the men we command to defend America? 619 00:30:07,807 --> 00:30:12,227 [ men shouting indistinctly ] 620 00:30:12,269 --> 00:30:14,559 - [ panting ] 621 00:30:14,605 --> 00:30:16,645 - Gilbert Stuart, the painter, said, 622 00:30:16,690 --> 00:30:19,070 "If you looked at George Washington's eyes, 623 00:30:19,109 --> 00:30:20,939 "you realized that he could have been 624 00:30:20,986 --> 00:30:23,696 the fiercest savage in the forest." 625 00:30:23,739 --> 00:30:26,409 - [ panting ] 626 00:30:26,450 --> 00:30:28,450 - Sir. 627 00:30:28,494 --> 00:30:31,294 - [ continues panting ] Very well! 628 00:30:31,330 --> 00:30:33,330 [ gunfire in distance ] 629 00:30:33,374 --> 00:30:34,504 Fall back. 630 00:30:36,585 --> 00:30:37,835 - Fall back! 631 00:30:37,878 --> 00:30:39,668 Fall back! 632 00:30:39,713 --> 00:30:42,133 Fall back! Fall back! 633 00:30:44,927 --> 00:30:46,927 - Fall back! 634 00:30:46,971 --> 00:30:49,391 [ marching footsteps ] 635 00:30:49,431 --> 00:30:53,021 - Within weeks, the British will take New York City. 636 00:30:53,060 --> 00:30:55,270 ♪♪♪ 637 00:30:55,312 --> 00:30:58,482 - The loss of New York was catastrophic. 638 00:30:58,524 --> 00:31:00,234 This is rock-bottom for Washington. 639 00:31:00,276 --> 00:31:02,436 This is rock-bottom for the country. 640 00:31:02,486 --> 00:31:04,896 This rebellion is threatening 641 00:31:04,947 --> 00:31:08,367 to turn into a total defeat for the Americans. 642 00:31:08,409 --> 00:31:12,869 ♪♪♪ 643 00:31:12,913 --> 00:31:24,883 ♪♪♪ 644 00:31:24,925 --> 00:31:27,755 - After losing New York City to the British, 645 00:31:27,803 --> 00:31:30,603 George Washington and the Continental Army 646 00:31:30,639 --> 00:31:32,139 are on the run. 647 00:31:32,182 --> 00:31:34,732 ♪♪♪ 648 00:31:34,768 --> 00:31:37,188 - "I am wearied almost to death 649 00:31:37,229 --> 00:31:40,269 "with the retrograde motion of things. 650 00:31:40,316 --> 00:31:42,436 "It is impossible to conduct matters 651 00:31:42,484 --> 00:31:44,994 agreeably to public expectation." 652 00:31:46,655 --> 00:31:49,025 - After the New York campaign, 653 00:31:49,074 --> 00:31:51,954 Washington fell into a pretty deep depression. 654 00:31:51,994 --> 00:31:55,374 He was deeply insecure that this was going to work 655 00:31:55,414 --> 00:31:57,254 and that he was going to be able to win. 656 00:31:57,291 --> 00:31:58,421 - Water, sir? 657 00:31:58,459 --> 00:32:02,669 ♪♪♪ 658 00:32:02,713 --> 00:32:05,463 - Sir? 659 00:32:05,507 --> 00:32:06,627 - No, Billy. [ horse whinnies ] 660 00:32:06,675 --> 00:32:08,465 - Sir. 661 00:32:08,510 --> 00:32:11,930 - Washington basically said, "I would quit if I could, 662 00:32:11,972 --> 00:32:15,222 but people say there's no one to take my place." 663 00:32:15,267 --> 00:32:19,017 So we know Washington was at rock-bottom. 664 00:32:19,063 --> 00:32:21,233 Did he really have it to continue on? 665 00:32:21,273 --> 00:32:22,313 ♪♪♪ 666 00:32:22,358 --> 00:32:23,438 [ animal howls ] 667 00:32:23,484 --> 00:32:25,234 - Fearing the worst, 668 00:32:25,277 --> 00:32:27,987 Washington writes home to Mount Vernon 669 00:32:28,030 --> 00:32:31,450 with instructions and a warning. 670 00:32:31,492 --> 00:32:33,622 - "I say in confidence to you 671 00:32:33,661 --> 00:32:36,501 "that I would look forward to unfavorable events 672 00:32:36,538 --> 00:32:38,408 "and prepare accordingly in such a manner 673 00:32:38,457 --> 00:32:41,707 "as to give no alarm or suspicion to anyone. 674 00:32:41,752 --> 00:32:43,752 "Have my papers in such a situation 675 00:32:43,796 --> 00:32:46,086 "that has to remove at a short notice 676 00:32:46,131 --> 00:32:49,381 in case an enemy's fleet shall come up the river." 677 00:32:49,426 --> 00:32:54,046 ♪♪♪ 678 00:32:54,098 --> 00:32:55,138 [ blusters ] 679 00:32:55,182 --> 00:33:01,482 ♪♪♪ 680 00:33:01,522 --> 00:33:04,982 - Almost everyone is in despair. 681 00:33:05,025 --> 00:33:07,605 The morale of the soldiers was pretty bad. 682 00:33:07,653 --> 00:33:09,493 The morale of the civilian population-- 683 00:33:09,530 --> 00:33:11,860 even worse. 684 00:33:11,907 --> 00:33:13,407 They're trying to figure out, 685 00:33:13,450 --> 00:33:16,950 "How can I get myself out of harm's way? 686 00:33:16,996 --> 00:33:20,206 How can I surrender to the British?" 687 00:33:20,249 --> 00:33:22,999 - With the revolution hanging by a thread, 688 00:33:23,043 --> 00:33:25,923 General Howe offers a pardon to any patriot 689 00:33:25,963 --> 00:33:27,423 who will abandon the cause 690 00:33:27,464 --> 00:33:29,134 and swear allegiance to the king. 691 00:33:31,593 --> 00:33:33,433 - A thousand people signed a petition 692 00:33:33,470 --> 00:33:35,180 repudiating the Declaration of Independence, 693 00:33:35,222 --> 00:33:36,512 including one guy that was a signer 694 00:33:36,557 --> 00:33:38,217 on the Declaration of Independence. 695 00:33:38,267 --> 00:33:41,307 So you could see the will of the American public 696 00:33:41,353 --> 00:33:42,643 beginning to break here. 697 00:33:42,688 --> 00:33:46,358 ♪♪♪ 698 00:33:46,400 --> 00:33:49,280 - Washington was also beginning to lose his army. 699 00:33:49,319 --> 00:33:52,069 His army was evaporating around him. 700 00:33:52,114 --> 00:33:53,994 - And it's about half of the size 701 00:33:54,033 --> 00:33:57,783 of what it had been in the summer. 702 00:33:57,828 --> 00:34:00,158 So many men have either been captured, 703 00:34:00,205 --> 00:34:03,785 or they have just left to go home. 704 00:34:03,834 --> 00:34:06,044 - This was the ultimate humiliation, 705 00:34:06,086 --> 00:34:09,296 his army abandoning him. 706 00:34:09,339 --> 00:34:11,669 - Tricky thing about a citizen army 707 00:34:11,717 --> 00:34:13,877 is that these soldiers, continental soldiers, 708 00:34:13,927 --> 00:34:15,677 some of them signed on for a limited term. 709 00:34:15,721 --> 00:34:18,511 "I will be here for a year, maybe two. 710 00:34:18,557 --> 00:34:19,927 "And then my term will be up and I'll go home, 711 00:34:19,975 --> 00:34:21,515 go back to my farm." 712 00:34:21,560 --> 00:34:23,310 ♪♪♪ 713 00:34:23,353 --> 00:34:25,483 - By December, Washington's army 714 00:34:25,522 --> 00:34:27,942 is just weeks away from total collapse. 715 00:34:27,983 --> 00:34:30,403 At midnight on January 1st, 716 00:34:30,444 --> 00:34:32,994 enlistments for nearly all of his roughly 717 00:34:33,030 --> 00:34:36,740 6,000 remaining soldiers will expire. 718 00:34:36,784 --> 00:34:39,034 Washington believes General Howe 719 00:34:39,078 --> 00:34:43,248 is waiting until then to make his move. 720 00:34:43,290 --> 00:34:44,830 ♪♪♪ 721 00:34:44,875 --> 00:34:47,245 - "We have been pushed through the Jerseys. 722 00:34:47,294 --> 00:34:48,884 "General Howe is now 723 00:34:48,921 --> 00:34:51,511 "on the other side of the Delaware, 724 00:34:51,548 --> 00:34:53,548 "and beyond all question, 725 00:34:53,592 --> 00:34:58,262 "means, if possible, to possess himself of Philadelphia. 726 00:34:58,305 --> 00:35:00,135 "You know the fatal consequences 727 00:35:00,182 --> 00:35:02,852 that must attend its loss." 728 00:35:02,893 --> 00:35:06,353 - As the British begin to move in December 1776 729 00:35:06,396 --> 00:35:08,396 toward the Delaware River, 730 00:35:08,440 --> 00:35:10,980 he knows he's going to need to find some way 731 00:35:11,026 --> 00:35:12,726 to convince these few thousand troops 732 00:35:12,778 --> 00:35:16,148 that he has left to stay in the field. 733 00:35:16,198 --> 00:35:18,488 But words are not going to be enough 734 00:35:18,534 --> 00:35:20,084 to make that happen. 735 00:35:20,119 --> 00:35:24,329 - It's quite amazing how he just kept going. 736 00:35:24,373 --> 00:35:26,123 And he was very good at figuring out, 737 00:35:26,166 --> 00:35:29,076 after early defeats, 738 00:35:29,128 --> 00:35:31,588 what would produce the most positive result. 739 00:35:31,630 --> 00:35:33,340 - If we can do something that's very visible 740 00:35:33,382 --> 00:35:34,922 and very symbolic, 741 00:35:34,967 --> 00:35:37,217 we might change the mood of the people 742 00:35:37,261 --> 00:35:42,181 and we might find young men returning to our ranks, 743 00:35:42,224 --> 00:35:43,434 but time is short. 744 00:35:48,188 --> 00:35:49,768 - If we settle down for winter in our current position, 745 00:35:49,815 --> 00:35:51,605 the cause is lost. 746 00:35:51,650 --> 00:35:53,360 - And these are not ideal conditions for fighting. 747 00:35:53,402 --> 00:35:56,702 - What other alternative do we have? 748 00:35:56,738 --> 00:35:59,528 We cannot expect men to enlist in an army 749 00:35:59,575 --> 00:36:04,075 that is constantly on the run, that has been beaten. 750 00:36:04,121 --> 00:36:05,871 If we are to have any hope, 751 00:36:05,914 --> 00:36:07,834 we must give them something to fight for, 752 00:36:07,875 --> 00:36:09,995 something inspiring. 753 00:36:10,043 --> 00:36:11,213 - You have the right of it, sir. 754 00:36:13,630 --> 00:36:15,670 - Then we are left with no other option, 755 00:36:15,716 --> 00:36:17,086 we must go on the offensive. 756 00:36:19,094 --> 00:36:21,934 - I, too, have grown weary of retreat. 757 00:36:21,972 --> 00:36:25,352 - There are a great many risks. 