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[ marching footsteps ]
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‐ [ officer shouts orders ]
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[ marching footsteps continue ]
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00:00:11,845 --> 00:00:14,223
[ officers shout orders ]
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00:00:14,223 --> 00:00:18,519
‐ Tell the two at the back
to pick up their pace.
6
00:00:18,519 --> 00:00:22,356
‐ At age 44, George Washington
has command of an army
7
00:00:22,356 --> 00:00:26,026
and some success as a general.
8
00:00:26,026 --> 00:00:28,737
He managed to outlast
the British in Boston,
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00:00:28,737 --> 00:00:33,367
but the standoff ended
without a head‐to‐head battle.
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00:00:33,367 --> 00:00:36,245
Now, more than a year
into the war,
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00:00:36,245 --> 00:00:39,122
he's preparing
his still‐untested army
12
00:00:39,122 --> 00:00:41,833
to take on the enemy
in New York.
13
00:00:42,376 --> 00:00:44,545
‐ "I'm obliged to confess
14
00:00:44,545 --> 00:00:47,214
"my want of confidence
in the troops.
15
00:00:47,214 --> 00:00:49,716
"Till of late,
I had no doubt in my own mind
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00:00:49,716 --> 00:00:51,969
"of defending this place,
17
00:00:51,969 --> 00:00:55,013
nor should I have yet
if the men would do their duty."
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‐ One.
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00:00:56,723 --> 00:00:58,225
‐ [ screams ]
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‐ Two.
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[ whip strikes, man screams ]
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‐ Washington
is pretty determined
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that what he wants
is a disciplined army
24
00:01:08,068 --> 00:01:10,445
that can compete
with British regulars.
25
00:01:10,445 --> 00:01:13,365
He wants men
that are disciplined enough
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00:01:13,365 --> 00:01:17,077
that they fear their officers
more than they fear the enemy.
27
00:01:17,077 --> 00:01:19,413
So Washington will have to
inflict the kind of discipline
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00:01:19,413 --> 00:01:21,498
that he thinks is necessary.
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‐ Five.
‐ [ grunts ]
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‐ Six.
‐ [ grunts ]
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00:01:24,918 --> 00:01:27,754
‐ You can paint his harshness
in harsh colors
32
00:01:27,754 --> 00:01:30,090
and make him look
to be almost tyrannical,
33
00:01:30,090 --> 00:01:31,466
but that's not quite there.
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‐ Six.
‐ [ grunts ]
35
00:01:34,636 --> 00:01:38,098
‐ Seven.
‐ [ man grunts ]
36
00:01:38,098 --> 00:01:40,267
‐ But his commitment
to discipline
37
00:01:40,267 --> 00:01:43,437
and to almost merciless
enforcement of that discipline
38
00:01:43,437 --> 00:01:45,939
is justified, necessary.
39
00:01:45,939 --> 00:01:48,275
[ whip strikes, man grunts ]
40
00:01:48,275 --> 00:01:50,444
‐ These guys are no match
41
00:01:50,444 --> 00:01:52,946
for a real professional
British force.
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00:01:52,946 --> 00:02:00,704
♪♪♪
43
00:02:00,704 --> 00:02:03,040
‐ Let's take a step back here
and understand
44
00:02:03,040 --> 00:02:06,960
how insane the notion of a war
against the British was.
45
00:02:06,960 --> 00:02:11,006
They were one of the most
powerful military forces
46
00:02:11,006 --> 00:02:13,967
and naval forces in the world.
47
00:02:13,967 --> 00:02:15,886
America didn't have a Navy.
48
00:02:15,886 --> 00:02:18,221
It had a military
as of yesterday.
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00:02:18,221 --> 00:02:21,933
They were underfunded.
They were under‐militarized,
50
00:02:21,933 --> 00:02:25,479
and Washington is just trying
to catch up.
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00:02:25,479 --> 00:02:29,483
‐ The fundamental weakness
of the American government
52
00:02:29,483 --> 00:02:31,360
during
the American Revolutionary War
53
00:02:31,360 --> 00:02:33,820
is that there is
no real federal government.
54
00:02:33,820 --> 00:02:35,405
‐ Continental Congress
does not have
55
00:02:35,405 --> 00:02:37,199
a lot of power to get money.
56
00:02:37,199 --> 00:02:39,493
They could request funds
from the different colonies,
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00:02:39,493 --> 00:02:42,371
but couldn't really demand.
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00:02:42,371 --> 00:02:44,998
‐ Washington doesn't have funds
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00:02:44,998 --> 00:02:47,668
for weapons, food,
and uniforms.
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00:02:47,668 --> 00:02:50,003
And he's running out of time.
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00:02:50,003 --> 00:02:53,173
♪♪♪
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00:02:53,173 --> 00:02:56,176
‐ A massive armada
of British warships
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00:02:56,176 --> 00:02:58,887
under orders
from King George III
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00:02:58,887 --> 00:03:00,847
is on its way to the colonies
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00:03:00,847 --> 00:03:04,351
to intimidate the rebels
into backing down.
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00:03:04,351 --> 00:03:09,356
♪♪♪
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Commanding the British forces
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00:03:12,192 --> 00:03:14,152
is General William Howe.
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00:03:17,531 --> 00:03:20,659
‐ An empty glass is a terrible,
poor sight, is it not?
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00:03:20,659 --> 00:03:23,036
[ laughter ]
‐ Yeah.
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00:03:23,036 --> 00:03:27,040
‐ In any case, we shall arrive
in New York soon enough.
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00:03:27,040 --> 00:03:30,043
There, we shall see
how deep these waters go.
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00:03:30,043 --> 00:03:32,712
‐ The rebels have already had
a year to come to their senses.
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00:03:32,712 --> 00:03:35,382
‐ All children go astray
from time to time.
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00:03:35,382 --> 00:03:36,758
They always come back home.
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00:03:36,758 --> 00:03:38,385
‐ Surely disloyalty
to the crown
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00:03:38,385 --> 00:03:40,929
cannot go unpunished?
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00:03:40,929 --> 00:03:43,932
‐ A line has been crossed,
most certainly.
79
00:03:45,434 --> 00:03:47,269
But I'm of the mind that it is
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00:03:47,269 --> 00:03:50,105
preferable to educate
rather than punish.
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00:03:50,105 --> 00:03:51,565
A little more, please?
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00:03:51,565 --> 00:03:54,734
‐ William Howe
is a career military man
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00:03:54,734 --> 00:03:57,946
with pro‐American sympathies.
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00:03:57,946 --> 00:04:00,574
He actually had proclaimed
he would never go
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00:04:00,574 --> 00:04:02,993
to command British troops
in America
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00:04:02,993 --> 00:04:06,246
because he thought that
this war was wrong‐headed.
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00:04:06,246 --> 00:04:08,540
‐ He changes his mind because
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00:04:08,540 --> 00:04:10,834
he's given the opportunity
to be a peace commissioner
89
00:04:10,834 --> 00:04:12,836
as well as
the commanding general.
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00:04:12,836 --> 00:04:16,590
You will go and you will fight
and deliver a few blows.
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00:04:16,590 --> 00:04:19,301
You will be the person
to negotiate a diplomatic end
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00:04:19,301 --> 00:04:22,220
to this unnecessary war.
93
00:04:22,220 --> 00:04:24,598
That's what Howe thinks
he's going to do.
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00:04:24,598 --> 00:04:28,643
‐ Once the full force of the
empire has been brought to bear,
95
00:04:28,643 --> 00:04:30,771
they will see how hopeless
their position.
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00:04:30,771 --> 00:04:33,273
‐ This Washington
is out of his depth,
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00:04:33,273 --> 00:04:35,776
but I like to think
he is no fool.
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So...
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To Mr. Washington
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00:04:42,449 --> 00:04:45,827
and choosing reason
of a revolution.
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00:04:45,827 --> 00:04:47,120
Mr. Washington.
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‐ Mr. Washington.
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♪♪♪
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‐ The British
had this large empire,
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00:04:54,336 --> 00:04:56,963
and to some degree
from the British perspective,
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00:04:56,963 --> 00:04:59,132
there was a principle
that had to be upheld.
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00:04:59,132 --> 00:05:02,135
If we let the Americans flout
the authority
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00:05:02,135 --> 00:05:04,137
of the British government,
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00:05:04,137 --> 00:05:06,389
then who's to prevent
other colonies
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00:05:06,389 --> 00:05:07,974
from doing the same thing?
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00:05:07,974 --> 00:05:10,393
And so, an example has
to be made of them.
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00:05:10,393 --> 00:05:14,189
‐ By the summer of 1776,
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00:05:14,189 --> 00:05:18,193
the two armies are poised for
a showdown over New York.
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A critical post
on the Hudson Corridor
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00:05:20,987 --> 00:05:23,073
that connects the colonies.
116
00:05:23,073 --> 00:05:25,951
‐ New York was really the key
to North America.
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00:05:25,951 --> 00:05:29,746
And whoever had control
of New York and the Hudson River
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00:05:29,746 --> 00:05:32,833
had the potential to control
whatever would happened next.
119
00:05:32,833 --> 00:05:36,169
‐ Washington's been ordered
by Congress
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00:05:36,169 --> 00:05:39,339
to defend in New York
at all costs,
121
00:05:39,339 --> 00:05:44,177
but the Continental Army
only has 121 cannons.
122
00:05:44,177 --> 00:05:46,721
That's fewer than
the arsenal onboard
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00:05:46,721 --> 00:05:50,517
just two of the British warships
heading their way.
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00:05:50,517 --> 00:05:52,561
♪♪♪
125
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While he doesn't have
the firepower,
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00:05:55,647 --> 00:05:59,526
Washington does have a team
of eager patriot officers
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00:05:59,526 --> 00:06:02,195
fighting by his side.
128
00:06:02,195 --> 00:06:05,657
‐ Washington was great
at spotting talent.
129
00:06:05,657 --> 00:06:07,784
He had no qualms about
going after young people
130
00:06:07,784 --> 00:06:10,328
who had not necessarily
established a reputation
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00:06:10,328 --> 00:06:12,080
if they showed promise.
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00:06:12,080 --> 00:06:14,541
‐ He learned the most important
thing you do as a leader
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00:06:14,541 --> 00:06:18,420
is develop followers
and subordinate leaders
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00:06:18,420 --> 00:06:20,547
who you can trust
and who trust you.
135
00:06:20,547 --> 00:06:26,845
‐ Among his advisers,
34‐year‐old Nathanael Greene.
136
00:06:26,845 --> 00:06:29,598
‐ Nathanael Greene was one
of his very, very favorites.
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00:06:29,598 --> 00:06:32,809
He was actually a Quaker
from Rhode Island,
138
00:06:32,809 --> 00:06:35,604
but he was brilliant
and super ambitious
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00:06:35,604 --> 00:06:38,440
and really understood
how Washington thought.
140
00:06:38,440 --> 00:06:40,483
♪♪♪
141
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‐ And alongside Greene,
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00:06:42,652 --> 00:06:47,365
a 25‐year‐old bookseller‐
turned‐colonel, Henry Knox.
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00:06:47,365 --> 00:06:48,909
‐ Henry Knox, very quickly,
144
00:06:48,909 --> 00:06:50,910
he became his head
of the artillery.
145
00:06:50,910 --> 00:06:53,538
He learned all about
cannons and ammunition,
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00:06:53,538 --> 00:06:55,415
everything from reading
147
00:06:55,415 --> 00:06:57,083
and then talking
to British officers about them.
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00:06:57,083 --> 00:07:00,045
‐ He was a bookseller by trade.
When Washington met him,
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00:07:00,045 --> 00:07:03,048
he recognized someone
who was organized, intelligent,
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00:07:03,048 --> 00:07:07,302
and affable in that way
you need to get things done.
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00:07:07,302 --> 00:07:11,848
‐ With the British fleet
bearing down on New York...
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00:07:11,848 --> 00:07:14,267
‐ The map, Billy.
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00:07:14,267 --> 00:07:17,354
‐ Washington consults
the Council of War,
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00:07:17,354 --> 00:07:21,483
his most trusted officers,
including Knox and Greene,
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00:07:21,483 --> 00:07:24,194
to devise a defensive strategy.
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00:07:26,112 --> 00:07:27,989
‐ Time is not on our side.
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00:07:27,989 --> 00:07:30,325
‐ Yet we're faced
with the same issues.
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‐ No matter how thin
we stretch our artillery,
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00:07:32,827 --> 00:07:36,373
there is simply not enough
to cover all the shoreline...
