Founding Fathers

44min

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

Episodes

Cast

Rebels With A Cause

1. Rebels With A Cause

43min

27th Nov 2000

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

Taking Liberties

2. Taking Liberties

44min

4th Dec 2000

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

You Say You Want a Revolution?

3. You Say You Want a Revolution?

43min

11th Dec 2000

After undeclared war simmers for a year and peace talks fail, the Declaration of Independence is debated, written, and issued.

A Healthy Consitution

4. A Healthy Consitution

44min

18th Dec 2000

The Founding Fathers face the momentous and monumental task of framing a federal constitution for the 13 states.

First air date

27th Nov 2000

Last air date

18th Dec 2000

Status

Ended

Type

Documentary

Original language

en

Networks