758 00:36:25,392 --> 00:36:28,522 - And we will plan for them... 759 00:36:28,687 --> 00:36:31,267 overcome them. 760 00:36:31,315 --> 00:36:33,975 The men have great faith in you, sir, 761 00:36:34,026 --> 00:36:35,646 as do I. 762 00:36:35,694 --> 00:36:38,074 - Thank you, Colonel Knox. 763 00:36:38,113 --> 00:36:41,113 Henry. 764 00:36:41,158 --> 00:36:43,778 - Then, the only question is where? 765 00:36:43,827 --> 00:36:47,537 ♪♪♪ 766 00:36:47,581 --> 00:36:51,291 - Just X miles from Washington's Bucks County headquarters, 767 00:36:51,335 --> 00:36:53,125 Trenton, New Jersey, is now 768 00:36:53,170 --> 00:36:56,090 General Howe's southernmost outpost, 769 00:36:56,131 --> 00:37:01,641 a garrison manned by some 15,000 Hessian mercenaries. 770 00:37:01,678 --> 00:37:03,798 - The Hessians were professional soldiers 771 00:37:03,847 --> 00:37:05,307 from Germany that the British government 772 00:37:05,349 --> 00:37:07,219 had hired to augment their army. 773 00:37:07,267 --> 00:37:09,227 They were pros. 774 00:37:09,269 --> 00:37:11,479 They're some of the most feared warriors on earth. 775 00:37:11,521 --> 00:37:14,811 - Washington prepares a daring attack plan, 776 00:37:14,858 --> 00:37:18,108 a nighttime crossing of the Delaware. 777 00:37:18,153 --> 00:37:20,953 The army is to move in three columns, 778 00:37:20,989 --> 00:37:22,699 one is a diversion, 779 00:37:22,741 --> 00:37:25,531 another to block the enemies' escape route, 780 00:37:25,577 --> 00:37:27,537 and finally, a third, 781 00:37:27,579 --> 00:37:32,249 under Washington's command to march on Trenton. 782 00:37:32,292 --> 00:37:34,002 - Did they get the map? 783 00:37:34,044 --> 00:37:35,884 - Some of the generals. 784 00:37:37,464 --> 00:37:39,514 - He wasn't ready 785 00:37:39,549 --> 00:37:42,719 to surrender the cause at that point. 786 00:37:42,761 --> 00:37:45,851 It might have been the rational thing to do, 787 00:37:45,889 --> 00:37:50,269 but history is made by people occasionally 788 00:37:50,310 --> 00:37:54,730 making irrational decisions in the pressure 789 00:37:54,773 --> 00:37:57,153 and amid the perils of the given moment. 790 00:37:57,192 --> 00:37:59,572 - "Christmas day at night. 791 00:37:59,611 --> 00:38:02,321 "One hour before day is the time fixed upon 792 00:38:02,364 --> 00:38:04,824 "for our attempt on Trenton. 793 00:38:04,950 --> 00:38:07,280 "For heaven's sake, keep this to yourself, 794 00:38:07,327 --> 00:38:11,367 as the discovery of it may prove fatal to us." 795 00:38:11,415 --> 00:38:14,365 - You really have two choices-- 796 00:38:14,418 --> 00:38:17,168 you either proceed, 797 00:38:17,212 --> 00:38:19,882 or the entire enterprise collapses. 798 00:38:19,923 --> 00:38:26,223 ♪♪♪ 799 00:38:27,097 --> 00:38:28,807 ♪♪♪ 800 00:38:28,849 --> 00:38:43,029 [ wind whistling ] 801 00:38:43,155 --> 00:38:47,155 [ boat creaking ] 802 00:38:47,200 --> 00:38:51,660 ♪♪♪ 803 00:38:51,705 --> 00:38:53,535 - General George Washington 804 00:38:53,582 --> 00:38:56,372 and his battered Continental Army 805 00:38:56,460 --> 00:39:01,340 are attempting the most audacious operation of the war. 806 00:39:01,381 --> 00:39:03,841 If Washington's mission fails, 807 00:39:03,884 --> 00:39:07,224 this could be the last night of the revolution. 808 00:39:15,187 --> 00:39:18,227 - The weather is the worst it can possibly be. 809 00:39:18,273 --> 00:39:20,323 It's a hurricane in December. 810 00:39:20,567 --> 00:39:27,777 ♪♪♪ 811 00:39:27,824 --> 00:39:31,664 - The troops are still wearing their summer uniforms. 812 00:39:31,703 --> 00:39:34,293 Many of them are barefoot-- literally barefoot, 813 00:39:34,331 --> 00:39:36,251 their clothes in rags. 814 00:39:36,291 --> 00:39:40,251 ♪♪♪ 815 00:39:40,295 --> 00:39:41,835 - A lot of the soldiers 816 00:39:41,880 --> 00:39:44,010 didn't actually know how to swim, 817 00:39:44,049 --> 00:39:45,919 and the water was incredibly cold. 818 00:39:45,967 --> 00:39:48,717 ♪♪♪ 819 00:39:48,762 --> 00:39:51,182 - This is a nation. This is the people 820 00:39:51,223 --> 00:39:53,013 at their worst possible point, 821 00:39:53,058 --> 00:39:55,638 pushing on in the desperate hope 822 00:39:55,685 --> 00:39:57,055 that they can turn this thing around. 823 00:39:57,104 --> 00:40:07,114 ♪♪♪ 824 00:40:07,155 --> 00:40:29,125 ♪♪♪ 825 00:40:29,177 --> 00:40:32,967 - These are the times that tried men's souls. 826 00:40:33,014 --> 00:40:36,474 - To rally his man for the treacherous crossing, 827 00:40:36,518 --> 00:40:38,728 Washington ordered his officers 828 00:40:38,770 --> 00:40:41,310 to read aloud their revolutionary words 829 00:40:41,356 --> 00:40:46,566 of Thomas Paine published just days before. 830 00:40:46,611 --> 00:40:49,531 - "The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot 831 00:40:49,573 --> 00:40:51,573 "will, in this crisis, 832 00:40:51,616 --> 00:40:54,736 "shrink from the service of his country. 833 00:40:54,786 --> 00:40:57,786 "But he that stands it now 834 00:40:57,831 --> 00:41:03,881 deserves the love and thanks of man and woman." 835 00:41:03,920 --> 00:41:05,800 - It was really a smart thing to do 836 00:41:05,839 --> 00:41:08,259 because he knew he had to get to the other side. 837 00:41:08,300 --> 00:41:10,880 He was secure enough to know that Thomas Paine 838 00:41:10,927 --> 00:41:14,637 was a better speaker and a more passionate crafter 839 00:41:14,681 --> 00:41:16,221 of the English language. 840 00:41:16,266 --> 00:41:18,056 Paine will get 'em so fired up, 841 00:41:18,101 --> 00:41:19,351 they'll walk across the Delaware. 842 00:41:19,394 --> 00:41:20,774 They won't even need a boat. 843 00:41:22,981 --> 00:41:25,021 - Men, prepare to unload! 844 00:41:25,066 --> 00:41:27,186 ♪♪♪ 845 00:41:27,235 --> 00:41:29,395 - Once they get across the river, 846 00:41:29,446 --> 00:41:31,146 the clock is ticking. 847 00:41:31,198 --> 00:41:38,948 ♪♪♪ 848 00:41:38,997 --> 00:41:41,327 - It took us longer than we expected. 849 00:41:41,374 --> 00:41:43,794 - This will be a miracle none of our boats capsized. 850 00:41:43,835 --> 00:41:47,165 - Have we lost any cannons? - None. 851 00:41:47,214 --> 00:41:49,214 - Washington has coordinated an effort 852 00:41:49,257 --> 00:41:51,717 where this will all happen at dawn, 853 00:41:51,760 --> 00:41:54,010 but they're late. 854 00:41:54,054 --> 00:41:58,264 - When Washington's forces land in New Jersey, it's 3 a.m. 855 00:41:58,308 --> 00:42:00,808 They're hours behind schedule 856 00:42:00,852 --> 00:42:05,312 and still facing a 9-mile march to Trenton. 857 00:42:05,357 --> 00:42:08,227 The plan is to divide into two columns 858 00:42:08,276 --> 00:42:10,816 4 miles outside of town 859 00:42:10,862 --> 00:42:13,862 and circle the garrison and barrage the Hessians 860 00:42:13,907 --> 00:42:16,947 with cannon fire before they have time to react. 861 00:42:16,993 --> 00:42:20,253 - Keep pushing, men! 862 00:42:20,288 --> 00:42:22,708 Bring it forward, men, bring it forward! 863 00:42:22,749 --> 00:42:25,329 - Commanding a critical artillery unit 864 00:42:25,377 --> 00:42:28,207 is one of the country's rising stars, 865 00:42:28,255 --> 00:42:31,585 a young captain named Alexander Hamilton. 866 00:42:31,633 --> 00:42:35,013 - Alexander Hamilton comes to the United States 867 00:42:35,053 --> 00:42:37,513 as an immigrant, functionally an orphan, 868 00:42:37,556 --> 00:42:39,596 attends King's College. 869 00:42:39,641 --> 00:42:41,561 He is ambitious. 870 00:42:41,601 --> 00:42:43,521 - In some ways, 871 00:42:43,562 --> 00:42:46,232 has a lot of similarities to a young Washington. 872 00:42:46,273 --> 00:42:48,193 What Hamilton wants from the war more than anything else 873 00:42:48,233 --> 00:42:50,023 is a moment to shine on the battlefield 874 00:42:50,068 --> 00:42:51,528 so he can earn reputation and honor. 875 00:42:51,570 --> 00:42:54,820 - Quickly, on the shore, form a line! 876 00:42:54,864 --> 00:42:56,074 We leave in 30 minutes! 877 00:42:56,157 --> 00:43:00,987 [ panting ] 878 00:43:01,037 --> 00:43:02,747 We're ready, General Washington. 879 00:43:02,789 --> 00:43:04,499 - You have done it, sir. 880 00:43:04,541 --> 00:43:06,581 - The job is not yet done. 881 00:43:06,626 --> 00:43:08,996 The battle is still before us. 882 00:43:09,045 --> 00:43:12,085 [ wind whistling ] 883 00:43:12,132 --> 00:43:14,342 - Washington doesn't know it yet, 884 00:43:14,384 --> 00:43:18,014 but the two columns of soldiers due to cross upstream 885 00:43:18,054 --> 00:43:22,184 were stopped in their tracks by the brutal conditions. 886 00:43:22,225 --> 00:43:26,635 He and his 2,400 men are now on their own. 887 00:43:26,688 --> 00:43:29,608 - If they do not win this battle, 888 00:43:29,649 --> 00:43:31,569 it's over. 889 00:43:31,610 --> 00:43:35,820 So he rallies his men for one last toss of the dice. 890 00:43:35,864 --> 00:43:37,534 ♪♪♪ 891 00:43:37,574 --> 00:43:40,204 - The stakes are unimaginably high. 892 00:43:40,243 --> 00:43:42,043 The snow is coming down. 893 00:43:42,078 --> 00:43:43,578 The wind is whipping. 