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00:07:36,373 --> 00:07:38,792
and our insufficient crews
to man what we do have.
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00:07:38,792 --> 00:07:42,379
Do I have permission
to speak freely, sir?
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00:07:42,379 --> 00:07:43,838
‐ Of course.
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00:07:43,838 --> 00:07:46,466
‐ The wise counsel
will be to withdraw.
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00:07:49,719 --> 00:07:53,973
‐ I have often held
there is no honor in retreat.
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00:07:53,973 --> 00:07:57,811
But even if that would not sell,
the world is watching.
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00:07:57,811 --> 00:07:59,938
If we are to fight
for our independence,
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00:07:59,938 --> 00:08:02,399
we must show them
we are worthy.
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00:08:02,399 --> 00:08:04,150
‐ Then I suggest
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00:08:04,150 --> 00:08:06,653
we aim to inflict
as much damage as possible.
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‐ Artillery...
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00:08:10,657 --> 00:08:13,118
on either side
of the East River,
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00:08:13,118 --> 00:08:15,203
creating a gauntlet
that they must travel through
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00:08:15,203 --> 00:08:17,539
if they are to land.
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00:08:17,539 --> 00:08:20,709
It is doubtful that
we will stop them completely.
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00:08:20,709 --> 00:08:22,001
But we will certainly see them
bloody.
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‐ Are you all in agreement?
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00:08:31,886 --> 00:08:34,097
Then begin preparations
and report back
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00:08:34,097 --> 00:08:38,393
once the batteries are ready
to be inspected.
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00:08:38,393 --> 00:08:44,691
♪♪♪
180
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‐ By July, the British
are no longer coming.
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00:08:49,904 --> 00:08:52,032
They're here.
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‐ What is the count now?
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00:08:53,283 --> 00:08:54,951
‐ It's 130.
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00:08:54,951 --> 00:08:56,411
We're already dropping anchor
in the bay.
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00:08:56,411 --> 00:09:09,716
♪♪♪
186
00:09:10,508 --> 00:09:12,177
♪♪♪
187
00:09:12,177 --> 00:09:15,055
‐ George Washington's finally
getting the attention
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00:09:15,055 --> 00:09:17,891
he's long sought
from the British Empire.
189
00:09:17,891 --> 00:09:19,392
‐ My spyglass, Billy.
190
00:09:19,392 --> 00:09:23,521
♪♪♪
191
00:09:23,521 --> 00:09:27,901
‐ More than 100 warships
sent by King George III
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00:09:27,901 --> 00:09:31,571
have arrived to stamp out
the colonist rebellion.
193
00:09:31,571 --> 00:09:35,033
‐ This is the largest naval
and military force
194
00:09:35,033 --> 00:09:37,452
ever assembled in the Americas.
195
00:09:37,452 --> 00:09:39,579
For any sensible person
looking out at that,
196
00:09:39,579 --> 00:09:42,373
you'd have to think,
"We're in a lot trouble here."
197
00:09:42,373 --> 00:09:44,250
‐ The next time anything
like that will happen
198
00:09:44,250 --> 00:09:47,378
is the American force going
the other way in World War I.
199
00:09:47,378 --> 00:09:49,380
Huge.
200
00:09:49,380 --> 00:09:51,091
‐ General Howe
certainly wishes us to know
201
00:09:51,091 --> 00:09:53,927
he has arrived.
202
00:09:53,927 --> 00:09:55,470
Inform the generals.
203
00:09:55,470 --> 00:09:57,388
We will meet
at top of the hour.
204
00:09:57,388 --> 00:09:59,724
‐ Yes, sir.
205
00:10:00,934 --> 00:10:05,063
‐ "Our cruel and unrelenting
enemy leaves us no choice
206
00:10:05,063 --> 00:10:07,774
"but a brave resistance.
207
00:10:07,774 --> 00:10:10,735
We have therefore to resolve
to conquer..."
208
00:10:12,445 --> 00:10:13,738
"...or die."
209
00:10:13,738 --> 00:10:17,617
♪♪♪
210
00:10:17,617 --> 00:10:21,162
‐ Washington and the Americans
are outgunned,
211
00:10:21,162 --> 00:10:24,040
but they have a weapon
the British don't‐‐
212
00:10:24,040 --> 00:10:25,750
a cause.
213
00:10:25,750 --> 00:10:29,087
‐ It's an amazing coincidence
that at the same time
214
00:10:29,087 --> 00:10:31,756
as the British are coming
into the New York Harbor,
215
00:10:31,756 --> 00:10:37,303
The Declaration of Independence
is passed by Congress.
216
00:10:37,303 --> 00:10:38,888
‐ It had taken just three weeks
217
00:10:38,888 --> 00:10:41,307
for a historic committee
of founding fathers,
218
00:10:41,307 --> 00:10:44,352
including Thomas Jefferson,
John Adams,
219
00:10:44,352 --> 00:10:47,480
and Benjamin Franklin,
to draft the document,
220
00:10:47,480 --> 00:10:50,775
which they hope will unite
all colonists
221
00:10:50,775 --> 00:10:53,153
behind a common cause.
222
00:10:53,153 --> 00:10:55,155
‐ When we learn about
the revolution in school,
223
00:10:55,155 --> 00:10:58,324
it's presented
as a rather clean‐cut story.
224
00:10:58,324 --> 00:11:00,660
All of America wanted to rebel.
225
00:11:00,660 --> 00:11:02,203
The British were the oppressor.
226
00:11:02,203 --> 00:11:03,872
‐ But it was by no means
unanimous
227
00:11:03,872 --> 00:11:05,456
that Americans thought,
228
00:11:05,456 --> 00:11:06,666
"Okay. Independence
is this great thing."
229
00:11:06,666 --> 00:11:10,503
‐ Within the colonies,
within families,
230
00:11:10,503 --> 00:11:11,796
there was division.
231
00:11:11,796 --> 00:11:13,548
There were loyalists
and patriots
232
00:11:13,548 --> 00:11:15,175
living in the same house.
233
00:11:15,175 --> 00:11:18,678
This was a civil war.
234
00:11:18,678 --> 00:11:22,682
‐ So in towns, in cities
around the colonies,
235
00:11:22,682 --> 00:11:24,517
people were meeting in groups
236
00:11:24,517 --> 00:11:26,853
and debating what they thought
about independence.
237
00:11:26,853 --> 00:11:29,731
Declaring independence
was a process, not an act.
238
00:11:31,191 --> 00:11:33,693
‐ The declaration made a case
239
00:11:33,693 --> 00:11:36,529
to the people on the fence
in America
240
00:11:36,529 --> 00:11:40,700
that this was a cause
worth betting on.
241
00:11:40,700 --> 00:11:43,912
And it gave the colonials,
the Yankees
242
00:11:43,912 --> 00:11:47,165
something to fight for
besides real estate.
243
00:11:47,165 --> 00:11:49,542
It was almost a letter
to investors.
244
00:11:49,542 --> 00:11:51,544
"Do you wanna invest
in this experiment?
245
00:11:51,544 --> 00:11:54,547
This is what we're about.
This is why we're doing it."
246
00:11:54,547 --> 00:11:57,258
‐ "And for the support
of this declaration..."
247
00:11:57,258 --> 00:11:58,885
‐ And so they were
very intentional
248
00:11:58,885 --> 00:12:01,304
about how they got out word.
249
00:12:01,304 --> 00:12:04,265
They sent it on ships
to all major ports.
250
00:12:04,265 --> 00:12:06,017
They printed copies of it.
251
00:12:06,017 --> 00:12:08,937
They published it.
They wanted it to spread.
252
00:12:08,937 --> 00:12:10,230
‐ And it's the kind of thing
253
00:12:10,230 --> 00:12:11,898
that would be a rallying
cry to people.
254
00:12:11,898 --> 00:12:13,524
And it was meant
to be read aloud.
255
00:12:13,524 --> 00:12:16,611
It has the ring of a‐‐
of a song in a way.
256
00:12:22,075 --> 00:12:25,036
‐ "When in the course
of human events,
257
00:12:25,036 --> 00:12:26,913
"it becomes necessary
for one people
258
00:12:26,913 --> 00:12:28,915
"to dissolve political bands
259
00:12:28,915 --> 00:12:32,252
"which have connected them
with another
260
00:12:32,252 --> 00:12:35,213
and to assume among the powers
of the earth..."
261
00:12:35,213 --> 00:12:38,424
♪♪♪
262
00:12:38,424 --> 00:12:41,594
"We hold these truths
to be self‐evident."
263
00:12:41,594 --> 00:12:44,222
‐ "That all men
are created equal."
264
00:12:44,222 --> 00:12:46,015
‐ "They are endowed
by their creator
265
00:12:46,015 --> 00:12:48,434
with certain
unalienable rights."
266
00:12:48,434 --> 00:12:53,940
‐ "But among these
are life, liberty,
267
00:12:53,940 --> 00:12:56,109
and the pursuit of happiness."
268
00:12:56,109 --> 00:12:57,777
‐ "That whenever
any form of government
269
00:12:57,777 --> 00:12:59,946
becomes destructive
of these ends..."
270
00:12:59,946 --> 00:13:04,492
‐ "It is the right of the people
to alter or to abolish it."
271
00:13:04,492 --> 00:13:08,454
‐ "And for the support
of this declaration,
272
00:13:08,454 --> 00:13:10,290
"with the firm reliance
on the protection
273
00:13:10,290 --> 00:13:12,417
"of divine providence,
274
00:13:12,417 --> 00:13:16,796
"we mutually pledge
to each other our lives,
275
00:13:16,796 --> 00:13:21,759
our fortunes...
and our sacred honor."
276
00:13:21,759 --> 00:13:24,929
♪♪♪
277
00:13:24,929 --> 00:13:26,639
‐ When you read the declaration,
278
00:13:26,639 --> 00:13:30,601
most people only remember
the first few paragraphs.
279
00:13:30,601 --> 00:13:33,813
No one else remembers that
it's really a list of charges
280
00:13:33,813 --> 00:13:35,648
against the British king.
281
00:13:35,648 --> 00:13:39,277
‐ "The history of the present
king of Great Britain
282
00:13:39,277 --> 00:13:42,947
"is a history of repeated
injuries and usurpations,
283
00:13:42,947 --> 00:13:47,702
"all having indirect object
the establishment
284
00:13:47,702 --> 00:13:52,832
of an absolute tyranny
over these states."
285
00:13:52,832 --> 00:13:55,626
♪♪♪
286
00:13:55,626 --> 00:13:58,546
Are you certain
this is authentic?
287
00:13:58,546 --> 00:14:01,007
‐ It has already been
distributed across the colonies.
288
00:14:01,007 --> 00:14:03,342
♪♪♪
289
00:14:03,342 --> 00:14:05,970
‐ Bloody fools.
290
00:14:05,970 --> 00:14:08,473
‐ The declaration
was an act of treason.
291
00:14:08,473 --> 00:14:10,850
It was primarily a document
292
00:14:10,850 --> 00:14:13,644
that was stating that
the United States of America
293
00:14:13,644 --> 00:14:15,021
was gonna be a new country.
294
00:14:15,021 --> 00:14:17,523
Jefferson lists
all of the grievances
295
00:14:17,523 --> 00:14:20,485
that have been collected
from the various colonies.
296
00:14:20,485 --> 00:14:22,153
So everybody is a part of it.
297
00:14:22,153 --> 00:14:24,864
These people could have been
tried for that
298
00:14:24,864 --> 00:14:27,033
and killed for that.
299
00:14:27,033 --> 00:14:28,326
‐ Time after time,
300
00:14:28,326 --> 00:14:29,702
I have given them
the opportunity
301
00:14:29,702 --> 00:14:32,288
to abandon this foolish cause.
302
00:14:35,208 --> 00:14:37,418
And now this.
303
00:14:42,381 --> 00:14:43,633
‐ Your orders, sir?
304
00:14:45,551 --> 00:14:47,386
‐ The American colonists
and the British Government
305
00:14:47,386 --> 00:14:50,765
could've met halfway
before July of 1776.
306
00:14:50,765 --> 00:14:53,059
But once independence
is declared,
307
00:14:53,059 --> 00:14:56,646
there is a kind of Rubicon
that has passed.
308
00:14:57,897 --> 00:14:59,899
‐ Sir, your orders?
