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[ marching footsteps ]
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- [ officer shouts orders ]
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[ marching footsteps continue ]
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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,
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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
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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."
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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
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00:01:16,327 --> 00:01:19,947
that they fear their officers
more than they fear the enemy.
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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.
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- Five.
- [ grunts ]
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- Six.
- [ grunts ]
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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.
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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,
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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
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00:02:47,835 --> 00:02:50,415
for weapons, food,
and uniforms.
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00:02:50,462 --> 00:02:52,712
And he's running out of time.
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00:02:52,756 --> 00:02:56,126
♪♪♪
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00:02:56,177 --> 00:02:58,967
- A massive armada
of British warships
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00:02:59,013 --> 00:03:01,683
under orders
from King George III
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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.
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00:03:07,104 --> 00:03:12,154
♪♪♪
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Commanding the British forces
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00:03:14,945 --> 00:03:16,855
is General William Howe.
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00:03:20,451 --> 00:03:23,411
- An empty glass is a terrible,
poor sight, is it not?
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00:03:23,454 --> 00:03:25,914
[ laughter ]
- Yeah.
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00:03:25,956 --> 00:03:29,876
- In any case, we shall arrive
in New York soon enough.
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00:03:29,919 --> 00:03:32,959
There, we shall see
how deep these waters go.
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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.
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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
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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
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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...
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To Mr. Washington
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00:04:45,286 --> 00:04:48,536
and choosing reason
of a revolution.
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00:04:48,580 --> 00:04:49,830
Mr. Washington.
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00:04:49,873 --> 00:04:51,503
- Mr. Washington.
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♪♪♪
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00:04:54,670 --> 00:04:57,210
- The British
had this large empire,
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00:04:57,256 --> 00:04:59,836
and to some degree
from the British perspective,
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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
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00:05:04,888 --> 00:05:06,968
of the British government,
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00:05:07,016 --> 00:05:09,136
then who's to prevent
other colonies
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00:05:09,184 --> 00:05:10,814
from doing the same thing?
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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,
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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
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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
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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.
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00:05:53,228 --> 00:05:55,348
♪♪♪
125
00:05:55,397 --> 00:05:58,477
While he doesn't have
the firepower,
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Washington does have a team
of eager patriot officers
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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
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is develop followers
and subordinate leaders
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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.
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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,
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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,
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00:07:35,747 --> 00:07:39,207
there is simply not enough
to cover all the shoreline...
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00:07:39,251 --> 00:07:41,591
and our insufficient crews
to man what we do have.
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00:07:41,628 --> 00:07:45,048
Do I have permission
to speak freely, sir?
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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.
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00:07:52,598 --> 00:07:56,848
- I have often held
there is no honor in retreat.
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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.
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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,
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00:08:15,996 --> 00:08:17,906
creating a gauntlet
that they must travel through
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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.
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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
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00:08:36,934 --> 00:08:41,064
once the batteries are ready
to be inspected.
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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.
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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.
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00:08:57,788 --> 00:08:59,078
We're already dropping anchor
in the bay.
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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
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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
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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
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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
♪♪♪
119334
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