894 00:43:43,622 --> 00:43:46,372 They're freezing, but they have nothing else left. 895 00:43:46,416 --> 00:43:48,876 [ marching footsteps ] 896 00:43:48,918 --> 00:43:51,458 They will either prevail, or they will die. 897 00:43:51,504 --> 00:44:03,314 ♪♪♪ 898 00:44:03,350 --> 00:44:08,230 [ flames crackling ] 899 00:44:08,271 --> 00:44:13,271 [ explosions ] 900 00:44:13,318 --> 00:44:15,358 [ gunfire ] 901 00:44:15,403 --> 00:44:18,953 - "Tyranny, like hell, 902 00:44:18,990 --> 00:44:20,620 is not easily conquered." 903 00:44:20,659 --> 00:44:24,789 ♪♪♪ 904 00:44:24,829 --> 00:44:28,039 "Yet we have this consolation with us, 905 00:44:28,083 --> 00:44:31,003 "that the harder the conflict, 906 00:44:31,044 --> 00:44:33,464 the more glorious the triumph." 907 00:44:33,505 --> 00:44:39,465 ♪♪♪ 908 00:44:39,511 --> 00:44:44,931 ♪♪♪ 909 00:44:44,974 --> 00:44:48,434 - General George Washington's daring Delaware River gambit 910 00:44:48,478 --> 00:44:51,938 pays off... [ gunfire and explosions ] 911 00:44:51,981 --> 00:44:55,071 ...with his first great battlefield victory 912 00:44:55,110 --> 00:44:57,990 of the revolution. 913 00:44:58,029 --> 00:45:01,819 In less than an hour, 22 enemy soldiers were killed, 914 00:45:01,866 --> 00:45:04,736 some 900 taken prisoner, 915 00:45:04,786 --> 00:45:08,446 not a single American is lost in the fight. 916 00:45:08,498 --> 00:45:11,998 - Trenton was like turning the page. 917 00:45:12,043 --> 00:45:14,593 He had made his mistakes in the past, 918 00:45:14,629 --> 00:45:16,919 but now, this was a whole new game. 919 00:45:16,965 --> 00:45:21,875 ♪♪♪ 920 00:45:21,928 --> 00:45:22,888 [ indistinct conversations ] 921 00:45:22,971 --> 00:45:24,351 - General orders! 922 00:45:24,389 --> 00:45:27,429 General orders! Gather around. 923 00:45:27,559 --> 00:45:33,479 "General orders 27th December, 1776. 924 00:45:33,523 --> 00:45:37,903 "The general, with the utmost sincerity and affection, 925 00:45:37,944 --> 00:45:40,574 "thanks the officers and soldiers 926 00:45:40,613 --> 00:45:41,363 for their spirited and gallant behavior at Trenton." 927 00:45:41,448 --> 00:45:47,288 - [ all cheering ] 928 00:45:47,328 --> 00:45:50,328 - With Washington crossing the Delaware, 929 00:45:50,373 --> 00:45:53,293 the history of the world was one way before that, 930 00:45:53,334 --> 00:45:55,964 and it turned out to be another way after that. 931 00:45:56,004 --> 00:46:01,384 Washington's decision to do that on that cold night 932 00:46:01,426 --> 00:46:03,256 has warmed the rest of us ever since. 933 00:46:03,303 --> 00:46:05,603 - "The commissary is strictly ordered 934 00:46:05,638 --> 00:46:07,888 to provide rum to the troops." 935 00:46:07,932 --> 00:46:12,192 - [ all cheering ] 936 00:46:12,228 --> 00:46:14,728 - So, what had looked to be a lost cause 937 00:46:14,773 --> 00:46:19,113 just a few weeks before suddenly looks a lot better, 938 00:46:19,152 --> 00:46:22,362 and the principal person who pulls this off is Washington. 939 00:46:22,405 --> 00:46:24,525 But he's got a shrinking army, 940 00:46:24,574 --> 00:46:27,334 and most of his soldiers will be going home 941 00:46:27,368 --> 00:46:30,658 at the end of the year. 942 00:46:32,081 --> 00:46:34,331 - As we have begun 943 00:46:34,459 --> 00:46:39,339 the glorious work of driving the enemy... 944 00:46:41,174 --> 00:46:42,674 I hope you will not now 945 00:46:42,717 --> 00:46:45,047 turn your backs upon them 946 00:46:45,261 --> 00:46:49,311 and leave the business half-finished 947 00:46:49,349 --> 00:46:53,349 at this important crisis, 948 00:46:53,394 --> 00:46:57,904 a crisis which may, more than probably, 949 00:46:57,941 --> 00:47:01,401 determine the fate of America. 950 00:47:01,444 --> 00:47:03,534 - People join armies, 951 00:47:03,571 --> 00:47:05,991 and they stay in armies for a variety of reasons. 952 00:47:06,032 --> 00:47:08,992 In the case of Washington, 953 00:47:09,035 --> 00:47:12,695 he presents the cause as the cause of freedom. 954 00:47:12,747 --> 00:47:14,457 - Washington knew that you have to give 955 00:47:14,499 --> 00:47:17,169 any group of human beings that you wanna lead effectively 956 00:47:17,210 --> 00:47:20,460 a sense of purpose. "Why are we doing this? 957 00:47:20,505 --> 00:47:21,835 Why am I putting my life on the line?" 958 00:47:21,881 --> 00:47:24,591 My mission is to close with and destroy the enemy 959 00:47:24,634 --> 00:47:26,304 by firing maneuver. 960 00:47:26,344 --> 00:47:28,554 But the purpose of doing this 961 00:47:28,596 --> 00:47:31,716 is to protect the United States of America. 962 00:47:31,766 --> 00:47:37,016 - I therefore not only invite you to a longer continuance, 963 00:47:37,063 --> 00:47:41,693 but earnestly exhort the officers and soldiers 964 00:47:41,734 --> 00:47:46,034 of all those regiments whose term of service 965 00:47:46,072 --> 00:47:48,912 is due to expire in a few days... 966 00:47:48,950 --> 00:47:52,410 ♪♪♪ 967 00:47:52,453 --> 00:47:55,253 ...to remain. 968 00:47:55,290 --> 00:47:56,870 - He doesn't force them to stay. 969 00:47:56,916 --> 00:47:58,916 He doesn't order them to stay. 970 00:47:58,960 --> 00:48:01,540 He pleads with their sense of loyalty and duty, 971 00:48:01,588 --> 00:48:03,708 and he asked them to stay. 972 00:48:03,756 --> 00:48:06,006 - Many of them will re-enlist 'cause now there's some hope, 973 00:48:06,050 --> 00:48:08,340 and they'll be able to recruit new soldiers 974 00:48:08,386 --> 00:48:10,596 because there seems like-- 975 00:48:10,638 --> 00:48:12,848 this is actually something worth fighting for, 976 00:48:12,891 --> 00:48:15,311 and hope keeps an army going. 977 00:48:15,351 --> 00:48:18,731 - The greatness of Washington's victory at Trenton 978 00:48:18,771 --> 00:48:21,691 wasn't so much in what happened on the battlefield, 979 00:48:21,733 --> 00:48:24,783 But the huge impact that it has 980 00:48:24,819 --> 00:48:27,569 on the feelings of the American people. 981 00:48:27,614 --> 00:48:30,454 - Word of mouth would have traveled to people 982 00:48:30,491 --> 00:48:33,661 about what had happened, and it would buoy people spirits 983 00:48:33,703 --> 00:48:35,953 and make people think that it was possible 984 00:48:35,997 --> 00:48:37,997 that the country could actually pull this off. 985 00:48:38,041 --> 00:48:40,211 - Trenton changed everything, 986 00:48:40,251 --> 00:48:42,791 and we owe it to Washington's audacity. 987 00:48:42,837 --> 00:48:45,627 ♪♪♪ 988 00:48:45,673 --> 00:48:47,763 - The British are frustrated at this point. 989 00:48:47,800 --> 00:48:49,840 Certainly Howe is frustrated. 990 00:48:49,886 --> 00:48:52,136 He had hoped that this thing would be over by now 991 00:48:52,180 --> 00:48:55,100 and that the American army would just kinda drift away, 992 00:48:55,141 --> 00:48:57,021 and the revolution would die a peaceful death. 993 00:48:57,060 --> 00:48:58,600 ♪♪♪ 994 00:48:58,645 --> 00:49:02,225 - In response to Washington's surprise victory, 995 00:49:02,273 --> 00:49:04,443 the British throw their military might 996 00:49:04,484 --> 00:49:08,194 at finally winning control of the Hudson. 997 00:49:08,237 --> 00:49:11,067 In July, they captured the key American post 998 00:49:11,115 --> 00:49:13,235 at Fort Ticonderoga, 999 00:49:13,284 --> 00:49:16,374 forcing the Northern Army into retreat. 1000 00:49:18,748 --> 00:49:21,208 - The Continental Army was a complicated beast. 1001 00:49:21,250 --> 00:49:24,420 Washington had his own army he was in charge of, 1002 00:49:24,462 --> 00:49:26,422 but there was also the Northern Army 1003 00:49:26,464 --> 00:49:28,344 and the Southern Army. 1004 00:49:28,383 --> 00:49:31,513 - Unsure where the British will strike next, 1005 00:49:31,552 --> 00:49:33,932 Washington sends reinforcements north 1006 00:49:33,972 --> 00:49:35,812 to protect the Hudson. 1007 00:49:35,848 --> 00:49:39,388 He then spends the summer of 1777, 1008 00:49:39,435 --> 00:49:42,685 marching his own forces between Philadelphia 1009 00:49:42,730 --> 00:49:46,480 and New York in an effort to protect both. 1010 00:49:46,526 --> 00:49:48,316 - Washington is a true commander in chief. 1011 00:49:48,361 --> 00:49:51,401 He's not just looking at what's good for me 1012 00:49:51,447 --> 00:49:53,447 down here with my main army. 1013 00:49:53,491 --> 00:49:56,161 He's giving strategic and operational guidance 1014 00:49:56,202 --> 00:49:58,242 to the commanders up in the Northern Army 1015 00:49:58,287 --> 00:50:00,247 while he's fighting his own fight 1016 00:50:00,289 --> 00:50:02,999 down in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. 1017 00:50:03,042 --> 00:50:07,132 - By August, the British, under General John Burgoyne, 1018 00:50:07,171 --> 00:50:09,551 are poised to strike Albany, 1019 00:50:09,590 --> 00:50:12,880 a strategic outpost on the lower Hudson. 1020 00:50:12,927 --> 00:50:14,757 As for General Howe, 1021 00:50:14,804 --> 00:50:17,514 his fleet has departed New York. 1022 00:50:17,557 --> 00:50:19,307 Destination unknown. 1023 00:50:20,476 --> 00:50:22,636 - A message from London. 1024 00:50:28,192 --> 00:50:30,362 Do we sail for the Hudson? 1025 00:50:30,403 --> 00:50:33,953 - It seems our northern armies do not require our assistance. 1026 00:50:33,990 --> 00:50:36,370 - Burgoyne desires the glory for himself. 1027 00:50:36,409 --> 00:50:40,579 - Perhaps. Let others focus on the north. 