309
00:14:59,899 --> 00:15:03,903
♪♪♪
310
00:15:05,279 --> 00:15:11,577
[ screaming and yelling ]
311
00:15:11,577 --> 00:15:13,454
♪♪♪
312
00:15:13,454 --> 00:15:15,915
‐ The colonies have declared
their independence...
313
00:15:15,915 --> 00:15:17,583
[ cannon fire ]
314
00:15:17,583 --> 00:15:20,837
♪♪♪
315
00:15:20,837 --> 00:15:23,589
‐ But if the Americans want
their freedom,
316
00:15:23,589 --> 00:15:25,758
they'll have to bleed for it.
317
00:15:25,758 --> 00:15:28,427
♪♪♪
318
00:15:29,262 --> 00:15:32,265
[ explosion ]
319
00:15:32,265 --> 00:15:34,934
‐ When the colonies
declare independence,
320
00:15:34,934 --> 00:15:37,562
Britain responds
with cannon fire.
321
00:15:40,606 --> 00:15:42,650
But these first shots
on New York
322
00:15:42,650 --> 00:15:45,611
are just a warning
of what's to come.
323
00:15:50,658 --> 00:15:54,245
‐ This is not the full fleet.
‐ No.
324
00:15:54,245 --> 00:15:56,455
They remain anchored
in the harbor as of now.
325
00:15:56,455 --> 00:15:58,666
‐ Then what are we facing?
326
00:15:58,666 --> 00:16:02,086
‐ It is two ships
moving north up the Hudson.
327
00:16:02,086 --> 00:16:03,921
‐ And our batteries?
328
00:16:03,921 --> 00:16:06,966
‐ They have opened fire but...
329
00:16:06,966 --> 00:16:09,635
we have so few cannons
as it is.
330
00:16:09,635 --> 00:16:13,222
And those that we do have are
failing to reach the warships.
331
00:16:13,222 --> 00:16:16,225
‐ So essentially,
we are defenseless.
332
00:16:16,225 --> 00:16:18,561
And not only have we been
made aware of that fact,
333
00:16:18,561 --> 00:16:20,605
but General Howe has as well.
334
00:16:21,731 --> 00:16:23,524
Casualties?
335
00:16:23,524 --> 00:16:25,818
‐ Confirmed so far.
336
00:16:25,818 --> 00:16:28,613
One of our cannons misfired
and exploded.
337
00:16:28,613 --> 00:16:29,906
We are still awaiting word
338
00:16:29,906 --> 00:16:31,282
from the other areas
of bombardment.
339
00:16:31,282 --> 00:16:35,661
♪♪♪
340
00:16:35,661 --> 00:16:37,455
‐ Send men to sweep
the streets.
341
00:16:37,455 --> 00:16:38,956
Check on the civilians.
342
00:16:38,956 --> 00:16:41,876
Make sure they steer clear
of the river.
343
00:16:41,876 --> 00:16:43,294
And, Colonel Knox...
344
00:16:43,294 --> 00:16:44,921
‐ Yes, sir?
345
00:16:44,921 --> 00:16:47,048
‐ I want to know where
those ships are heading.
346
00:16:47,048 --> 00:16:48,216
‐ Of course, sir.
347
00:16:50,009 --> 00:16:52,053
‐ Dismissed.
‐ Follow.
348
00:16:52,053 --> 00:17:03,981
♪♪♪
349
00:17:03,981 --> 00:17:06,651
‐ Howe doesn't want to destroy
Washington
350
00:17:06,651 --> 00:17:08,361
or the Continental Army.
351
00:17:08,361 --> 00:17:10,905
Howe wants to rough them up.
352
00:17:10,905 --> 00:17:14,283
Make them realize
they can't win.
353
00:17:14,283 --> 00:17:16,702
Make them decide on their own.
354
00:17:18,329 --> 00:17:21,040
This was a misguided venture.
355
00:17:21,040 --> 00:17:24,252
‐ In the days following
his show of force,
356
00:17:24,252 --> 00:17:26,045
General Howe makes two attempts
357
00:17:26,045 --> 00:17:28,881
to get Washington
to lay down arms,
358
00:17:28,881 --> 00:17:30,967
offering him a pardon
for his role
359
00:17:30,967 --> 00:17:34,595
in leading the rebellion
against the king.
360
00:17:34,595 --> 00:17:36,597
Both fail.
361
00:17:36,597 --> 00:17:38,432
‐ General Howe sends
an emissary.
362
00:17:38,432 --> 00:17:40,726
And he sends one letter.
363
00:17:40,726 --> 00:17:43,479
It's addressed informally‐‐
"Mr. Washington."
364
00:17:43,479 --> 00:17:46,023
He sends another letter,
again informally,
365
00:17:46,023 --> 00:17:49,068
"George Washington, Esquire,
et cetera."
366
00:17:49,068 --> 00:17:50,987
‐ Washington won't accept
the letter
367
00:17:50,987 --> 00:17:52,446
because he's
General Washington.
368
00:17:52,446 --> 00:17:54,365
That's his title.
You want to address him,
369
00:17:54,365 --> 00:17:55,825
you address him
as General Washington.
370
00:17:55,825 --> 00:17:58,077
And if you're not gonna
address him that way,
371
00:17:58,077 --> 00:17:59,495
he's not gonna engage
in that conversation.
372
00:17:59,495 --> 00:18:03,624
♪♪♪
373
00:18:03,624 --> 00:18:06,252
‐ Despite Washington's
two refuses,
374
00:18:06,252 --> 00:18:08,796
Howe reaches out again,
375
00:18:08,796 --> 00:18:11,549
this time,
sending his own adjutant
376
00:18:11,549 --> 00:18:15,386
with a third offer
for the rebel commander.
377
00:18:15,386 --> 00:18:17,805
‐ Welcome,
Lieutenant Colonel Patterson.
378
00:18:19,974 --> 00:18:22,018
‐ Mr. Washington.
379
00:18:22,018 --> 00:18:24,228
‐ General.
380
00:18:24,228 --> 00:18:26,856
‐ I bring another message
from General Howe.
381
00:18:26,856 --> 00:18:30,318
‐ And we are eager to hear
what he has to say.
382
00:18:30,318 --> 00:18:32,820
But I understand you've walked
here from the harbor.
383
00:18:32,820 --> 00:18:34,989
Perhaps you are thirsty.
We can offer water, ale?
384
00:18:34,989 --> 00:18:38,409
‐ I should prefer to deliver
this message and be on my way.
385
00:18:38,409 --> 00:18:39,910
‐ Of course.
386
00:18:53,466 --> 00:18:56,761
‐ Your words will suffice.
387
00:18:56,761 --> 00:19:01,223
‐ Well, the king has granted
General Howe considerable powers
388
00:19:01,223 --> 00:19:03,809
to come to some understanding
in this matter.
389
00:19:05,353 --> 00:19:07,563
Perhaps you have
a particular request
390
00:19:07,563 --> 00:19:11,400
you would like me to relay
to General Howe?
391
00:19:11,400 --> 00:19:13,611
‐ None.
392
00:19:13,611 --> 00:19:16,906
But please do feel free
to offer him my compliments.
393
00:19:16,906 --> 00:19:22,411
♪♪♪
394
00:19:22,411 --> 00:19:25,331
‐ Sir, if you will not even
have a discussion,
395
00:19:25,331 --> 00:19:28,501
it leaves us with little choice
on how to proceed.
396
00:19:28,501 --> 00:19:31,796
‐ If I understand
your implications,
397
00:19:31,796 --> 00:19:34,423
the crown has bestowed
upon General Howe
398
00:19:34,423 --> 00:19:37,051
the authority
to grant pardons.
399
00:19:37,051 --> 00:19:39,095
That is very good.
400
00:19:39,095 --> 00:19:42,181
But those who have committed
no fault...
401
00:19:42,181 --> 00:19:44,433
want no pardon.
402
00:19:44,433 --> 00:19:51,649
♪♪♪
403
00:19:51,649 --> 00:19:55,152
‐ And it seems we have
nothing further to discuss.
404
00:19:55,152 --> 00:19:58,155
‐ I wish you a pleasant return.
405
00:19:58,155 --> 00:20:01,033
And please, do give
General Howe my regards.
406
00:20:02,451 --> 00:20:03,411
‐ Good day.
407
00:20:14,004 --> 00:20:17,383
‐ Washington was very aware
of the fact
408
00:20:17,383 --> 00:20:19,760
that respect for him
was respect for the army,
409
00:20:19,760 --> 00:20:21,554
was respect for America.
410
00:20:21,554 --> 00:20:24,765
‐ He was establishing protocols
not just for himself,
411
00:20:24,765 --> 00:20:27,143
but for his army
and for his nation.
412
00:20:27,143 --> 00:20:30,187
‐ In this situation,
he is beyond brave.
413
00:20:30,187 --> 00:20:32,314
He's resonant.
414
00:20:32,314 --> 00:20:34,191
‐ Within weeks,
the king's fleet
415
00:20:34,191 --> 00:20:36,444
more than doubles
in strength.
416
00:20:36,444 --> 00:20:41,323
400 warships,
carrying 32,000 soldiers,
417
00:20:41,323 --> 00:20:44,034
outnumbered more than 2 to 1.
418
00:20:44,034 --> 00:20:46,370
Washington's challenge
is to figure out
419
00:20:46,370 --> 00:20:48,205
where Howe will strike.
420
00:20:49,498 --> 00:20:51,083
His solution‐‐
421
00:20:51,083 --> 00:20:53,419
split his forces
to meet the British,
422
00:20:53,419 --> 00:20:55,421
wherever they may land.
423
00:20:55,421 --> 00:20:59,341
‐ Washington needs to maintain
significant forces on Manhattan
424
00:20:59,341 --> 00:21:02,303
as well to establish
a defensive line
425
00:21:02,303 --> 00:21:06,098
on Gowanus Heights
on Long Island.
426
00:21:06,098 --> 00:21:08,684
‐ All reports continue
to indicate
427
00:21:08,684 --> 00:21:10,978
Howe is preparing
a major assault on Long Island.
428
00:21:12,646 --> 00:21:14,023
‐ And what
is your general opinion
429
00:21:14,023 --> 00:21:16,400
of our defenses, Colonel Knox?
430
00:21:16,400 --> 00:21:19,028
‐ I wish I could say
they were stronger.
431
00:21:19,028 --> 00:21:22,031
The New England men
have a few small cannons.
432
00:21:22,031 --> 00:21:24,533
We are lacking in heavy guns.
433
00:21:24,533 --> 00:21:26,869
Though I have had
not much time
434
00:21:26,869 --> 00:21:30,122
to study our fort position
at Gowanus Heights.
435
00:21:30,122 --> 00:21:32,291
Frankly, I'm concerned
we are ill prepared.
436
00:21:32,291 --> 00:21:34,251
‐ And our works?
437
00:21:34,251 --> 00:21:36,045
‐ We have made adjustments
on the river.
438
00:21:36,045 --> 00:21:40,007
But further inland,
it is a large area,
439
00:21:40,007 --> 00:21:41,217
hard to defend.
440
00:21:41,217 --> 00:21:45,971
♪♪♪
441
00:21:45,971 --> 00:21:50,017
‐ We will send General Greene
an additional 1,500 men.
442
00:21:50,017 --> 00:21:51,143
‐ 1,500?
443
00:21:53,062 --> 00:21:55,564
Yes, sir.
444
00:21:55,564 --> 00:21:58,692
‐ Would you be so kind
to give us a few moments?
445
00:21:58,692 --> 00:22:05,866
♪♪♪
446
00:22:05,866 --> 00:22:07,993
What is your concern,
Colonel Knox?
447
00:22:07,993 --> 00:22:10,788
Speak your mind.
448
00:22:10,788 --> 00:22:14,333
‐ I do not mean
to question your judgment, sir.
449
00:22:14,333 --> 00:22:18,003
But Howe could put 20,000 men
on Long Island, more.
450
00:22:18,003 --> 00:22:19,880
He could easily double
our numbers.
451
00:22:19,880 --> 00:22:22,258
‐ And yet, it appears
he still holds
452
00:22:22,258 --> 00:22:25,594
many thousands
of their army in reserve, why?
453
00:22:25,594 --> 00:22:28,806
To draw us
from our position here.
454
00:22:28,806 --> 00:22:31,684
‐ And if you are wrong?
455
00:22:31,684 --> 00:22:33,352
‐ Providence
will see us through.
456
00:22:34,728 --> 00:22:36,730
‐ I have no doubt it will, sir.
457
00:22:36,730 --> 00:22:38,691
‐ Good. Then go and tell
458
00:22:38,691 --> 00:22:40,526
the other officers
they may return.
459
00:22:46,615 --> 00:22:49,451
♪♪♪
460
00:22:49,451 --> 00:22:51,078
‐ Washington's
a little overconfident,
461
00:22:51,078 --> 00:22:52,621
given what he's up against.
462
00:22:52,621 --> 00:22:54,039
He's not looking out there
and saying,
463
00:22:54,039 --> 00:22:56,584
"I'm about to lose,
and this is suicide."
464
00:22:56,584 --> 00:22:59,587
He's thinking,
"I'll think of something.
465
00:22:59,587 --> 00:23:02,131
We'll work this out."
466
00:23:02,131 --> 00:23:05,009
‐ Washington's wanted
to prove his American army
467
00:23:05,009 --> 00:23:08,888
equal to the British
since the start of the war.
468
00:23:08,888 --> 00:23:11,265
Now he'll get his chance.
469
00:23:15,269 --> 00:23:18,147
♪♪♪
470
00:23:21,108 --> 00:23:24,278
[ explosions ]
471
00:23:24,278 --> 00:23:27,406
‐ In the first major battle
of the revolution,
472
00:23:27,406 --> 00:23:30,576
George Washington's army
is getting leveled.
473
00:23:32,912 --> 00:23:34,788
‐ Washington
was completely outgeneraled
474
00:23:34,788 --> 00:23:36,415
in the battle of Long Island.
475
00:23:36,415 --> 00:23:39,126
He did not organize
his armies efficiently.
476
00:23:39,126 --> 00:23:41,128
He divided it.
477
00:23:41,128 --> 00:23:42,546
‐ The name of the game
478
00:23:42,546 --> 00:23:44,590
is to never fight
unless you have
479
00:23:44,590 --> 00:23:46,467
superior numbers
or superior terrain.
480
00:23:46,467 --> 00:23:48,552
[ explosions ]
481
00:23:48,552 --> 00:23:51,180
And here,
in the first major battle,
482
00:23:51,180 --> 00:23:53,682
he's making a blunder.
483
00:23:53,682 --> 00:23:56,810
[ explosions ]
484
00:23:56,810 --> 00:24:00,147
‐ Washington loses nearly
one‐fifth of his army
485
00:24:00,147 --> 00:24:03,359
in two days of fighting.
486
00:24:03,359 --> 00:24:07,988
Now, what's left of his army
has been pushed west,
487
00:24:07,988 --> 00:24:11,367
flanked, and is now trapped
between the East River
488
00:24:11,367 --> 00:24:14,286
and the advancing enemy.
489
00:24:14,286 --> 00:24:17,498
As the sun sets
on the second day of battle,
490
00:24:17,498 --> 00:24:21,585
Washington is hours away
from annihilation.
491
00:24:21,585 --> 00:24:23,212
‐ If they captured him,
492
00:24:23,212 --> 00:24:24,755
they would have carried him,
back to England,
493
00:24:24,755 --> 00:24:26,465
they would have tried to‐‐
they would've hung him,
494
00:24:26,465 --> 00:24:27,675
and they would've corded him,
495
00:24:27,675 --> 00:24:29,301
and they put his head on
and spit
496
00:24:29,301 --> 00:24:32,137
that would've been there
for years.
497
00:24:32,137 --> 00:24:33,555
And that's all
you would remember
498
00:24:33,555 --> 00:24:36,225
about George Washington.
499
00:24:36,225 --> 00:24:40,896
♪♪♪
500
00:24:40,896 --> 00:24:42,690
‐ How far?
501
00:24:42,690 --> 00:24:44,984
‐ 600 yards,
perhaps a little less.
502
00:24:47,069 --> 00:24:49,405
Scouts say the British trenches
could reach us by morning.
503
00:24:49,405 --> 00:24:54,159
♪♪♪
504
00:24:54,159 --> 00:24:56,829
‐ His army could have been
destroyed relatively early
505
00:24:56,829 --> 00:24:58,789
when it was stranded
on Long Island.
506
00:25:00,582 --> 00:25:02,918
He knew...
507
00:25:02,918 --> 00:25:05,337
that he always had
to have a plan "B."
508
00:25:05,337 --> 00:25:08,048
And I think the, um...
509
00:25:08,048 --> 00:25:10,676
the early defeats he suffered
510
00:25:10,676 --> 00:25:13,387
in the French and Indian War...
511
00:25:13,387 --> 00:25:15,014
contributed to that.
512
00:25:15,014 --> 00:25:18,517
♪♪♪
513
00:25:18,517 --> 00:25:21,353
‐ It's time.
‐ Yes, sir.
514
00:25:21,353 --> 00:25:25,274
♪♪♪
515
00:25:25,274 --> 00:25:28,402
‐ Washington sets in motion
in audacious escape
516
00:25:28,402 --> 00:25:31,864
from the western edge
of Long Island.
517
00:25:31,864 --> 00:25:35,367
His plan employs
a revolving fleet of row boats
518
00:25:35,367 --> 00:25:37,453
to ferry thousands of troops
519
00:25:37,453 --> 00:25:41,373
nonstop across
the mile‐wide East River.
520
00:25:41,373 --> 00:25:44,084
♪♪♪
521
00:25:44,084 --> 00:25:46,336
‐ This is
an extraordinary challenge.
522
00:25:46,336 --> 00:25:48,589
How do you move an army
523
00:25:48,589 --> 00:25:51,592
across the river
in the middle of the night
524
00:25:51,592 --> 00:25:56,013
under the threat
of British guns the entire time?
525
00:25:56,013 --> 00:25:59,266
‐ Everything has to work.
The weather has to be right.
526
00:25:59,266 --> 00:26:01,727
The fog has to come in
at the right time.
527
00:26:01,727 --> 00:26:04,396
The river currents
have to be right.
528
00:26:04,396 --> 00:26:07,149
‐ He's got to muffle
all the wheels.
529
00:26:07,149 --> 00:26:09,401
He's got to keep
the men quiet.
530
00:26:09,401 --> 00:26:13,113
You've got to pack up silently
and move out.
531
00:26:13,113 --> 00:26:17,034
♪♪♪
532
00:26:17,034 --> 00:26:20,621
‐ To deceive the enemy
and conceal his retreat,
533
00:26:20,621 --> 00:26:24,249
Washington uses
some clever trickery.
534
00:26:24,249 --> 00:26:26,293
‐ They manage to fool
the British
535
00:26:26,293 --> 00:26:29,046
by creating an impression
536
00:26:29,046 --> 00:26:32,132
that they have not evacuated
from their encampment.
537
00:26:32,132 --> 00:26:39,098
♪♪♪
538
00:26:39,098 --> 00:26:41,433
‐ Washington
keeps the campfires burning
539
00:26:41,433 --> 00:26:43,644
along the edges
of his parameter.
540
00:26:43,644 --> 00:26:46,355
He orders troops
from time to time
541
00:26:46,355 --> 00:26:48,023
to fire off their muskets.
542
00:26:48,023 --> 00:26:49,983
[ gunfire ]
543
00:26:49,983 --> 00:26:52,569
‐ All the while,
small numbers of boats
544
00:26:52,569 --> 00:26:53,987
are rowing back and forth.
545
00:26:53,987 --> 00:26:57,032
♪♪♪
546
00:26:57,032 --> 00:27:00,119
‐ Washington was
an unconventional commander.
547
00:27:00,119 --> 00:27:03,205
He enjoyed
the sneaky parts of war,
548
00:27:03,205 --> 00:27:05,707
of surprising the enemy,
549
00:27:05,707 --> 00:27:08,460
convincing the enemy
you're going to do one thing
550
00:27:08,460 --> 00:27:11,505
when you're actually
doing the other.
551
00:27:11,505 --> 00:27:15,008
‐ And as the last man
steps onboard the boat,
552
00:27:15,008 --> 00:27:17,010
Washington
can hardly believe his luck.
553
00:27:17,010 --> 00:27:18,929
♪♪♪
554
00:27:18,929 --> 00:27:21,306
The British haven't detected
what's happening.
555
00:27:21,306 --> 00:27:24,476
‐ This way, sir.
‐ He's made his escape.
556
00:27:24,476 --> 00:27:26,478
It's one of the most
brilliant withdrawals
557
00:27:26,478 --> 00:27:28,230
in the history of warfare.
558
00:27:30,482 --> 00:27:32,276
‐ It wasn't so much
running away in fear
559
00:27:32,276 --> 00:27:35,737
as it was surviving
to fight another day.
560
00:27:35,737 --> 00:27:39,992
So I think he really
was using retreat as a strategy.
561
00:27:39,992 --> 00:27:42,035
‐ But I kind of think of this
as the American Dunkirk.
562
00:27:42,035 --> 00:27:45,372
It's this moment
where you save the army
563
00:27:45,372 --> 00:27:48,083
to fight again, and it really is
one of Washington's
564
00:27:48,083 --> 00:27:50,752
great tactical victories
early on in the war.
565
00:27:50,752 --> 00:27:52,588
♪♪♪
566
00:27:52,588 --> 00:27:55,465
‐ But Washington's army
has escaped one island,
567
00:27:55,465 --> 00:27:58,719
only to be vulnerable
on another.
568
00:27:58,719 --> 00:28:01,513
As his troops
eventually make their way north
569
00:28:01,513 --> 00:28:03,390
to get off Manhattan,
570
00:28:03,390 --> 00:28:05,893
13,000 enemy fighters invade,
571
00:28:05,893 --> 00:28:10,522
overwhelming the men
guarding Washington's retreat.
572
00:28:10,522 --> 00:28:12,024
♪♪♪
573
00:28:12,024 --> 00:28:14,401
They flee and panic.
574
00:28:14,401 --> 00:28:23,201
♪♪♪
575
00:28:23,201 --> 00:28:25,078
‐ When Washington gets word,
576
00:28:25,078 --> 00:28:28,206
he pivots
and moves toward the battle.
577
00:28:28,206 --> 00:28:34,463
♪♪♪
578
00:28:34,463 --> 00:28:37,716
‐ Washington thinks that
if somebody decides to attack,
579
00:28:37,716 --> 00:28:40,510
it's like a challenge to do.
580
00:28:40,510 --> 00:28:42,804
You cannot say no.
581
00:28:42,804 --> 00:28:44,806
You cannot say,
"I don't wanna do that"
582
00:28:44,806 --> 00:28:46,600
without losing honor.
583
00:28:46,600 --> 00:28:48,769
♪♪♪
584
00:28:48,769 --> 00:28:50,604
‐ Halt!
585
00:28:50,604 --> 00:28:51,563
[ horse whinnies ]
586
00:28:51,563 --> 00:28:58,487
[ men yelling in distance ]
587
00:28:58,487 --> 00:28:59,988
‐ Stay back!
588
00:28:59,988 --> 00:29:01,657
Turn them around!
589
00:29:01,657 --> 00:29:03,408
Stop the running!
590
00:29:03,408 --> 00:29:05,494
‐ Washington
saw his worst nightmare
591
00:29:05,494 --> 00:29:07,496
being enacted in front of him.
592
00:29:07,496 --> 00:29:09,247
‐ Stay back!
593
00:29:09,247 --> 00:29:11,166
‐ His men fleeing‐‐
594
00:29:11,166 --> 00:29:14,586
there's not even
a sign of resistance.
595
00:29:14,586 --> 00:29:16,463
‐ Get back, you coward!
596
00:29:16,463 --> 00:29:18,924
‐ [ shouting indistinctly ]
597
00:29:18,924 --> 00:29:20,801
‐ He had lost control
of his men.
598
00:29:20,801 --> 00:29:22,511
He lost control of himself.
599
00:29:22,511 --> 00:29:25,472
‐ About face! Turn around!
600
00:29:25,472 --> 00:29:27,808
Turn around, you coward!
601
00:29:27,808 --> 00:29:29,017
Just stay!
602
00:29:29,017 --> 00:29:30,686
Stay, you coward!
603
00:29:30,686 --> 00:29:32,104
‐ [ man shouts indistinctly ]
604
00:29:32,104 --> 00:29:33,772
‐ Stay back!
605
00:29:33,772 --> 00:29:35,148
Hold on!
606
00:29:35,148 --> 00:29:36,733
Stay where you are!
607
00:29:36,733 --> 00:29:39,069
‐ He had a volcanic temper
608
00:29:39,069 --> 00:29:42,280
and worked mightily
to constrain it.