1028 00:50:40,621 --> 00:50:43,411 A far bigger prize lies right in front of us. 1029 00:50:43,458 --> 00:50:44,788 - Philadelphia? 1030 00:50:46,419 --> 00:50:48,419 - Not even Washington can survive 1031 00:50:48,463 --> 00:50:50,503 the fall of his capital. 1032 00:50:50,548 --> 00:50:52,758 And if we are not needed to support others elsewhere, 1033 00:50:52,800 --> 00:50:56,510 it means our full force is finally at our disposal. 1034 00:50:58,222 --> 00:50:59,682 Get the map. 1035 00:51:02,977 --> 00:51:06,437 - Washington is still between us and the city. 1036 00:51:06,647 --> 00:51:08,107 - On land... 1037 00:51:08,232 --> 00:51:10,482 ♪♪♪ 1038 00:51:10,526 --> 00:51:13,276 And even if he recognizes our target, 1039 00:51:13,321 --> 00:51:14,901 he cannot check our ships. 1040 00:51:14,947 --> 00:51:16,987 ♪♪♪ 1041 00:51:17,241 --> 00:51:19,951 He has no way of knowing 1042 00:51:19,994 --> 00:51:22,794 from which direction we will come. 1043 00:51:22,830 --> 00:51:26,670 ♪♪♪ 1044 00:51:26,709 --> 00:51:28,789 I have given him opportunities to see reason. 1045 00:51:28,836 --> 00:51:32,246 Still he persists. 1046 00:51:32,298 --> 00:51:36,378 Mr. Washington thinks he is making headway. 1047 00:51:36,469 --> 00:51:39,719 Well, let's show him 1048 00:51:39,764 --> 00:51:42,684 how terribly mistaken he is. 1049 00:51:42,725 --> 00:51:44,015 Ready the fleet. 1050 00:51:44,060 --> 00:51:44,980 - Straightaway, my Lord. 1051 00:51:45,019 --> 00:51:47,229 ♪♪♪ 1052 00:51:47,271 --> 00:51:50,271 - Howe is no longer underestimating Washington. 1053 00:51:50,316 --> 00:51:52,686 Washington is the revolution at this point, 1054 00:51:52,735 --> 00:51:54,275 and if he can defeat and perhaps even destroy Washington, 1055 00:51:54,320 --> 00:51:58,280 that's the revolution right there. 1056 00:51:59,242 --> 00:52:03,582 [ wind whistling ] 1057 00:52:03,621 --> 00:52:07,251 [ water gurgling ] 1058 00:52:07,291 --> 00:52:11,041 [ thunder rumbling ] 1059 00:52:11,087 --> 00:52:18,717 ♪♪♪ 1060 00:52:18,761 --> 00:52:21,431 - By late summer, General Howe is making good on his promise 1061 00:52:21,472 --> 00:52:22,762 to come for Washington. 1062 00:52:22,807 --> 00:52:25,217 ♪♪♪ 1063 00:52:25,268 --> 00:52:27,428 He beats the Continental Army in a battle 1064 00:52:27,478 --> 00:52:31,188 just outside of Philadelphia. 1065 00:52:31,232 --> 00:52:34,782 The patriot capital is now exposed. 1066 00:52:34,819 --> 00:52:36,279 - Philadelphia is a great prize. 1067 00:52:36,320 --> 00:52:38,900 It's the rebel capital, a lot of propaganda value. 1068 00:52:39,031 --> 00:52:40,531 ♪♪♪ 1069 00:52:40,575 --> 00:52:41,985 - The British think 1070 00:52:42,034 --> 00:52:45,794 in a very traditional, military kind of a way, 1071 00:52:45,830 --> 00:52:48,290 "We need to capture a major city." 1072 00:52:48,332 --> 00:52:50,882 The capture of New York-- that doesn't fix things. 1073 00:52:50,918 --> 00:52:53,208 - And if we take the city where Congress is sitting, 1074 00:52:53,254 --> 00:52:55,214 maybe that will be so emotionally crippling 1075 00:52:55,256 --> 00:52:56,956 that they will surrender. 1076 00:52:57,008 --> 00:52:58,918 - This is one of the big crises 1077 00:52:58,968 --> 00:53:01,508 in Washington's entire time as commander in chief. 1078 00:53:01,554 --> 00:53:11,404 ♪♪♪ 1079 00:53:11,439 --> 00:53:18,399 ♪♪♪ 1080 00:53:18,446 --> 00:53:21,776 - "Howe was about 15 miles from us. 1081 00:53:21,824 --> 00:53:24,204 The prospect is chilling on every side." 1082 00:53:24,243 --> 00:53:29,503 ♪♪♪ 1083 00:53:29,540 --> 00:53:32,960 "Is Philadelphia to be lost? 1084 00:53:33,002 --> 00:53:35,712 If lost, is the cause lost?" 1085 00:53:35,755 --> 00:53:37,955 ♪♪♪ 1086 00:53:38,007 --> 00:53:40,417 - Within days, John Adams and his fellow congressmen 1087 00:53:40,468 --> 00:53:43,178 are evacuating the city, 1088 00:53:43,221 --> 00:53:46,721 and so is a future symbol of American freedom. 1089 00:53:46,766 --> 00:53:56,226 ♪♪♪ 1090 00:53:56,275 --> 00:54:00,985 The Liberty Bell is secreted in a church 60 miles away 1091 00:54:01,030 --> 00:54:03,320 to keep the British from melting it down 1092 00:54:03,366 --> 00:54:05,236 into musket balls. 1093 00:54:05,284 --> 00:54:14,884 ♪♪♪ 1094 00:54:14,919 --> 00:54:20,259 - "The enemy gained possession of Philadelphia. 1095 00:54:20,299 --> 00:54:23,879 "This will be attended with several ill consequences. 1096 00:54:23,928 --> 00:54:27,758 "But I hope that a little time and perseverance 1097 00:54:27,807 --> 00:54:30,927 "will give us an opportunity of making amends 1098 00:54:30,977 --> 00:54:34,557 for our late ill fortune." 1099 00:54:34,605 --> 00:54:37,265 - Washington had been on a losing streak. 1100 00:54:37,316 --> 00:54:40,896 He had had the absolutely terrible year in New York. 1101 00:54:40,945 --> 00:54:42,945 He had redeemed himself a little bit 1102 00:54:42,989 --> 00:54:47,529 with the Battle of Trenton, but then had lost Philadelphia. 1103 00:54:47,576 --> 00:54:50,116 - And there really begins to be kind of a whisper campaign 1104 00:54:50,162 --> 00:54:51,952 about, "Should Washington be in command of the army?" 1105 00:54:53,624 --> 00:54:56,004 - There's rumblings in Congress 1106 00:54:56,043 --> 00:54:58,673 and other places, even in the army, 1107 00:54:58,713 --> 00:55:00,463 "Who should really be the commander in chief?" 1108 00:55:00,506 --> 00:55:02,456 And there's a lot of those folks who were talking 1109 00:55:02,508 --> 00:55:05,378 about Gates being the logical successor 1110 00:55:05,428 --> 00:55:06,638 to George Washington. 1111 00:55:08,639 --> 00:55:11,429 - Horatio Gates is a veteran soldier, 1112 00:55:11,475 --> 00:55:13,425 and one of the original contenders 1113 00:55:13,477 --> 00:55:15,637 for Washington's job. 1114 00:55:15,688 --> 00:55:17,438 He's now commanding 1115 00:55:17,481 --> 00:55:19,941 the Continental Army's northern wing 1116 00:55:19,984 --> 00:55:22,034 currently in upstate New York, 1117 00:55:22,069 --> 00:55:24,699 holding firm against the British, 1118 00:55:24,739 --> 00:55:28,699 who are angling to seize control of the Hudson. 1119 00:55:28,743 --> 00:55:33,203 The two armies clashed north of Albany near Saratoga 1120 00:55:33,247 --> 00:55:36,287 a week before Philadelphia fell. 1121 00:55:36,334 --> 00:55:39,844 Though British General John Burgoyne claimed victory, 1122 00:55:39,879 --> 00:55:43,209 the Americans inflicted heavy casualties, 1123 00:55:43,257 --> 00:55:46,797 thanks in part to the bold battlefield tactics 1124 00:55:46,844 --> 00:55:50,854 of one of Washington's rising stars, 1125 00:55:50,890 --> 00:55:54,140 36-year-old former merchant from Connecticut, 1126 00:55:54,185 --> 00:55:55,475 Benedict Arnold. 1127 00:55:55,519 --> 00:55:56,479 [ horse whinnies ] 1128 00:55:56,520 --> 00:55:58,020 - You have been broken. 1129 00:55:58,064 --> 00:56:01,024 [ horse whinnies ] Do not give quarter. 1130 00:56:01,067 --> 00:56:07,947 ♪♪♪ 1131 00:56:07,990 --> 00:56:09,950 - Now in October, 1132 00:56:09,992 --> 00:56:12,792 after nearly a month of stalemate, 1133 00:56:12,828 --> 00:56:15,448 Arnold is on the field once again 1134 00:56:15,498 --> 00:56:18,578 to stop Britain's advance on the Hudson. 1135 00:56:18,626 --> 00:56:21,496 ♪♪♪ 1136 00:56:21,545 --> 00:56:24,085 - Arnold was one of Washington's best officers. 1137 00:56:24,131 --> 00:56:26,671 He was brilliant on the battlefield, 1138 00:56:26,717 --> 00:56:29,337 decisive, great strategic sense. 1139 00:56:29,387 --> 00:56:31,797 - Kind of a daredevil in his willingness 1140 00:56:31,847 --> 00:56:33,557 to put his body at risk. 1141 00:56:33,599 --> 00:56:37,389 - He's totally dedicated to the cause of the revolution, 1142 00:56:37,436 --> 00:56:39,896 and he's willing to sacrifice for it. 1143 00:56:39,939 --> 00:56:42,149 - I do not care if their backs are turned! 1144 00:56:42,191 --> 00:56:44,611 Put them in their graves! 1145 00:56:44,652 --> 00:56:46,572 Send them to hell! 1146 00:56:46,612 --> 00:56:48,532 Send them all to hell! 1147 00:56:48,572 --> 00:56:51,532 ♪♪♪ 1148 00:56:51,575 --> 00:56:54,575 [ beating drum ] 1149 00:56:54,620 --> 00:57:00,710 ♪♪♪ 1150 00:57:00,751 --> 00:57:02,841 - Charge! 1151 00:57:02,878 --> 00:57:04,248 - [ all yelling ] 1152 00:57:04,296 --> 00:57:05,456 - Everyone! 1153 00:57:05,506 --> 00:57:08,626 [ yelling continues ] 1154 00:57:08,676 --> 00:57:11,966 [ gunfire ] 1155 00:57:12,012 --> 00:57:16,012 ♪♪♪ 1156 00:57:16,058 --> 00:57:17,518 - [ shouts indistinctly ] 1157 00:57:17,560 --> 00:57:18,930 [ swords clanking ] 1158 00:57:18,978 --> 00:57:25,858 ♪♪♪ 1159 00:57:25,901 --> 00:57:27,281 [ shouts indistinctly ] 1160 00:57:27,319 --> 00:57:41,499 ♪♪♪ 1161 00:57:41,542 --> 00:57:42,922 - Fall back! 1162 00:57:42,960 --> 00:57:43,830 Fall back! 1163 00:57:43,878 --> 00:57:49,258 ♪♪♪ 1164 00:57:49,300 --> 00:57:50,380 - [ shouts indistinctly ] 1165 00:57:50,426 --> 00:57:51,256 [ blades clanking ] 1166 00:57:51,302 --> 00:57:52,762 ♪♪♪ 1167 00:57:52,803 --> 00:57:55,103 [ shouts indistinctly ] 1168 00:57:55,181 --> 00:57:57,471 ♪♪♪ 1169 00:57:57,516 --> 00:57:59,096 - Fall back! 1170 00:57:59,143 --> 00:58:00,103 Fall back! 1171 00:58:01,395 --> 00:58:03,975 [ gunfire ] 1172 00:58:04,023 --> 00:58:06,273 [ horse whinnies ] 1173 00:58:06,317 --> 00:58:09,487 [ crowd cheering ] 1174 00:58:09,528 --> 00:58:15,618 ♪♪♪ 1175 00:58:15,659 --> 00:58:19,239 - The Battle of Saratoga was a punch to the gut 1176 00:58:19,288 --> 00:58:21,578 for the British Army. 1177 00:58:21,624 --> 00:58:23,754 They had assumed this was going to give them 1178 00:58:23,792 --> 00:58:26,082 the victory, that that would shut down the revolution, 1179 00:58:26,128 --> 00:58:27,998 but it was just the opposite. 