609
00:29:42,280 --> 00:29:43,907
It would occasionally come out,
610
00:29:43,907 --> 00:29:46,451
and by all accounts,
it was a terrible thing
611
00:29:46,451 --> 00:29:48,286
to be on the receiving end
of it.
612
00:29:48,286 --> 00:29:49,663
‐ Damn you!
613
00:29:49,663 --> 00:29:51,873
‐ Sir! Sir, sir!
614
00:29:51,873 --> 00:29:53,959
‐ Stop that running!
‐ Sir!
615
00:29:53,959 --> 00:29:55,627
‐ Let go.
‐ Sir.
616
00:29:55,627 --> 00:29:56,962
Please, sir.
‐ Let go of me!
617
00:29:56,962 --> 00:29:59,965
‐ Sir, please!
‐ Let go!
618
00:30:02,634 --> 00:30:05,053
Are these the men
we command to defend America?
619
00:30:05,053 --> 00:30:09,599
[ men shouting indistinctly ]
620
00:30:09,599 --> 00:30:11,810
‐ [ panting ]
621
00:30:11,810 --> 00:30:13,895
‐ Gilbert Stuart,
the painter, said,
622
00:30:13,895 --> 00:30:16,314
"If you looked at
George Washington's eyes,
623
00:30:16,314 --> 00:30:18,191
"you realized
that he could have been
624
00:30:18,191 --> 00:30:21,069
the fiercest savage
in the forest."
625
00:30:21,069 --> 00:30:23,822
‐ [ panting ]
626
00:30:23,822 --> 00:30:25,699
‐ Sir.
627
00:30:25,699 --> 00:30:28,618
‐ [ continues panting ]
Very well!
628
00:30:28,618 --> 00:30:30,704
[ gunfire in distance ]
629
00:30:30,704 --> 00:30:31,830
Fall back.
630
00:30:33,915 --> 00:30:35,208
‐ Fall back!
631
00:30:35,208 --> 00:30:37,002
Fall back!
632
00:30:37,002 --> 00:30:39,463
Fall back! Fall back!
633
00:30:42,257 --> 00:30:44,259
‐ Fall back!
634
00:30:44,259 --> 00:30:46,595
[ marching footsteps ]
635
00:30:46,595 --> 00:30:50,390
‐ Within weeks, the British
will take New York City.
636
00:30:50,390 --> 00:30:52,517
♪♪♪
637
00:30:52,517 --> 00:30:55,729
‐ The loss of New York
was catastrophic.
638
00:30:55,729 --> 00:30:57,481
This is rock‐bottom
for Washington.
639
00:30:57,481 --> 00:30:59,733
This is rock‐bottom
for the country.
640
00:30:59,733 --> 00:31:02,110
This rebellion
is threatening
641
00:31:02,110 --> 00:31:05,739
to turn into a total defeat
for the Americans.
642
00:31:05,739 --> 00:31:10,202
♪♪♪
643
00:31:10,202 --> 00:31:22,130
♪♪♪
644
00:31:22,130 --> 00:31:25,050
‐ After losing New York City
to the British,
645
00:31:25,050 --> 00:31:27,969
George Washington
and the Continental Army
646
00:31:27,969 --> 00:31:29,554
are on the run.
647
00:31:29,554 --> 00:31:32,057
♪♪♪
648
00:31:32,057 --> 00:31:34,434
‐ "I am wearied almost to death
649
00:31:34,434 --> 00:31:37,562
"with the retrograde motion
of things.
650
00:31:37,562 --> 00:31:39,731
"It is impossible
to conduct matters
651
00:31:39,731 --> 00:31:42,359
agreeably
to public expectation."
652
00:31:43,902 --> 00:31:46,238
‐ After the New York campaign,
653
00:31:46,238 --> 00:31:49,157
Washington fell
into a pretty deep depression.
654
00:31:49,157 --> 00:31:52,619
He was deeply insecure
that this was going to work
655
00:31:52,619 --> 00:31:54,621
and that he was going
to be able to win.
656
00:31:54,621 --> 00:31:55,789
‐ Water, sir?
657
00:31:55,789 --> 00:32:00,085
♪♪♪
658
00:32:00,085 --> 00:32:02,754
‐ Sir?
659
00:32:02,754 --> 00:32:04,047
‐ No, Billy.
[ horse whinnies ]
660
00:32:04,047 --> 00:32:05,674
‐ Sir.
661
00:32:05,674 --> 00:32:09,136
‐ Washington basically said,
"I would quit if I could,
662
00:32:09,136 --> 00:32:12,472
but people say there's no one
to take my place."
663
00:32:12,472 --> 00:32:16,268
So we know Washington
was at rock‐bottom.
664
00:32:16,268 --> 00:32:18,603
Did he really have it
to continue on?
665
00:32:18,603 --> 00:32:19,688
♪♪♪
666
00:32:19,688 --> 00:32:20,772
[ animal howls ]
667
00:32:20,772 --> 00:32:22,440
‐ Fearing the worst,
668
00:32:22,440 --> 00:32:25,277
Washington writes home
to Mount Vernon
669
00:32:25,277 --> 00:32:28,780
with instructions and a warning.
670
00:32:28,780 --> 00:32:30,824
‐ "I say in confidence to you
671
00:32:30,824 --> 00:32:33,660
"that I would look forward
to unfavorable events
672
00:32:33,660 --> 00:32:35,620
"and prepare accordingly
in such a manner
673
00:32:35,620 --> 00:32:38,957
"as to give no alarm
or suspicion to anyone.
674
00:32:38,957 --> 00:32:41,001
"Have my papers
in such a situation
675
00:32:41,001 --> 00:32:43,295
"that has to remove
at a short notice
676
00:32:43,295 --> 00:32:46,798
in case an enemy's fleet
shall come up the river."
677
00:32:46,798 --> 00:32:51,469
♪♪♪
678
00:32:51,469 --> 00:32:52,512
[ blusters ]
679
00:32:52,512 --> 00:32:58,768
♪♪♪
680
00:32:58,768 --> 00:33:02,230
‐ Almost everyone
is in despair.
681
00:33:02,230 --> 00:33:04,858
The morale of the soldiers
was pretty bad.
682
00:33:04,858 --> 00:33:06,860
The morale
of the civilian population‐‐
683
00:33:06,860 --> 00:33:09,154
even worse.
684
00:33:09,154 --> 00:33:10,655
They're trying to figure out,
685
00:33:10,655 --> 00:33:14,242
"How can I get myself
out of harm's way?
686
00:33:14,242 --> 00:33:17,454
How can I surrender
to the British?"
687
00:33:17,454 --> 00:33:20,248
‐ With the revolution
hanging by a thread,
688
00:33:20,248 --> 00:33:23,251
General Howe
offers a pardon to any patriot
689
00:33:23,251 --> 00:33:24,711
who will abandon the cause
690
00:33:24,711 --> 00:33:26,504
and swear allegiance
to the king.
691
00:33:28,715 --> 00:33:30,675
‐ A thousand people
signed a petition
692
00:33:30,675 --> 00:33:32,469
repudiating
the Declaration of Independence,
693
00:33:32,469 --> 00:33:33,803
including one guy
that was a signer
694
00:33:33,803 --> 00:33:35,347
on the Declaration
of Independence.
695
00:33:35,347 --> 00:33:38,683
So you could see the will
of the American public
696
00:33:38,683 --> 00:33:40,018
beginning to break here.
697
00:33:40,018 --> 00:33:43,563
♪♪♪
698
00:33:43,563 --> 00:33:46,524
‐ Washington was also beginning
to lose his army.
699
00:33:46,524 --> 00:33:49,361
His army
was evaporating around him.
700
00:33:49,361 --> 00:33:51,196
‐ And it's about half
of the size
701
00:33:51,196 --> 00:33:55,033
of what it had been
in the summer.
702
00:33:55,033 --> 00:33:57,452
So many men
have either been captured,
703
00:33:57,452 --> 00:34:01,039
or they have just left
to go home.
704
00:34:01,039 --> 00:34:03,375
‐ This was
the ultimate humiliation,
705
00:34:03,375 --> 00:34:06,544
his army abandoning him.
706
00:34:06,544 --> 00:34:08,880
‐ Tricky thing
about a citizen army
707
00:34:08,880 --> 00:34:11,132
is that these soldiers,
continental soldiers,
708
00:34:11,132 --> 00:34:12,926
some of them signed on
for a limited term.
709
00:34:12,926 --> 00:34:15,720
"I will be here for a year,
maybe two.
710
00:34:15,720 --> 00:34:17,264
"And then my term will be up
and I'll go home,
711
00:34:17,264 --> 00:34:18,890
go back to my farm."
712
00:34:18,890 --> 00:34:20,600
♪♪♪
713
00:34:20,600 --> 00:34:22,727
‐ By December, Washington's army
714
00:34:22,727 --> 00:34:25,230
is just weeks away
from total collapse.
715
00:34:25,230 --> 00:34:27,649
At midnight on January 1st,
716
00:34:27,649 --> 00:34:30,235
enlistments
for nearly all of his roughly
717
00:34:30,235 --> 00:34:34,072
6,000 remaining soldiers
will expire.
718
00:34:34,072 --> 00:34:36,283
Washington believes General Howe
719
00:34:36,283 --> 00:34:40,620
is waiting until then
to make his move.
720
00:34:40,620 --> 00:34:42,080
♪♪♪
721
00:34:42,080 --> 00:34:44,582
‐ "We have been pushed
through the Jerseys.
722
00:34:44,582 --> 00:34:46,167
"General Howe is now
723
00:34:46,167 --> 00:34:48,837
"on the other side
of the Delaware,
724
00:34:48,837 --> 00:34:50,755
"and beyond all question,
725
00:34:50,755 --> 00:34:55,552
"means, if possible, to possess
himself of Philadelphia.
726
00:34:55,552 --> 00:34:57,429
"You know
the fatal consequences
727
00:34:57,429 --> 00:35:00,098
that must attend its loss."
728
00:35:00,098 --> 00:35:03,685
‐ As the British begin to move
in December 1776
729
00:35:03,685 --> 00:35:05,645
toward the Delaware River,
730
00:35:05,645 --> 00:35:08,273
he knows he's going to need
to find some way
731
00:35:08,273 --> 00:35:09,983
to convince
these few thousand troops
732
00:35:09,983 --> 00:35:13,445
that he has left
to stay in the field.
733
00:35:13,445 --> 00:35:15,822
But words are not
going to be enough
734
00:35:15,822 --> 00:35:17,324
to make that happen.
735
00:35:17,324 --> 00:35:21,620
‐ It's quite amazing how
he just kept going.
736
00:35:21,620 --> 00:35:23,455
And he was very good at
figuring out,
737
00:35:23,455 --> 00:35:26,333
after early defeats,
738
00:35:26,333 --> 00:35:28,835
what would produce
the most positive result.
739
00:35:28,835 --> 00:35:30,712
‐ If we can do something
that's very visible
740
00:35:30,712 --> 00:35:32,172
and very symbolic,
741
00:35:32,172 --> 00:35:34,299
we might change
the mood of the people
742
00:35:34,299 --> 00:35:39,554
and we might find young men
returning to our ranks,
743
00:35:39,554 --> 00:35:40,805
but time is short.
744
00:35:45,310 --> 00:35:47,145
‐ If we settle down for winter
in our current position,
745
00:35:47,145 --> 00:35:48,813
the cause is lost.
746
00:35:48,813 --> 00:35:50,649
‐ And these are not ideal
conditions for fighting.
747
00:35:50,649 --> 00:35:53,943
‐ What other alternative
do we have?
748
00:35:53,943 --> 00:35:56,738
We cannot expect men
to enlist in an army
749
00:35:56,738 --> 00:36:01,409
that is constantly on the run,
that has been beaten.
750
00:36:01,409 --> 00:36:02,952
If we are to have any hope,
751
00:36:02,952 --> 00:36:05,163
we must give them something
to fight for,
752
00:36:05,163 --> 00:36:07,332
something inspiring.
753
00:36:07,332 --> 00:36:08,583
‐ You have the right of it, sir.
754
00:36:10,835 --> 00:36:13,004
‐ Then we are left
with no other option,
755
00:36:13,004 --> 00:36:14,464
we must go on the offensive.
756
00:36:16,341 --> 00:36:19,219
‐ I, too, have grown weary
of retreat.
757
00:36:19,219 --> 00:36:22,681
‐ There are a great many risks.