1180 00:58:28,047 --> 00:58:30,587 [ crowd cheering ] 1181 00:58:30,633 --> 00:58:32,723 - There's a wonderful letter from a British officer 1182 00:58:32,760 --> 00:58:35,840 who describes how Burgoyne was so full of emotion 1183 00:58:35,888 --> 00:58:38,428 and disbelieving that they had lost this battle 1184 00:58:38,474 --> 00:58:40,144 that he really couldn't speak. 1185 00:58:42,019 --> 00:58:44,139 So it was a stunning, stunning victory 1186 00:58:44,188 --> 00:58:45,808 that ends up having a huge impact 1187 00:58:45,856 --> 00:58:47,396 for the American cause, 1188 00:58:47,441 --> 00:58:52,031 and Arnold is a great hero in that moment. 1189 00:58:52,071 --> 00:58:55,911 - But Arnold's heroics at Saratoga come at a price. 1190 00:58:55,950 --> 00:58:59,830 In the final push of battle, his left leg is shot 1191 00:58:59,870 --> 00:59:03,160 and then crushed by his fallen horse. 1192 00:59:03,207 --> 00:59:06,207 - He's taken to a hospital in Albany. 1193 00:59:06,252 --> 00:59:10,252 And meanwhile, back in the center of the action, 1194 00:59:10,297 --> 00:59:14,467 Horatio Gates, who did not leave his tent during Saratoga, 1195 00:59:14,510 --> 00:59:17,090 takes credit for the victory. 1196 00:59:17,137 --> 00:59:19,467 ♪♪♪ 1197 00:59:19,515 --> 00:59:23,135 - Gates is not just looking to steal Arnold's thunder. 1198 00:59:23,185 --> 00:59:27,145 His real intention is to use his victory at Saratoga 1199 00:59:27,189 --> 00:59:30,399 to make a play for the job of his commanding officer, 1200 00:59:30,442 --> 00:59:32,782 George Washington. 1201 00:59:32,820 --> 00:59:37,030 - Gates is very careful not to put himself on paper 1202 00:59:37,074 --> 00:59:40,454 and saying, "I want to take charge." 1203 00:59:40,494 --> 00:59:43,954 But he speaks with Washington's opponents, 1204 00:59:43,998 --> 00:59:48,208 and he encourages them to begin lobbying in Congress 1205 00:59:48,252 --> 00:59:52,212 and elsewhere for Washington's deposition. 1206 00:59:52,256 --> 00:59:56,046 And when criticisms of Washington arise, 1207 00:59:56,093 --> 00:59:59,683 certain young men in what Washington calls 1208 00:59:59,722 --> 01:00:02,562 his military family stepped to the fore, 1209 01:00:02,600 --> 01:00:04,680 identify Washington's critics 1210 01:00:04,727 --> 01:00:07,097 and do their best to destroy them. 1211 01:00:07,146 --> 01:00:09,976 And nobody steps forward with more aggressiveness 1212 01:00:10,024 --> 01:00:11,364 than Alexander Hamilton. 1213 01:00:13,694 --> 01:00:16,744 - "All the true and sensible friends to their country 1214 01:00:16,780 --> 01:00:19,490 "and, of course, to a certain great man 1215 01:00:19,533 --> 01:00:21,203 "ought to be upon the watch 1216 01:00:21,243 --> 01:00:23,493 "to counterplot the secret machinations 1217 01:00:23,537 --> 01:00:26,117 of his enemies." 1218 01:00:26,165 --> 01:00:28,165 ♪♪♪ 1219 01:00:28,208 --> 01:00:31,498 - The 21-year-old captain who commanded an artillery unit 1220 01:00:31,545 --> 01:00:33,795 at the Battle of Trenton 1221 01:00:33,839 --> 01:00:36,339 is now one of the commander in chief's 1222 01:00:36,383 --> 01:00:38,883 most trusted aides-de-camp. 1223 01:00:38,927 --> 01:00:40,837 - In an aide, what Washington needs 1224 01:00:40,888 --> 01:00:42,218 is someone who can write for him, 1225 01:00:42,264 --> 01:00:44,564 can speak for him, can act for him 1226 01:00:44,600 --> 01:00:47,770 in a way that's true to him. 1227 01:00:47,811 --> 01:00:50,601 - Another of Washington's staunchest allies 1228 01:00:50,648 --> 01:00:53,768 is the 19-year-old Marquis de Lafayette. 1229 01:00:53,817 --> 01:00:56,067 ♪♪♪ 1230 01:00:56,111 --> 01:00:58,901 - The Marquis de Lafayette is a young French nobleman 1231 01:00:58,947 --> 01:01:03,367 who is inspired by the cause of what's going on in America. 1232 01:01:03,410 --> 01:01:06,950 So he comes to the United States 1233 01:01:06,997 --> 01:01:09,327 and commits himself to the effort. 1234 01:01:09,375 --> 01:01:11,825 - Lafayette has joined Washington's army 1235 01:01:11,877 --> 01:01:13,537 as a volunteer. 1236 01:01:13,587 --> 01:01:15,797 He was wounded at the Battle of Brandywine, 1237 01:01:15,839 --> 01:01:17,589 and he's now been appointed a general 1238 01:01:17,633 --> 01:01:19,513 in the Continental Army. 1239 01:01:19,551 --> 01:01:21,931 - He's very young and very eager, 1240 01:01:21,970 --> 01:01:23,850 and you certainly get a sense 1241 01:01:23,889 --> 01:01:27,059 that Washington and Lafayette become very close very quickly. 1242 01:01:27,101 --> 01:01:32,441 ♪♪♪ 1243 01:01:32,481 --> 01:01:35,981 - As Washington begins winter camp at Valley Forge, 1244 01:01:36,026 --> 01:01:39,186 his critics are still plotting against him, 1245 01:01:39,238 --> 01:01:43,568 but his military family is standing by his side. 1246 01:01:43,617 --> 01:01:46,327 - [ speaks French ] 1247 01:01:46,370 --> 01:01:50,040 - To old friends and new allies. 1248 01:01:50,082 --> 01:01:51,872 - And to our fearless commander. 1249 01:01:51,917 --> 01:01:56,417 - The only general who could lead this army. 1250 01:01:56,463 --> 01:01:57,253 [ glasses clink ] 1251 01:01:57,297 --> 01:02:00,127 ♪♪♪ 1252 01:02:00,175 --> 01:02:02,175 - I must say, 1253 01:02:02,219 --> 01:02:05,179 we are all well aware on the fools in Congress 1254 01:02:05,222 --> 01:02:08,142 who do not know a single thing about war. 1255 01:02:08,183 --> 01:02:12,143 But every man at this table, every man in this camp 1256 01:02:12,187 --> 01:02:14,227 knows that if you are lost to America, 1257 01:02:14,273 --> 01:02:16,693 there is nobody who could keep the army 1258 01:02:16,734 --> 01:02:19,114 and the revolution going. 1259 01:02:19,153 --> 01:02:23,073 - I appreciate your confidence, my dear Marquis. 1260 01:02:23,115 --> 01:02:26,445 But for one night, let's not discuss the war. 1261 01:02:26,493 --> 01:02:28,543 - Hear, hear. 1262 01:02:28,579 --> 01:02:29,619 - To Christmas. - To Christmas. 1263 01:02:29,663 --> 01:02:30,583 - To Christmas. 1264 01:02:30,622 --> 01:02:32,372 [ glasses clink ] 1265 01:02:32,416 --> 01:02:35,286 - Despite attempts to quiet the cabal, 1266 01:02:35,335 --> 01:02:38,335 calls for Washington's ouster aren't going away. 1267 01:02:38,380 --> 01:02:41,590 In January 1778, 1268 01:02:41,633 --> 01:02:44,553 an anonymous letter circulated in the Congress 1269 01:02:44,595 --> 01:02:47,135 makes the case for his removal 1270 01:02:47,181 --> 01:02:51,061 with a scathing list of Washington's failures. 1271 01:02:51,101 --> 01:02:53,021 - "That the enemies, taking possession 1272 01:02:53,061 --> 01:02:54,851 "of the city of Philadelphia, 1273 01:02:54,897 --> 01:02:57,477 "with so little loss in opposition, 1274 01:02:57,524 --> 01:02:59,194 "has been very discouraging 1275 01:02:59,234 --> 01:03:02,904 "to many of the true friends of America, 1276 01:03:02,946 --> 01:03:05,276 "that more men will die this winter 1277 01:03:05,324 --> 01:03:07,534 "than it would've cost lives to have conquered the enemy 1278 01:03:07,576 --> 01:03:10,616 "last summer and fall, 1279 01:03:10,662 --> 01:03:13,962 "that it is a very great reproach to America 1280 01:03:13,999 --> 01:03:17,249 to say there is only one general in it." 1281 01:03:17,294 --> 01:03:21,304 ♪♪♪ 1282 01:03:21,340 --> 01:03:23,130 - Washington worried the American people 1283 01:03:23,175 --> 01:03:25,795 were going to believe this criticism. 1284 01:03:25,844 --> 01:03:27,974 He worried he was going to lose their support. 1285 01:03:28,013 --> 01:03:32,393 ♪♪♪ 1286 01:03:32,434 --> 01:03:35,644 - There's a sense that he really doesn't have what it takes. 1287 01:03:35,687 --> 01:03:45,987 ♪♪♪ 1288 01:03:46,824 --> 01:03:57,794 ♪♪♪ 1289 01:03:57,835 --> 01:04:01,085 - Nearly three years into the war, 1290 01:04:01,129 --> 01:04:05,379 George Washington is facing escalating personal attacks 1291 01:04:05,425 --> 01:04:08,335 and a new enemy... 1292 01:04:08,387 --> 01:04:11,427 winter. 1293 01:04:11,473 --> 01:04:14,353 Plagued with disease and desperately hungry, 1294 01:04:14,393 --> 01:04:16,853 the men of Washington's main fighting force 1295 01:04:16,895 --> 01:04:19,935 are battling to stay alive. 1296 01:04:19,982 --> 01:04:22,112 - Follow me. 1297 01:04:22,150 --> 01:04:23,900 - If we are to set rations, 1298 01:04:23,944 --> 01:04:26,324 we must have accurate account of our provisions. 1299 01:04:29,950 --> 01:04:31,240 - [ coughing ] 1300 01:04:31,285 --> 01:04:35,695 ♪♪♪ 1301 01:04:35,747 --> 01:04:37,787 - Food supplies are running low, 1302 01:04:37,833 --> 01:04:39,373 and what little they do have 1303 01:04:39,418 --> 01:04:42,498 is growing more rancid by the day. 1304 01:04:42,546 --> 01:04:43,626 - Wow. 1305 01:04:43,672 --> 01:04:46,672 ♪♪♪ 1306 01:04:46,717 --> 01:04:48,087 - Check every crate and barrel. 1307 01:04:48,135 --> 01:04:50,755 ♪♪♪ 1308 01:04:50,804 --> 01:04:53,224 Inform me as soon as the count is completed. 1309 01:04:55,684 --> 01:04:57,644 - Washington and his troops 1310 01:04:57,686 --> 01:05:00,686 are hunkered down for the winter at Valley Forge, 1311 01:05:00,731 --> 01:05:04,361 just 20 miles outside of British-occupied Philadelphia. 1312 01:05:04,401 --> 01:05:06,531 The two armies are camped so close 1313 01:05:06,570 --> 01:05:08,780 that to survive the winter, 1314 01:05:08,822 --> 01:05:13,532 they're forced to draw on the same farms for supplies. 1315 01:05:13,577 --> 01:05:16,367 - There's a battle going on for food, 1316 01:05:16,413 --> 01:05:18,123 and the British are winning. 1317 01:05:18,165 --> 01:05:19,655 - The Americans don't have gold and silver, 1318 01:05:19,708 --> 01:05:22,958 and so they're offering payment in paper money. 1319 01:05:23,003 --> 01:05:25,843 Farmers don't like having bushels of paper money 1320 01:05:25,881 --> 01:05:27,421 of diminishing value 1321 01:05:27,466 --> 01:05:29,126 when they could be offered gold and silver 1322 01:05:29,176 --> 01:05:30,966 if they will trade it with the British. 1323 01:05:31,011 --> 01:05:33,141 - And a lot of states really hoarded their resources 1324 01:05:33,180 --> 01:05:35,430 in the event that Britain decided 1325 01:05:35,474 --> 01:05:37,934 to make its next campaign in their state. 1326 01:05:37,976 --> 01:05:39,976 - For Washington, it meant 1327 01:05:40,020 --> 01:05:43,810 that there was no end to the shortages. 1328 01:05:43,857 --> 01:05:45,817 - He's begging the states. He's begging Congress. 1329 01:05:45,859 --> 01:05:46,899 - "I need you to raise more money 1330 01:05:46,944 --> 01:05:48,944 "so that I can feed my soldiers, 1331 01:05:48,987 --> 01:05:50,987 "so that I can give them shoes, 1332 01:05:51,031 --> 01:05:52,991 "so that I can have the proper amount of gunpowder 1333 01:05:53,033 --> 01:05:55,783 to actually be able to fire my cannons." 1334 01:05:55,827 --> 01:05:58,657 - Many another person in Washington's position 1335 01:05:58,705 --> 01:06:00,905 would have said, "I can't do this. 1336 01:06:00,958 --> 01:06:03,078 "If you're not gonna give me the resources to win, 1337 01:06:03,126 --> 01:06:05,086 then I'm not gonna take this." 1338 01:06:05,128 --> 01:06:07,798 But Washington had committed himself personally to this, 1339 01:06:07,839 --> 01:06:09,339 and he was gonna see it through to the end. 1340 01:06:09,383 --> 01:06:10,883 ♪♪♪ 1341 01:06:10,926 --> 01:06:13,086 - And so, too, will Martha, 1342 01:06:13,136 --> 01:06:16,636 who arrives in Valley Forge in February 1343 01:06:16,682 --> 01:06:20,482 to support her husband and the cause. 1344 01:06:20,519 --> 01:06:22,439 - Martha Washington visits George Washington 1345 01:06:22,479 --> 01:06:24,269 in every encampment during the war. 1346 01:06:24,314 --> 01:06:26,984 - And she joins him for some of the roughest campaigns, 1347 01:06:27,025 --> 01:06:29,275 and for long winters, she's there. 1348 01:06:29,319 --> 01:06:31,899 - Martha is no chimney corner wife. 1349 01:06:31,947 --> 01:06:36,527 She's not going to go and sit and knit for him. 1350 01:06:36,576 --> 01:06:39,196 She assists on taking a visible role in camp. 1351 01:06:39,246 --> 01:06:41,366 - Martha leads by example. 1352 01:06:41,415 --> 01:06:45,625 She's tending to the sick, and she's receiving people, 1353 01:06:45,669 --> 01:06:47,589 so she's also sort of working the diplomatic relations 1354 01:06:47,629 --> 01:06:49,169 for Washington. 1355 01:06:49,214 --> 01:06:51,264 - They both shared that powerful sense 1356 01:06:51,299 --> 01:06:53,219 that the people needed them, 1357 01:06:53,260 --> 01:06:55,510 and it was this duty and the sacrifice 1358 01:06:55,554 --> 01:06:57,854 and service that was part of the cause. 1359 01:06:57,889 --> 01:07:00,769 - She had an impact on headquarters 1360 01:07:00,809 --> 01:07:03,389 and on the general morale of people who were there, 1361 01:07:03,437 --> 01:07:05,227 and I think was important 1362 01:07:05,272 --> 01:07:07,612 as a figure that Washington could trust 1363 01:07:07,649 --> 01:07:10,069 in a way that possibly he couldn't trust anyone else. 1364 01:07:10,110 --> 01:07:11,360 [ door opens ] 1365 01:07:14,031 --> 01:07:15,701 - Is it any better? [ wind howling ] 1366 01:07:15,741 --> 01:07:19,911 - Worse. And still Congress does nothing. 1367 01:07:19,953 --> 01:07:21,453 - Perhaps they do not understand 1368 01:07:21,496 --> 01:07:23,496 the severity of the situation. 1369 01:07:23,540 --> 01:07:25,620 - I have written letter after letter. 1370 01:07:25,667 --> 01:07:28,957 They understand well enough. 1371 01:07:29,004 --> 01:07:33,014 - Then they think an army can survive without food. 1372 01:07:33,050 --> 01:07:36,550 - Their failure is not malice, my dear. 1373 01:07:36,595 --> 01:07:40,715 It is a deeper matter, a fault in their constitution. 1374 01:07:40,766 --> 01:07:43,766 - You must take care that their failure 1375 01:07:43,810 --> 01:07:46,350 does not become yours. 1376 01:07:46,396 --> 01:07:49,686 - Yes. 1377 01:07:49,733 --> 01:07:52,113 My reputation may well not survive this. 1378 01:07:54,112 --> 01:07:56,702 That cannot be my concern now. 1379 01:07:56,740 --> 01:07:59,160 It is the men, 1380 01:07:59,201 --> 01:08:01,621 this starving army. 1381 01:08:01,661 --> 01:08:04,751 I'm at my wits' end about what to do for them. 1382 01:08:04,790 --> 01:08:07,080 - Well... 1383 01:08:07,125 --> 01:08:11,375 if there's one thing I know about you, 1384 01:08:11,421 --> 01:08:13,711 it is that you are simply too determined 1385 01:08:13,757 --> 01:08:17,087 to concede defeat. 1386 01:08:17,135 --> 01:08:19,965 You will find another way. 1387 01:08:20,013 --> 01:08:25,603 ♪♪♪ 1388 01:08:25,644 --> 01:08:29,314 - "Friends, countrymen, and fellow citizens, 1389 01:08:29,356 --> 01:08:31,816 "it is to be feared that so large an army 1390 01:08:31,858 --> 01:08:33,858 may suffer for the want of provisions." 1391 01:08:33,902 --> 01:08:35,612 - After having written 1392 01:08:35,654 --> 01:08:38,154 hundreds of pages of letters to Congress, 1393 01:08:38,198 --> 01:08:40,818 Washington flexes his political muscle 1394 01:08:40,867 --> 01:08:43,787 and makes a direct appeal to the people. 1395 01:08:43,829 --> 01:08:46,409 His open letters are printed in papers 1396 01:08:46,456 --> 01:08:49,246 across the states. 1397 01:08:49,292 --> 01:08:51,752 - "It is therefore recommended 1398 01:08:51,795 --> 01:08:52,745 "to the inhabitants of those states 1399 01:08:52,796 --> 01:08:54,996 "to put up and feed immediately 1400 01:08:55,048 --> 01:08:58,758 as many of their stock cattle as they can spare." 1401 01:08:58,802 --> 01:09:01,722 - He then invites the congressional delegates to camp 1402 01:09:01,763 --> 01:09:04,893 so they can witness the misery of his army firsthand. 1403 01:09:06,893 --> 01:09:10,103 - Delegates to Congress-- they recognize now 1404 01:09:10,147 --> 01:09:12,187 that things really are just as desperate 1405 01:09:12,232 --> 01:09:14,442 as Washington has portrayed them. 1406 01:09:14,484 --> 01:09:17,904 - They also discover something else-- 1407 01:09:17,946 --> 01:09:20,356 an army being held together 1408 01:09:20,407 --> 01:09:25,447 against tremendous odds by one man. 1409 01:09:25,495 --> 01:09:29,285 - He can win this war if he can keep his army together. 1410 01:09:29,332 --> 01:09:31,712 Valley Forge was all about 1411 01:09:31,751 --> 01:09:34,921 preventing his soldiers from saying, "I quit." 1412 01:09:34,963 --> 01:09:37,963 - The impact of Washington's dedication at Valley Forge 1413 01:09:38,008 --> 01:09:40,088 is huge. 1414 01:09:40,135 --> 01:09:42,885 - He was there with them. He shared their hardship. 1415 01:09:42,929 --> 01:09:45,719 and he showed them that they could get through this. 1416 01:09:45,765 --> 01:09:48,265 - When soldiers see their officers with them, 1417 01:09:48,310 --> 01:09:50,390 eating the same lousy food, 1418 01:09:50,437 --> 01:09:52,477 getting the same lousy amount of sleep, 1419 01:09:52,522 --> 01:09:54,652 living in the same awful conditions, 1420 01:09:54,691 --> 01:09:56,481 "then my officers can do it, I can do it." 1421 01:09:56,526 --> 01:09:58,566 That's what leadership's all about. 1422 01:09:58,612 --> 01:10:01,912 - Valley Forge was the light in the darkness 1423 01:10:01,948 --> 01:10:07,988 because Washington had the courage to endure. 1424 01:10:08,038 --> 01:10:13,288 - This is Washingtonian-- "Survive and you shall succeed." 1425 01:10:13,335 --> 01:10:15,375 They survived. 1426 01:10:15,420 --> 01:10:17,800 - As does Washington's command. 1427 01:10:17,839 --> 01:10:21,129 After months of whispers, the talk of General Gates 1428 01:10:21,176 --> 01:10:24,796 replacing Washington is no more. 1429 01:10:24,846 --> 01:10:26,846 - The great majority of the officers in the army 1430 01:10:26,932 --> 01:10:29,852 stand by Washington. 1431 01:10:29,893 --> 01:10:31,393 And they make it clear to Congress 1432 01:10:31,436 --> 01:10:33,726 that if they wanna keep an army together, 1433 01:10:33,772 --> 01:10:37,232 it has to be kept together under Washington. 