758
00:36:22,681 --> 00:36:25,725
‐ And we will plan for them...
759
00:36:25,725 --> 00:36:28,436
overcome them.
760
00:36:28,436 --> 00:36:31,064
The men have great faith
in you, sir,
761
00:36:31,064 --> 00:36:32,982
as do I.
762
00:36:32,982 --> 00:36:35,485
‐ Thank you, Colonel Knox.
763
00:36:35,485 --> 00:36:38,363
Henry.
764
00:36:38,363 --> 00:36:41,199
‐ Then,
the only question is where?
765
00:36:41,199 --> 00:36:44,703
♪♪♪
766
00:36:44,703 --> 00:36:48,623
‐ Just X miles from Washington's
Bucks County headquarters,
767
00:36:48,623 --> 00:36:50,375
Trenton, New Jersey, is now
768
00:36:50,375 --> 00:36:53,294
General Howe's
southernmost outpost,
769
00:36:53,294 --> 00:36:58,883
a garrison manned by some
15,000 Hessian mercenaries.
770
00:36:58,883 --> 00:37:00,677
‐ The Hessians
were professional soldiers
771
00:37:00,677 --> 00:37:02,595
from Germany
that the British government
772
00:37:02,595 --> 00:37:04,597
had hired to augment their army.
773
00:37:04,597 --> 00:37:06,433
They were pros.
774
00:37:06,433 --> 00:37:08,727
They're some of the most feared
warriors on earth.
775
00:37:08,727 --> 00:37:12,063
‐ Washington prepares
a daring attack plan,
776
00:37:12,063 --> 00:37:15,400
a nighttime crossing
of the Delaware.
777
00:37:15,400 --> 00:37:18,236
The army is to move in
three columns,
778
00:37:18,236 --> 00:37:19,946
one is a diversion,
779
00:37:19,946 --> 00:37:22,907
another to block
the enemies' escape route,
780
00:37:22,907 --> 00:37:24,743
and finally, a third,
781
00:37:24,743 --> 00:37:29,372
under Washington's command
to march on Trenton.
782
00:37:29,372 --> 00:37:31,291
‐ Did they get the map?
783
00:37:31,291 --> 00:37:33,251
‐ Some of the generals.
784
00:37:34,794 --> 00:37:36,755
‐ He wasn't ready
785
00:37:36,755 --> 00:37:39,966
to surrender the cause
at that point.
786
00:37:39,966 --> 00:37:43,011
It might have been
the rational thing to do,
787
00:37:43,011 --> 00:37:47,515
but history is made
by people occasionally
788
00:37:47,515 --> 00:37:51,978
making irrational decisions
in the pressure
789
00:37:51,978 --> 00:37:54,481
and amid the perils
of the given moment.
790
00:37:54,481 --> 00:37:56,733
‐ "Christmas day at night.
791
00:37:56,733 --> 00:37:59,611
"One hour before day
is the time fixed upon
792
00:37:59,611 --> 00:38:02,030
"for our attempt on Trenton.
793
00:38:02,030 --> 00:38:04,491
"For heaven's sake,
keep this to yourself,
794
00:38:04,491 --> 00:38:08,661
as the discovery of it
may prove fatal to us."
795
00:38:08,661 --> 00:38:11,623
‐ You really have two choices‐‐
796
00:38:11,623 --> 00:38:14,459
you either proceed,
797
00:38:14,459 --> 00:38:17,128
or the entire enterprise
collapses.
798
00:38:17,128 --> 00:38:22,967
♪♪♪
799
00:38:23,802 --> 00:38:25,929
♪♪♪
800
00:38:25,929 --> 00:38:39,776
[ wind whistling ]
801
00:38:39,776 --> 00:38:43,905
[ boat creaking ]
802
00:38:43,905 --> 00:38:48,952
♪♪♪
803
00:38:48,952 --> 00:38:50,745
‐ General George Washington
804
00:38:50,745 --> 00:38:53,164
and his battered
Continental Army
805
00:38:53,164 --> 00:38:57,836
are attempting the most
audacious operation of the war.
806
00:38:57,836 --> 00:39:00,255
If Washington's mission fails,
807
00:39:00,255 --> 00:39:03,800
this could be the last night
of the revolution.
808
00:39:12,267 --> 00:39:15,061
‐ The weather is the worst
it can possibly be.
809
00:39:15,061 --> 00:39:17,105
It's a hurricane in December.
810
00:39:17,105 --> 00:39:24,529
♪♪♪
811
00:39:24,529 --> 00:39:28,741
‐ The troops are still wearing
their summer uniforms.
812
00:39:28,741 --> 00:39:31,619
Many of them are barefoot‐‐
literally barefoot,
813
00:39:31,619 --> 00:39:33,580
their clothes in rags.
814
00:39:33,580 --> 00:39:37,542
♪♪♪
815
00:39:37,542 --> 00:39:39,127
‐ A lot of the soldiers
816
00:39:39,127 --> 00:39:41,254
didn't actually know
how to swim,
817
00:39:41,254 --> 00:39:43,298
and the water
was incredibly cold.
818
00:39:43,298 --> 00:39:45,967
♪♪♪
819
00:39:45,967 --> 00:39:48,219
‐ This is a nation.
This is the people
820
00:39:48,219 --> 00:39:50,305
at their worst possible point,
821
00:39:50,305 --> 00:39:52,891
pushing on
in the desperate hope
822
00:39:52,891 --> 00:39:54,434
that they can turn
this thing around.
823
00:39:54,434 --> 00:40:04,485
♪♪♪
824
00:40:04,485 --> 00:40:26,299
♪♪♪
825
00:40:26,299 --> 00:40:30,178
‐ These are the times
that tried men's souls.
826
00:40:30,178 --> 00:40:33,765
‐ To rally his man
for the treacherous crossing,
827
00:40:33,765 --> 00:40:35,975
Washington ordered his officers
828
00:40:35,975 --> 00:40:38,561
to read aloud
their revolutionary words
829
00:40:38,561 --> 00:40:43,775
of Thomas Paine
published just days before.
830
00:40:43,775 --> 00:40:46,861
‐ "The summer soldier
and the sunshine patriot
831
00:40:46,861 --> 00:40:48,780
"will, in this crisis,
832
00:40:48,780 --> 00:40:52,075
"shrink from the service
of his country.
833
00:40:52,075 --> 00:40:54,994
"But he that stands it now
834
00:40:54,994 --> 00:41:01,125
deserves the love and thanks
of man and woman."
835
00:41:01,125 --> 00:41:03,002
‐ It was really
a smart thing to do
836
00:41:03,002 --> 00:41:05,463
because he knew he had
to get to the other side.
837
00:41:05,463 --> 00:41:08,091
He was secure enough
to know that Thomas Paine
838
00:41:08,091 --> 00:41:11,970
was a better speaker
and a more passionate crafter
839
00:41:11,970 --> 00:41:13,513
of the English language.
840
00:41:13,513 --> 00:41:15,306
Paine will get 'em
so fired up,
841
00:41:15,306 --> 00:41:16,641
they'll walk across
the Delaware.
842
00:41:16,641 --> 00:41:18,142
They won't even need a boat.
843
00:41:20,269 --> 00:41:22,397
‐ Men, prepare to unload!
844
00:41:22,397 --> 00:41:24,482
♪♪♪
845
00:41:24,482 --> 00:41:26,693
‐ Once they get
across the river,
846
00:41:26,693 --> 00:41:28,528
the clock is ticking.
847
00:41:28,528 --> 00:41:36,202
♪♪♪
848
00:41:36,202 --> 00:41:38,538
‐ It took us longer
than we expected.
849
00:41:38,538 --> 00:41:41,040
‐ This will be a miracle
none of our boats capsized.
850
00:41:41,040 --> 00:41:44,419
‐ Have we lost any cannons?
‐ None.
851
00:41:44,419 --> 00:41:46,504
‐ Washington
has coordinated an effort
852
00:41:46,504 --> 00:41:49,007
where this will all happen
at dawn,
853
00:41:49,007 --> 00:41:51,092
but they're late.
854
00:41:51,092 --> 00:41:55,555
‐ When Washington's forces
land in New Jersey, it's 3 a. m.
855
00:41:55,555 --> 00:41:58,016
They're hours behind schedule
856
00:41:58,016 --> 00:42:02,562
and still facing a 9‐mile march
to Trenton.
857
00:42:02,562 --> 00:42:05,481
The plan is to divide
into two columns
858
00:42:05,481 --> 00:42:08,026
4 miles outside of town
859
00:42:08,026 --> 00:42:11,070
and circle the garrison
and barrage the Hessians
860
00:42:11,070 --> 00:42:14,282
with cannon fire
before they have time to react.
861
00:42:14,282 --> 00:42:17,452
‐ Keep pushing, men!
862
00:42:17,452 --> 00:42:19,954
Bring it forward, men,
bring it forward!
863
00:42:19,954 --> 00:42:22,582
‐ Commanding
a critical artillery unit
864
00:42:22,582 --> 00:42:25,460
is one
of the country's rising stars,
865
00:42:25,460 --> 00:42:28,796
a young captain
named Alexander Hamilton.
866
00:42:28,796 --> 00:42:32,258
‐ Alexander Hamilton
comes to the United States
867
00:42:32,258 --> 00:42:34,844
as an immigrant,
functionally an orphan,
868
00:42:34,844 --> 00:42:36,971
attends King's College.
869
00:42:36,971 --> 00:42:38,890
He is ambitious.
870
00:42:38,890 --> 00:42:40,725
‐ In some ways,
871
00:42:40,725 --> 00:42:43,394
has a lot of similarities
to a young Washington.
872
00:42:43,394 --> 00:42:45,438
What Hamilton wants from the war
more than anything else
873
00:42:45,438 --> 00:42:47,273
is a moment to shine
on the battlefield
874
00:42:47,273 --> 00:42:48,775
so he can earn reputation
and honor.
875
00:42:48,775 --> 00:42:52,070
‐ Quickly, on the shore,
form a line!
876
00:42:52,070 --> 00:42:53,321
We leave in 30 minutes!
877
00:42:53,321 --> 00:42:58,242
[ panting ]
878
00:42:58,242 --> 00:43:00,078
We're ready,
General Washington.
879
00:43:00,078 --> 00:43:01,746
‐ You have done it, sir.
880
00:43:01,746 --> 00:43:03,831
‐ The job is not yet done.
881
00:43:03,831 --> 00:43:06,375
The battle is still before us.
882
00:43:06,375 --> 00:43:09,378
[ wind whistling ]
883
00:43:09,378 --> 00:43:11,464
‐ Washington
doesn't know it yet,
884
00:43:11,464 --> 00:43:15,218
but the two columns of soldiers
due to cross upstream
885
00:43:15,218 --> 00:43:19,430
were stopped in their tracks
by the brutal conditions.
886
00:43:19,430 --> 00:43:23,893
He and his 2,400 men
are now on their own.
887
00:43:23,893 --> 00:43:26,979
‐ If they do not win
this battle,
888
00:43:26,979 --> 00:43:28,773
it's over.
889
00:43:28,773 --> 00:43:33,194
So he rallies his men
for one last toss of the dice.
890
00:43:33,194 --> 00:43:34,779
♪♪♪
891
00:43:34,779 --> 00:43:37,532
‐ The stakes
are unimaginably high.
892
00:43:37,532 --> 00:43:39,367
The snow is coming down.
893
00:43:39,367 --> 00:43:40,785
The wind is whipping.
894
00:43:40,785 --> 00:43:43,704
They're freezing,
but they have nothing else left.
895
00:43:43,704 --> 00:43:46,124
[ marching footsteps ]
896
00:43:46,124 --> 00:43:48,835
They will either prevail,
or they will die.
897
00:43:48,835 --> 00:44:00,638
♪♪♪
898
00:44:00,638 --> 00:44:05,601
[ flames crackling ]
899
00:44:05,601 --> 00:44:10,648
[ explosions ]
900
00:44:10,648 --> 00:44:12,692
[ gunfire ]
901
00:44:12,692 --> 00:44:16,279
‐ "Tyranny, like hell,
902
00:44:16,279 --> 00:44:17,989
is not easily conquered."
903
00:44:17,989 --> 00:44:21,367
♪♪♪
904
00:44:21,367 --> 00:44:24,704
"Yet we have this consolation
with us,
905
00:44:24,704 --> 00:44:27,665
"that the harder the conflict,
906
00:44:27,665 --> 00:44:30,084
the more glorious the triumph."