1434 01:10:37,275 --> 01:10:39,275 ♪♪♪ 1435 01:10:39,319 --> 01:10:45,159 - An estimated 2,000 men ultimately die at Valley Forge. 1436 01:10:45,200 --> 01:10:47,330 But when spring arrives, 1437 01:10:47,369 --> 01:10:52,829 Washington has some 10,000 soldiers fit to fight, 1438 01:10:52,874 --> 01:10:56,964 and he's received word that help is on the way. 1439 01:10:58,672 --> 01:11:00,172 [ door squeaks ] 1440 01:11:00,215 --> 01:11:02,165 - You summoned me, General. 1441 01:11:02,217 --> 01:11:04,927 - I have something here you may find of interest. 1442 01:11:10,475 --> 01:11:12,475 - [ chuckles ] Is it true? 1443 01:11:12,519 --> 01:11:13,979 - It would appear 1444 01:11:14,020 --> 01:11:16,060 that Mr. Franklin has finally done it. 1445 01:11:17,482 --> 01:11:19,362 - [ grunts ] 1446 01:11:19,401 --> 01:11:21,651 King Louis has seen reason. 1447 01:11:21,695 --> 01:11:23,605 - Yes. 1448 01:11:23,655 --> 01:11:25,695 An alliance. 1449 01:11:25,740 --> 01:11:27,950 - For years, the colonies have sought an ally 1450 01:11:27,993 --> 01:11:30,413 with the power to rival Britain. 1451 01:11:30,453 --> 01:11:34,163 In the spring of 1778, they get one 1452 01:11:34,207 --> 01:11:37,957 when Benjamin Franklin brokers a treaty between America 1453 01:11:38,003 --> 01:11:42,093 and England's greatest rival, France. 1454 01:11:42,132 --> 01:11:44,342 - With luck, your countrymen will soon be fighting 1455 01:11:44,384 --> 01:11:46,634 by our side. This is certainly welcome news. 1456 01:11:46,678 --> 01:11:49,178 - Oh, oui. And to see King George's face 1457 01:11:49,222 --> 01:11:50,932 when he hears. 1458 01:11:50,974 --> 01:11:52,774 But a toast... 1459 01:11:52,809 --> 01:11:54,729 We must have a toast. - Of course. 1460 01:11:54,769 --> 01:11:58,099 - France is impressed by Washington's ability 1461 01:11:58,148 --> 01:11:59,648 to keep his army going. 1462 01:11:59,691 --> 01:12:00,941 - For the Americans, it's a huge moment 1463 01:12:00,984 --> 01:12:04,364 because now they have this major empire 1464 01:12:04,404 --> 01:12:07,494 giving vital support and supplies and funds. 1465 01:12:07,532 --> 01:12:10,032 - Washington finally sees hope. 1466 01:12:10,076 --> 01:12:14,616 He begins now to think of a final campaign 1467 01:12:14,664 --> 01:12:17,254 in ending the war in one fell swoop. 1468 01:12:17,292 --> 01:12:19,462 - [ speaks French ] 1469 01:12:19,502 --> 01:12:21,092 [ glasses clink ] 1470 01:12:21,129 --> 01:12:23,339 [ speaks French ] 1471 01:12:23,381 --> 01:12:24,591 [ clink ] 1472 01:12:24,632 --> 01:12:29,802 ♪♪♪ 1473 01:12:30,597 --> 01:12:39,437 ♪♪♪ 1474 01:12:39,481 --> 01:12:40,481 - Sir. 1475 01:12:40,523 --> 01:12:43,733 - Thank you, Billy. 1476 01:12:43,777 --> 01:12:46,027 - In May of 1778, 1477 01:12:46,071 --> 01:12:48,111 with the desperate winter behind him 1478 01:12:48,156 --> 01:12:50,406 and the French now on his side, 1479 01:12:50,450 --> 01:12:52,660 General George Washington is looking ahead 1480 01:12:52,702 --> 01:12:55,042 to the next phase of the war. 1481 01:12:55,080 --> 01:12:57,000 - Major General Arnold is here, sir. 1482 01:12:57,040 --> 01:12:59,040 - Send him in. 1483 01:12:59,084 --> 01:13:02,004 - But first, he has a thank you to bestow 1484 01:13:02,045 --> 01:13:05,505 on the hero of Saratoga. 1485 01:13:05,548 --> 01:13:07,088 [ door squeaks ] 1486 01:13:09,052 --> 01:13:11,262 - I traveled here as soon as I could. 1487 01:13:11,304 --> 01:13:13,474 - It is certainly good to see you doing so well. 1488 01:13:13,515 --> 01:13:16,015 - For the past seven months, 1489 01:13:16,059 --> 01:13:18,099 Benedict Arnold has been working his way back 1490 01:13:18,144 --> 01:13:21,404 from the injury he suffered at Saratoga 1491 01:13:21,439 --> 01:13:22,979 when his horse fell on him in battle. 1492 01:13:23,024 --> 01:13:24,824 [ horse whinnies ] 1493 01:13:24,859 --> 01:13:29,569 His left leg is now 2 inches shorter than the right. 1494 01:13:29,614 --> 01:13:33,164 - My, uh, recovery took longer than I would have hoped. 1495 01:13:33,201 --> 01:13:34,911 And there is still some difficulty atop a horse, 1496 01:13:34,953 --> 01:13:37,373 but I'm eager to return to the field. 1497 01:13:37,414 --> 01:13:39,834 - As we are to have you. 1498 01:13:39,874 --> 01:13:42,134 Did you receive the epaulets and sword that I sent you? 1499 01:13:42,168 --> 01:13:44,788 - I did. They were, uh, very much appreciated. 1500 01:13:44,838 --> 01:13:46,458 - A gentleman from France recently sent me 1501 01:13:46,506 --> 01:13:48,086 three sets of them. 1502 01:13:48,133 --> 01:13:49,923 I was instructed to keep one for myself 1503 01:13:49,968 --> 01:13:52,548 and impart the others on men of deserving character. 1504 01:13:52,595 --> 01:13:54,095 - Thank you, sir. 1505 01:13:54,139 --> 01:13:57,179 - You have deserved them twice over. 1506 01:13:57,225 --> 01:13:58,595 - Thank you. 1507 01:14:01,187 --> 01:14:03,057 - Something seems to trouble you, Major General. 1508 01:14:04,065 --> 01:14:05,935 - [ sighs ] 1509 01:14:05,984 --> 01:14:08,194 I do not wish you to think me ungrateful. 1510 01:14:08,236 --> 01:14:11,696 The epaulets were a fine gesture. 1511 01:14:11,739 --> 01:14:14,659 But I've sacrificed my fortune, 1512 01:14:14,701 --> 01:14:18,911 my blood. I have... 1513 01:14:18,955 --> 01:14:22,205 I've become a cripple in the service of my country. 1514 01:14:22,250 --> 01:14:24,830 I believe I have earned more. 1515 01:14:24,878 --> 01:14:27,878 ♪♪♪ 1516 01:14:27,922 --> 01:14:31,092 - Washington clearly felt that Arnold was worthy, 1517 01:14:31,134 --> 01:14:33,134 but Congress in its wisdom decided 1518 01:14:33,178 --> 01:14:35,638 not to give Arnold a promotion. 1519 01:14:35,680 --> 01:14:37,970 - He's getting passed over for all these other people 1520 01:14:38,016 --> 01:14:40,266 with political connections to Congress. 1521 01:14:40,310 --> 01:14:41,680 And even when he gets promotions, 1522 01:14:41,728 --> 01:14:44,558 he doesn't get the commands he wants. 1523 01:14:44,606 --> 01:14:48,816 - I understand your frustrations. 1524 01:14:48,860 --> 01:14:51,400 But Congress moves slowly, 1525 01:14:51,446 --> 01:14:55,156 and politics have a way of complicating things. 1526 01:14:55,200 --> 01:14:59,450 Know that I do not question your value, 1527 01:14:59,496 --> 01:15:03,246 and I learned as a young man, 1528 01:15:03,291 --> 01:15:05,711 patience is a virtue. 1529 01:15:05,752 --> 01:15:07,002 - Patience? 1530 01:15:09,672 --> 01:15:11,672 [ exhales deeply ] 1531 01:15:11,716 --> 01:15:13,716 I will take my leave then, sir. 1532 01:15:13,760 --> 01:15:14,720 - Of course. 1533 01:15:17,931 --> 01:15:28,561 ♪♪♪ 1534 01:15:28,608 --> 01:15:30,818 - Arnold is stewing. 1535 01:15:30,860 --> 01:15:33,440 He's getting over his injury. 1536 01:15:33,488 --> 01:15:36,408 Congress still hasn't repaid him for money that he fronted 1537 01:15:36,449 --> 01:15:38,739 at the beginning of the war. He's in debt. 1538 01:15:38,785 --> 01:15:41,075 ♪♪♪ 1539 01:15:41,120 --> 01:15:45,710 - So, Arnold began to wonder, "Why am I doing this? 1540 01:15:45,750 --> 01:15:47,500 "Is this country living up 1541 01:15:47,544 --> 01:15:49,544 to the commitments it's made to me?" 1542 01:15:49,587 --> 01:15:51,417 ♪♪♪ 1543 01:15:51,464 --> 01:15:54,424 - In June of 1778, 1544 01:15:54,467 --> 01:15:58,177 Washington offers a new opportunity 1545 01:15:58,221 --> 01:16:02,391 that has the potential to advance Arnold's career. 1546 01:16:02,433 --> 01:16:06,603 With the French and their navy now on America's side, 1547 01:16:06,646 --> 01:16:09,556 the redcoats have abandoned Philadelphia 1548 01:16:09,607 --> 01:16:13,187 to reinforce their troops in New York. 1549 01:16:13,236 --> 01:16:16,486 - After the British evacuate, 1550 01:16:16,531 --> 01:16:20,661 Washington puts Arnold in command of Philadelphia. 1551 01:16:20,702 --> 01:16:22,452 - [ exhales deeply ] 1552 01:16:22,495 --> 01:16:24,365 - Washington saw Arnold as a kind of project, 1553 01:16:24,414 --> 01:16:27,424 someone, uh, that if nurtured, 1554 01:16:27,458 --> 01:16:31,748 could become a truly spectacular balanced leader. 1555 01:16:31,796 --> 01:16:37,466 - Ah, William. Welcome to Philadelphia. 1556 01:16:37,510 --> 01:16:39,800 - But once military governor of Philadelphia, 1557 01:16:39,846 --> 01:16:42,256 Arnold decided it was time for him 1558 01:16:42,307 --> 01:16:44,427 to begin to profit from this war. 1559 01:16:44,475 --> 01:16:45,925 And so he began to launch 1560 01:16:45,977 --> 01:16:48,767 into a series of investment schemes. 1561 01:16:48,813 --> 01:16:52,273 - This is what we spoke about? 1562 01:16:52,317 --> 01:16:56,027 - He is accused of corruption. 1563 01:16:56,070 --> 01:16:57,780 ♪♪♪ 1564 01:16:57,822 --> 01:17:00,242 He has to go through a court-martial 1565 01:17:00,283 --> 01:17:03,083 which largely finds him innocent 1566 01:17:03,119 --> 01:17:06,159 but also gives him a slap on the wrist. 1567 01:17:06,205 --> 01:17:09,245 Arnold can't stand it. 1568 01:17:09,292 --> 01:17:11,502 - And so he became embittered over time, 1569 01:17:11,544 --> 01:17:14,554 much in the way we saw a young Washington become embittered, 1570 01:17:14,589 --> 01:17:16,259 but Washington-- he didn't hold on 1571 01:17:16,299 --> 01:17:17,839 to the vestiges of the past, 1572 01:17:17,884 --> 01:17:21,594 whereas Arnold tended to his grudges like a garden. 