907
00:44:30,084 --> 00:44:36,132
♪♪♪
908
00:44:36,132 --> 00:44:41,637
♪♪♪
909
00:44:41,637 --> 00:44:45,558
‐ General George Washington's
daring Delaware River gambit
910
00:44:45,558 --> 00:44:49,020
pays off...
[ gunfire and explosions ]
911
00:44:49,020 --> 00:44:51,564
...with his first
great battlefield victory
912
00:44:51,564 --> 00:44:54,483
of the revolution.
913
00:44:54,483 --> 00:44:58,404
In less than an hour,
22 enemy soldiers were killed,
914
00:44:58,404 --> 00:45:01,199
some 900 taken prisoner,
915
00:45:01,199 --> 00:45:05,077
not a single American is lost
in the fight.
916
00:45:05,077 --> 00:45:08,414
‐ Trenton was like
turning the page.
917
00:45:08,414 --> 00:45:11,209
He had made his mistakes
in the past,
918
00:45:11,209 --> 00:45:13,669
but now,
this was a whole new game.
919
00:45:13,669 --> 00:45:18,382
♪♪♪
920
00:45:18,382 --> 00:45:19,508
[ indistinct conversations ]
921
00:45:19,508 --> 00:45:20,968
‐ General orders!
922
00:45:20,968 --> 00:45:24,639
General orders! Gather around.
923
00:45:24,639 --> 00:45:30,394
"General orders
27th December, 1776.
924
00:45:30,394 --> 00:45:35,191
"The general, with the utmost
sincerity and affection,
925
00:45:35,191 --> 00:45:37,735
"thanks the officers
and soldiers
926
00:45:37,735 --> 00:45:38,736
for their spirited and gallant
behavior at Trenton."
927
00:45:38,736 --> 00:45:44,283
‐ [ all cheering ]
928
00:45:44,283 --> 00:45:46,827
‐ With Washington
crossing the Delaware,
929
00:45:46,827 --> 00:45:49,872
the history of the world
was one way before that,
930
00:45:49,872 --> 00:45:53,125
and it turned out to be
another way after that.
931
00:45:53,125 --> 00:45:57,797
Washington's decision
to do that on that cold night
932
00:45:57,797 --> 00:45:59,882
has warmed the rest of us
ever since.
933
00:45:59,882 --> 00:46:02,802
‐ "The commissary
is strictly ordered
934
00:46:02,802 --> 00:46:05,263
to provide rum to the troops."
935
00:46:05,263 --> 00:46:09,392
‐ [ all cheering ]
936
00:46:09,392 --> 00:46:11,435
‐ So, what had looked to be
a lost cause
937
00:46:11,435 --> 00:46:15,731
just a few weeks before
suddenly looks a lot better,
938
00:46:15,731 --> 00:46:19,402
and the principal person who
pulls this off is Washington.
939
00:46:19,402 --> 00:46:21,696
But he's got a shrinking army,
940
00:46:21,696 --> 00:46:24,615
and most of his soldiers
will be going home
941
00:46:24,615 --> 00:46:27,285
at the end of the year.
942
00:46:28,619 --> 00:46:31,455
‐ As we have begun
943
00:46:31,455 --> 00:46:35,918
the glorious work
of driving the enemy...
944
00:46:37,628 --> 00:46:39,588
I hope you will not now
945
00:46:39,588 --> 00:46:42,216
turn your backs upon them
946
00:46:42,216 --> 00:46:46,637
and leave the business
half‐finished
947
00:46:46,637 --> 00:46:50,599
at this important crisis,
948
00:46:50,599 --> 00:46:55,187
a crisis which may,
more than probably,
949
00:46:55,187 --> 00:46:58,733
determine the fate of America.
950
00:46:58,733 --> 00:47:00,735
‐ People join armies,
951
00:47:00,735 --> 00:47:03,321
and they stay in armies
for a variety of reasons.
952
00:47:03,321 --> 00:47:06,198
In the case of Washington,
953
00:47:06,198 --> 00:47:09,952
he presents the cause
as the cause of freedom.
954
00:47:09,952 --> 00:47:11,620
‐ Washington knew
that you have to give
955
00:47:11,620 --> 00:47:14,373
any group of human beings
that you wanna lead effectively
956
00:47:14,373 --> 00:47:17,084
a sense of purpose.
"Why are we doing this?
957
00:47:17,084 --> 00:47:19,003
Why am I putting my life
on the line?"
958
00:47:19,003 --> 00:47:21,922
My mission is to close with
and destroy the enemy
959
00:47:21,922 --> 00:47:23,591
by firing maneuver.
960
00:47:23,591 --> 00:47:25,760
But the purpose of doing this
961
00:47:25,760 --> 00:47:28,888
is to protect
the United States of America.
962
00:47:28,888 --> 00:47:34,226
‐ I therefore not only invite
you to a longer continuance,
963
00:47:34,226 --> 00:47:38,898
but earnestly exhort
the officers and soldiers
964
00:47:38,898 --> 00:47:43,319
of all those regiments
whose term of service
965
00:47:43,319 --> 00:47:46,280
is due to expire
in a few days...
966
00:47:46,280 --> 00:47:49,784
♪♪♪
967
00:47:49,784 --> 00:47:52,536
...to remain.
968
00:47:52,536 --> 00:47:54,163
‐ He doesn't force them
to stay.
969
00:47:54,163 --> 00:47:56,123
He doesn't order them to stay.
970
00:47:56,123 --> 00:47:58,876
He pleads with their sense
of loyalty and duty,
971
00:47:58,876 --> 00:48:00,878
and he asked them to stay.
972
00:48:00,878 --> 00:48:03,214
‐ Many of them will re‐enlist
'cause now there's some hope,
973
00:48:03,214 --> 00:48:05,674
and they'll be able to recruit
new soldiers
974
00:48:05,674 --> 00:48:07,802
because there seems like‐‐
975
00:48:07,802 --> 00:48:10,137
this is actually something
worth fighting for,
976
00:48:10,137 --> 00:48:12,515
and hope keeps an army going.
977
00:48:12,515 --> 00:48:15,893
‐ The greatness of
Washington's victory at Trenton
978
00:48:15,893 --> 00:48:18,979
wasn't so much in what happened
on the battlefield,
979
00:48:18,979 --> 00:48:22,024
But the huge impact that it has
980
00:48:22,024 --> 00:48:24,777
on the feelings
of the American people.
981
00:48:24,777 --> 00:48:27,613
‐ Word of mouth would have
traveled to people
982
00:48:27,613 --> 00:48:30,908
about what had happened,
and it would buoy people spirits
983
00:48:30,908 --> 00:48:33,160
and make people think
that it was possible
984
00:48:33,160 --> 00:48:35,287
that the country could
actually pull this off.
985
00:48:35,287 --> 00:48:37,456
‐ Trenton changed everything,
986
00:48:37,456 --> 00:48:40,167
and we owe it
to Washington's audacity.
987
00:48:40,167 --> 00:48:42,878
♪♪♪
988
00:48:42,878 --> 00:48:44,839
‐ The British are frustrated
at this point.
989
00:48:44,839 --> 00:48:47,049
Certainly Howe is frustrated.
990
00:48:47,049 --> 00:48:49,301
He had hoped that this thing
would be over by now
991
00:48:49,301 --> 00:48:52,304
and that the American army
would just kinda drift away,
992
00:48:52,304 --> 00:48:54,390
and the revolution would die
a peaceful death.
993
00:48:54,390 --> 00:48:55,808
♪♪♪
994
00:48:55,808 --> 00:48:59,478
‐ In response to
Washington's surprise victory,
995
00:48:59,478 --> 00:49:01,689
the British throw
their military might
996
00:49:01,689 --> 00:49:05,443
at finally winning control
of the Hudson.
997
00:49:05,443 --> 00:49:08,404
In July, they captured
the key American post
998
00:49:08,404 --> 00:49:10,489
at Fort Ticonderoga,
999
00:49:10,489 --> 00:49:13,742
forcing the Northern Army
into retreat.
1000
00:49:15,953 --> 00:49:18,414
‐ The Continental Army
was a complicated beast.
1001
00:49:18,414 --> 00:49:21,667
Washington had his own army
he was in charge of,
1002
00:49:21,667 --> 00:49:23,752
but there was also
the Northern Army
1003
00:49:23,752 --> 00:49:25,588
and the Southern Army.
1004
00:49:25,588 --> 00:49:28,507
‐ Unsure where the British
will strike next,
1005
00:49:28,507 --> 00:49:31,218
Washington sends
reinforcements north
1006
00:49:31,218 --> 00:49:33,053
to protect the Hudson.
1007
00:49:33,053 --> 00:49:36,640
He then spends the summer
of 1777,
1008
00:49:36,640 --> 00:49:39,768
marching his own forces
between Philadelphia
1009
00:49:39,768 --> 00:49:43,355
and New York
in an effort to protect both.
1010
00:49:43,355 --> 00:49:45,357
‐ Washington is
a true commander in chief.
1011
00:49:45,357 --> 00:49:48,068
He's not just looking
at what's good for me
1012
00:49:48,068 --> 00:49:49,987
down here with my main army.
1013
00:49:49,987 --> 00:49:52,573
He's giving strategic
and operational guidance
1014
00:49:52,573 --> 00:49:54,700
to the commanders
up in the Northern Army
1015
00:49:54,700 --> 00:49:56,577
while he's fighting
his own fight
1016
00:49:56,577 --> 00:49:59,371
down in New York,
New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
1017
00:49:59,371 --> 00:50:03,584
‐ By August, the British,
under General John Burgoyne,
1018
00:50:03,584 --> 00:50:06,086
are poised to strike Albany,
1019
00:50:06,086 --> 00:50:09,423
a strategic outpost
on the lower Hudson.
1020
00:50:09,423 --> 00:50:11,425
As for General Howe,
1021
00:50:11,425 --> 00:50:14,303
his fleet
has departed New York.
1022
00:50:14,303 --> 00:50:16,639
Destination unknown.
1023
00:50:17,765 --> 00:50:19,350
‐ A message from London.
1024
00:50:24,855 --> 00:50:26,690
Do we sail for the Hudson?
1025
00:50:26,690 --> 00:50:30,361
‐ It seems our northern armies
do not require our assistance.
1026
00:50:30,361 --> 00:50:32,988
‐ Burgoyne desires the glory
for himself.
1027
00:50:32,988 --> 00:50:37,159
‐ Perhaps.
Let others focus on the north.
1028
00:50:37,159 --> 00:50:40,162
A far bigger prize lies
right in front of us.
1029
00:50:40,162 --> 00:50:42,039
‐ Philadelphia?
1030
00:50:43,624 --> 00:50:45,084
‐ Not even Washington
can survive
1031
00:50:45,084 --> 00:50:47,211
the fall of his capital.
1032
00:50:47,211 --> 00:50:49,922
And if we are not needed
to support others elsewhere,
1033
00:50:49,922 --> 00:50:53,884
it means our full force
is finally at our disposal.
1034
00:50:55,511 --> 00:50:56,720
Get the map.
1035
00:51:00,099 --> 00:51:03,310
‐ Washington is still
between us and the city.
1036
00:51:03,310 --> 00:51:04,770
‐ On land...
1037
00:51:04,770 --> 00:51:07,106
♪♪♪
1038
00:51:07,106 --> 00:51:10,067
And even if he recognizes
our target,
1039
00:51:10,067 --> 00:51:12,278
he cannot check our ships.
1040
00:51:12,278 --> 00:51:13,946
♪♪♪
1041
00:51:13,946 --> 00:51:16,615
He has no way of knowing
1042
00:51:16,615 --> 00:51:20,160
from which direction
we will come.
1043
00:51:20,160 --> 00:51:23,789
♪♪♪
1044
00:51:23,789 --> 00:51:26,125
I have given him opportunities
to see reason.
1045
00:51:26,125 --> 00:51:29,295
Still he persists.
1046
00:51:29,295 --> 00:51:33,507
Mr. Washington thinks
he is making headway.
1047
00:51:33,507 --> 00:51:36,427
Well, let's show him
1048
00:51:36,427 --> 00:51:39,680
how terribly mistaken he is.
1049
00:51:39,680 --> 00:51:41,223
Ready the fleet.
1050
00:51:41,223 --> 00:51:42,349
‐ Straightaway, my Lord.
1051
00:51:42,349 --> 00:51:43,892
♪♪♪
1052
00:51:43,892 --> 00:51:46,729
‐ Howe is no longer
underestimating Washington.