1573 01:17:21,638 --> 01:17:23,178 [ birds chirping ] 1574 01:17:23,222 --> 01:17:26,522 - In spring 1779, 1575 01:17:26,559 --> 01:17:29,849 Arnold sows the seeds of betrayal 1576 01:17:29,896 --> 01:17:33,356 by making contact with British intelligence. 1577 01:17:33,399 --> 01:17:36,359 - Arnold had sent a letter to John André, 1578 01:17:36,402 --> 01:17:40,152 who was a British officer, offered some information. 1579 01:17:40,198 --> 01:17:42,658 He was kind of ignored. 1580 01:17:42,700 --> 01:17:44,740 ♪♪♪ 1581 01:17:44,786 --> 01:17:46,576 - This just arrived for you. 1582 01:17:48,956 --> 01:17:51,616 - His wife, Peggy Shippen, had been in Philadelphia 1583 01:17:51,668 --> 01:17:53,378 during the British occupation 1584 01:17:53,419 --> 01:17:56,049 and had been good friends with John André. 1585 01:17:58,132 --> 01:17:59,972 - What does it say? 1586 01:18:00,009 --> 01:18:02,549 - Instructions. [ clears throat ] 1587 01:18:02,595 --> 01:18:06,005 A list of things I would have interest in, 1588 01:18:06,057 --> 01:18:08,097 and he wishes to meet in person. 1589 01:18:08,142 --> 01:18:10,692 - Well, that is good, is it not? 1590 01:18:10,728 --> 01:18:13,058 Major André is a good man. 1591 01:18:13,106 --> 01:18:15,606 You can trust him. - That is not what worries me. 1592 01:18:15,650 --> 01:18:17,480 - Then what? 1593 01:18:17,527 --> 01:18:19,687 - Dispatches, troop orders, 1594 01:18:19,737 --> 01:18:22,317 officer assignments, and battle plans, 1595 01:18:22,365 --> 01:18:25,565 insights into Washington himself-- 1596 01:18:25,618 --> 01:18:29,118 all these things I can provide with certainty. 1597 01:18:29,163 --> 01:18:32,123 These are things other men could provide as well. 1598 01:18:32,166 --> 01:18:34,916 If I'm to make this leak, 1599 01:18:34,961 --> 01:18:36,341 I must have assurances of my position, 1600 01:18:36,379 --> 01:18:38,299 and that can only be guaranteed 1601 01:18:38,339 --> 01:18:41,549 by bringing with me something no one else could deliver. 1602 01:18:41,592 --> 01:18:44,142 - And so Arnold started navigating his way 1603 01:18:44,178 --> 01:18:46,428 to getting command of West Point. 1604 01:18:46,472 --> 01:18:49,102 - [ exhales deeply ] 1605 01:18:49,142 --> 01:18:50,682 ♪♪♪ 1606 01:18:50,727 --> 01:18:53,267 - Located 50 miles north of New York City, 1607 01:18:53,312 --> 01:18:57,482 West Point is a massive fortification project. 1608 01:18:57,525 --> 01:18:59,315 Washington believes its defenses 1609 01:18:59,360 --> 01:19:01,940 are the most important piece of strategic real estate 1610 01:19:01,988 --> 01:19:04,858 in the patriot arsenal. 1611 01:19:04,907 --> 01:19:06,697 The key to keeping the British 1612 01:19:06,743 --> 01:19:09,203 from the goal they've been unable to achieve 1613 01:19:09,245 --> 01:19:11,405 in three years of the war-- 1614 01:19:11,456 --> 01:19:14,576 total domination of the Hudson. 1615 01:19:14,625 --> 01:19:16,875 - If the British capture West Point, 1616 01:19:16,919 --> 01:19:20,379 they may well be able to capture the entire Hudson River 1617 01:19:20,423 --> 01:19:23,093 and decapitate the revolution. 1618 01:19:23,134 --> 01:19:27,014 - West Point is also key to Washington's strategy 1619 01:19:27,054 --> 01:19:30,724 for an assault on British-occupied New York City. 1620 01:19:30,767 --> 01:19:33,057 The battle plan includes a field command 1621 01:19:33,102 --> 01:19:35,562 for Benedict Arnold. 1622 01:19:35,605 --> 01:19:37,185 - And there's an interesting moment 1623 01:19:37,231 --> 01:19:40,361 where he's finally offered something of a promotion, 1624 01:19:40,401 --> 01:19:42,741 and he says, 1625 01:19:42,779 --> 01:19:45,489 "No, actually, I'd rather be given command of West Point," 1626 01:19:45,531 --> 01:19:48,161 which ultimately baffles Washington like, "What? 1627 01:19:48,201 --> 01:19:50,081 "Like, if you're all of this ambition, 1628 01:19:50,119 --> 01:19:51,869 "I'm giving you a better position, 1629 01:19:51,913 --> 01:19:53,873 and you just wanna be in charge of West Point?" 1630 01:19:53,915 --> 01:19:56,455 Now, of course, no one has any reason to know 1631 01:19:56,501 --> 01:19:58,381 why he's doing that. 1632 01:19:58,419 --> 01:20:00,919 - By the time Washington agrees, 1633 01:20:00,963 --> 01:20:03,713 Arnold's already been sharing secrets with the British 1634 01:20:03,758 --> 01:20:05,798 for more than a year. 1635 01:20:05,843 --> 01:20:08,593 But he stands to earn 20,000 pounds, 1636 01:20:08,638 --> 01:20:10,758 a lifetime pension, 1637 01:20:10,807 --> 01:20:12,717 and a British officer's commission 1638 01:20:12,767 --> 01:20:16,517 if he can deliver West Point which he plans to do 1639 01:20:16,562 --> 01:20:21,732 by sabotaging the fort's defenses from within. 1640 01:20:21,776 --> 01:20:25,736 - And just as Arnold is about to close the deal, 1641 01:20:25,780 --> 01:20:27,360 the plot is revealed. 1642 01:20:27,406 --> 01:20:29,236 - André has made his way up the Hudson 1643 01:20:29,283 --> 01:20:31,333 for a secret meeting with Arnold. 1644 01:20:31,369 --> 01:20:33,579 However, André on his way back 1645 01:20:33,621 --> 01:20:35,701 is captured by some militia. 1646 01:20:35,748 --> 01:20:38,458 People begin to realize something is up. 1647 01:20:38,501 --> 01:20:42,041 - When Arnold's betrayal is discovered, 1648 01:20:42,088 --> 01:20:45,378 Washington and his immediate staff are headed to Arnold 1649 01:20:45,424 --> 01:20:46,474 to his home. 1650 01:20:46,509 --> 01:20:48,969 So, Arnold flees. 1651 01:20:49,011 --> 01:20:51,721 And little by little, these letters are coming in 1652 01:20:51,764 --> 01:20:54,644 that are revealing to Washington and his staff 1653 01:20:54,684 --> 01:20:56,644 that Arnold has betrayed the nation. 1654 01:20:56,686 --> 01:20:58,516 He's committed treason. He's turned to the British. 1655 01:20:58,563 --> 01:21:02,523 ♪♪♪ 1656 01:21:02,567 --> 01:21:05,067 - You are going to want to see this. 1657 01:21:05,111 --> 01:21:07,191 - A British intelligence officer was captured this morning. 1658 01:21:07,238 --> 01:21:10,658 - This was found hidden in his boot. 1659 01:21:10,700 --> 01:21:12,200 - Traitorous bastard. 1660 01:21:12,243 --> 01:21:14,243 - Much as the action sickens as we are 1661 01:21:14,287 --> 01:21:18,157 fortunate to have discovered all the plot now and not later. 1662 01:21:18,207 --> 01:21:21,537 - Another week, and we would have lost West Point. 1663 01:21:21,586 --> 01:21:23,996 - We will make him pay. Believe me. 1664 01:21:24,046 --> 01:21:26,126 - He could not have gotten far. 1665 01:21:26,173 --> 01:21:28,013 - I will take our best trackers. 1666 01:21:28,050 --> 01:21:30,550 You need only say the word. 1667 01:21:31,429 --> 01:21:33,009 - Sir? 1668 01:21:35,224 --> 01:21:36,644 - Sir? 1669 01:21:38,769 --> 01:21:41,229 - Go. 1670 01:21:41,272 --> 01:21:44,192 Get him. 1671 01:21:44,233 --> 01:21:45,823 Now. 1672 01:21:47,737 --> 01:21:52,697 [ footsteps depart ] 1673 01:21:52,742 --> 01:21:54,952 - On the next "Washington"... 1674 01:21:54,994 --> 01:21:59,414 - The treason of Arnold is a lightning bolt for Americans. 1675 01:21:59,457 --> 01:22:01,917 - Burn it all. - Everybody wants him dead. 1676 01:22:01,959 --> 01:22:03,669 ♪♪♪ 1677 01:22:03,711 --> 01:22:06,001 - We expected to risk our lives for free? 1678 01:22:06,047 --> 01:22:07,457 - No. - No. 1679 01:22:07,506 --> 01:22:09,206 - Mutiny is like a virus. 1680 01:22:09,258 --> 01:22:11,178 It will infect the whole organization. 1681 01:22:11,218 --> 01:22:14,428 - [ all shout indistinctly ] 1682 01:22:14,472 --> 01:22:17,602 - Force the soldiers back into line. Execute the leader. 1683 01:22:17,642 --> 01:22:18,972 - Fire! 1684 01:22:19,018 --> 01:22:21,728 [ explosions ] 1685 01:22:21,771 --> 01:22:24,191 - History is written by the winners. 1686 01:22:24,231 --> 01:22:26,361 - Increase our bombardment. 1687 01:22:26,400 --> 01:22:28,570 We can't allow the British to rebuild their fortifications. 1688 01:22:28,611 --> 01:22:29,991 - [ shouts indistinctly ] 1689 01:22:30,029 --> 01:22:31,989 - Yorktown is really the culmination 1690 01:22:32,031 --> 01:22:34,071 of Washington as a leader. 1691 01:22:34,116 --> 01:22:36,696 - [ men yelling ] - I do solemnly swear... 1692 01:22:36,744 --> 01:22:38,624 - When he assumes the presidency, 1693 01:22:38,663 --> 01:22:40,583 he has everything to lose. 1694 01:22:40,623 --> 01:22:44,503 - I did not want this. 1695 01:22:44,543 --> 01:22:46,793 - The really critical editors would deliver three copies 1696 01:22:46,837 --> 01:22:49,667 of their paper just to piss him off. 1697 01:22:49,715 --> 01:22:51,585 - Good! I should rather be in my grave 1698 01:22:51,634 --> 01:22:53,474 than be made emperor of this world! 1699 01:22:53,511 --> 01:22:55,591 - He decided to step down after two terms 1700 01:22:55,638 --> 01:22:58,138 because that's not what dictators do. 1701 01:22:58,182 --> 01:23:00,352 It's just as revolutionary as the war itself. 1702 01:23:00,393 --> 01:23:03,103 ♪♪♪