1053
00:51:46,729 --> 00:51:49,064
Washington is the revolution
at this point,
1054
00:51:49,064 --> 00:51:51,483
and if he can defeat and perhaps
even destroy Washington,
1055
00:51:51,483 --> 00:51:54,903
that's the revolution
right there.
1056
00:51:55,738 --> 00:52:00,284
[ wind whistling ]
1057
00:52:00,284 --> 00:52:03,787
[ water gurgling ]
1058
00:52:03,787 --> 00:52:08,334
[ thunder rumbling ]
1059
00:52:08,334 --> 00:52:15,299
♪♪♪
1060
00:52:15,299 --> 00:52:18,385
‐ By late summer, General Howe
is making good on his promise
1061
00:52:18,385 --> 00:52:19,970
to come for Washington.
1062
00:52:19,970 --> 00:52:22,056
♪♪♪
1063
00:52:22,056 --> 00:52:24,183
He beats the Continental Army
in a battle
1064
00:52:24,183 --> 00:52:27,811
just outside of Philadelphia.
1065
00:52:27,811 --> 00:52:31,398
The patriot capital
is now exposed.
1066
00:52:31,398 --> 00:52:33,442
‐ Philadelphia is a great prize.
1067
00:52:33,442 --> 00:52:36,153
It's the rebel capital,
a lot of propaganda value.
1068
00:52:36,153 --> 00:52:37,696
♪♪♪
1069
00:52:37,696 --> 00:52:39,198
‐ The British think
1070
00:52:39,198 --> 00:52:42,534
in a very traditional,
military kind of a way,
1071
00:52:42,534 --> 00:52:44,870
"We need to capture
a major city."
1072
00:52:44,870 --> 00:52:47,915
The capture of New York‐‐
that doesn't fix things.
1073
00:52:47,915 --> 00:52:50,376
‐ And if we take the city
where Congress is sitting,
1074
00:52:50,376 --> 00:52:52,544
maybe that will be
so emotionally crippling
1075
00:52:52,544 --> 00:52:54,254
that they will surrender.
1076
00:52:54,254 --> 00:52:56,131
‐ This is one of the big crises
1077
00:52:56,131 --> 00:52:58,717
in Washington's entire time
as commander in chief.
1078
00:52:58,717 --> 00:53:08,769
♪♪♪
1079
00:53:08,769 --> 00:53:15,693
♪♪♪
1080
00:53:15,693 --> 00:53:19,029
‐ "Howe was about
15 miles from us.
1081
00:53:19,029 --> 00:53:21,573
The prospect is chilling
on every side."
1082
00:53:21,573 --> 00:53:26,829
♪♪♪
1083
00:53:26,829 --> 00:53:30,249
"Is Philadelphia to be lost?
1084
00:53:30,249 --> 00:53:33,085
If lost, is the cause lost?"
1085
00:53:33,085 --> 00:53:35,170
♪♪♪
1086
00:53:35,170 --> 00:53:37,756
‐ Within days, John Adams
and his fellow congressmen
1087
00:53:37,756 --> 00:53:40,384
are evacuating the city,
1088
00:53:40,384 --> 00:53:44,096
and so is a future symbol
of American freedom.
1089
00:53:44,096 --> 00:53:53,397
♪♪♪
1090
00:53:53,397 --> 00:53:58,235
The Liberty Bell is secreted
in a church 60 miles away
1091
00:53:58,235 --> 00:54:00,696
to keep the British
from melting it down
1092
00:54:00,696 --> 00:54:02,614
into musket balls.
1093
00:54:02,614 --> 00:54:12,082
♪♪♪
1094
00:54:12,082 --> 00:54:17,421
‐ "The enemy gained possession
of Philadelphia.
1095
00:54:17,421 --> 00:54:21,091
"This will be attended
with several ill consequences.
1096
00:54:21,091 --> 00:54:25,012
"But I hope that a little time
and perseverance
1097
00:54:25,012 --> 00:54:28,265
"will give us an opportunity
of making amends
1098
00:54:28,265 --> 00:54:31,769
for our late ill fortune."
1099
00:54:31,769 --> 00:54:34,480
‐ Washington had been
on a losing streak.
1100
00:54:34,480 --> 00:54:38,150
He had had the absolutely
terrible year in New York.
1101
00:54:38,150 --> 00:54:40,110
He had redeemed himself
a little bit
1102
00:54:40,110 --> 00:54:44,740
with the Battle of Trenton,
but then had lost Philadelphia.
1103
00:54:44,740 --> 00:54:47,326
‐ And there really begins
to be kind of a whisper campaign
1104
00:54:47,326 --> 00:54:49,286
about, "Should Washington be
in command of the army?"
1105
00:54:50,871 --> 00:54:53,290
‐ There's rumblings in Congress
1106
00:54:53,290 --> 00:54:55,918
and other places,
even in the army,
1107
00:54:55,918 --> 00:54:57,669
"Who should really be
the commander in chief?"
1108
00:54:57,669 --> 00:54:59,713
And there's a lot of those folks
who were talking
1109
00:54:59,713 --> 00:55:02,716
about Gates being
the logical successor
1110
00:55:02,716 --> 00:55:03,967
to George Washington.
1111
00:55:05,844 --> 00:55:08,680
‐ Horatio Gates
is a veteran soldier,
1112
00:55:08,680 --> 00:55:10,724
and one
of the original contenders
1113
00:55:10,724 --> 00:55:12,976
for Washington's job.
1114
00:55:12,976 --> 00:55:14,645
He's now commanding
1115
00:55:14,645 --> 00:55:17,231
the Continental Army's
northern wing
1116
00:55:17,231 --> 00:55:19,316
currently in upstate New York,
1117
00:55:19,316 --> 00:55:21,902
holding firm
against the British,
1118
00:55:21,902 --> 00:55:25,906
who are angling
to seize control of the Hudson.
1119
00:55:25,906 --> 00:55:30,494
The two armies clashed north
of Albany near Saratoga
1120
00:55:30,494 --> 00:55:33,497
a week
before Philadelphia fell.
1121
00:55:33,497 --> 00:55:37,084
Though British General
John Burgoyne claimed victory,
1122
00:55:37,084 --> 00:55:40,420
the Americans inflicted
heavy casualties,
1123
00:55:40,420 --> 00:55:44,049
thanks in part
to the bold battlefield tactics
1124
00:55:44,049 --> 00:55:48,053
of one
of Washington's rising stars,
1125
00:55:48,053 --> 00:55:51,515
36‐year‐old former merchant
from Connecticut,
1126
00:55:51,515 --> 00:55:52,808
Benedict Arnold.
1127
00:55:52,808 --> 00:55:53,767
[ horse whinnies ]
1128
00:55:53,767 --> 00:55:55,227
‐ You have been broken.
1129
00:55:55,227 --> 00:55:58,397
[ horse whinnies ]
Do not give quarter.
1130
00:55:58,397 --> 00:56:05,320
♪♪♪
1131
00:56:05,320 --> 00:56:07,197
‐ Now in October,
1132
00:56:07,197 --> 00:56:10,033
after nearly a month
of stalemate,
1133
00:56:10,033 --> 00:56:12,703
Arnold is on the field
once again
1134
00:56:12,703 --> 00:56:15,914
to stop Britain's advance
on the Hudson.
1135
00:56:15,914 --> 00:56:18,709
♪♪♪
1136
00:56:18,709 --> 00:56:21,336
‐ Arnold was one
of Washington's best officers.
1137
00:56:21,336 --> 00:56:23,422
He was brilliant
on the battlefield,
1138
00:56:23,422 --> 00:56:26,592
decisive,
great strategic sense.
1139
00:56:26,592 --> 00:56:29,136
‐ Kind of a daredevil
in his willingness
1140
00:56:29,136 --> 00:56:30,721
to put his body at risk.
1141
00:56:30,721 --> 00:56:34,683
‐ He's totally dedicated
to the cause of the revolution,
1142
00:56:34,683 --> 00:56:37,144
and he's willing
to sacrifice for it.
1143
00:56:37,144 --> 00:56:39,438
‐ I do not care
if their backs are turned!
1144
00:56:39,438 --> 00:56:41,898
Put them in their graves!
1145
00:56:41,898 --> 00:56:43,900
Send them to hell!
1146
00:56:43,900 --> 00:56:45,902
Send them all to hell!
1147
00:56:45,902 --> 00:56:48,905
♪♪♪
1148
00:56:48,905 --> 00:56:51,950
[ beating drum ]
1149
00:56:51,950 --> 00:56:58,081
♪♪♪
1150
00:56:58,081 --> 00:57:00,208
‐ Charge!
1151
00:57:00,208 --> 00:57:01,627
‐ [ all yelling ]
1152
00:57:01,627 --> 00:57:02,753
‐ Everyone!
1153
00:57:02,753 --> 00:57:06,006
[ yelling continues ]
1154
00:57:06,006 --> 00:57:09,301
[ gunfire ]
1155
00:57:09,301 --> 00:57:13,347
♪♪♪
1156
00:57:13,347 --> 00:57:14,806
‐ [ shouts indistinctly ]
1157
00:57:14,806 --> 00:57:16,308
[ swords clanking ]
1158
00:57:16,308 --> 00:57:23,190
♪♪♪
1159
00:57:23,190 --> 00:57:24,650
[ shouts indistinctly ]
1160
00:57:24,650 --> 00:57:38,872
♪♪♪
1161
00:57:38,872 --> 00:57:40,290
‐ Fall back!
1162
00:57:40,290 --> 00:57:41,208
Fall back!
1163
00:57:41,208 --> 00:57:46,588
♪♪♪
1164
00:57:46,588 --> 00:57:47,714
‐ [ shouts indistinctly ]
1165
00:57:47,714 --> 00:57:48,632
[ blades clanking ]
1166
00:57:48,632 --> 00:57:50,092
♪♪♪
1167
00:57:50,092 --> 00:57:52,469
[ shouts indistinctly ]
1168
00:57:52,469 --> 00:57:54,846
♪♪♪
1169
00:57:54,846 --> 00:57:56,473
‐ Fall back!
1170
00:57:56,473 --> 00:57:57,474
Fall back!
1171
00:57:58,725 --> 00:58:01,311
[ gunfire ]
1172
00:58:01,311 --> 00:58:03,605
[ horse whinnies ]
1173
00:58:03,605 --> 00:58:06,858
[ crowd cheering ]
1174
00:58:06,858 --> 00:58:12,823
♪♪♪
1175
00:58:12,823 --> 00:58:16,576
‐ The Battle of Saratoga
was a punch to the gut
1176
00:58:16,576 --> 00:58:18,829
for the British Army.
1177
00:58:18,829 --> 00:58:20,956
They had assumed
this was going to give them
1178
00:58:20,956 --> 00:58:23,375
the victory, that that would
shut down the revolution,
1179
00:58:23,375 --> 00:58:25,335
but it was just the opposite.
1180
00:58:25,335 --> 00:58:27,796
[ crowd cheering ]
1181
00:58:27,796 --> 00:58:29,923
‐ There's a wonderful letter
from a British officer
1182
00:58:29,923 --> 00:58:33,051
who describes how Burgoyne
was so full of emotion
1183
00:58:33,051 --> 00:58:35,721
and disbelieving
that they had lost this battle
1184
00:58:35,721 --> 00:58:37,514
that he really couldn't speak.
1185
00:58:39,224 --> 00:58:41,393
So it was a stunning,
stunning victory
1186
00:58:41,393 --> 00:58:43,145
that ends up having
a huge impact
1187
00:58:43,145 --> 00:58:44,646
for the American cause,
1188
00:58:44,646 --> 00:58:49,234
and Arnold is a great hero
in that moment.
1189
00:58:49,234 --> 00:58:53,113
‐ But Arnold's heroics
at Saratoga come at a price.
1190
00:58:53,113 --> 00:58:57,075
In the final push of battle,
his left leg is shot
1191
00:58:57,075 --> 00:59:00,412
and then crushed
by his fallen horse.
1192
00:59:00,412 --> 00:59:03,415
‐ He's taken to a hospital
in Albany.
1193
00:59:03,415 --> 00:59:07,419
And meanwhile, back in
the center of the action,
1194
00:59:07,419 --> 00:59:11,757
Horatio Gates, who did not leave
his tent during Saratoga,
1195
00:59:11,757 --> 00:59:14,468
takes credit for the victory.
1196
00:59:14,468 --> 00:59:16,678
♪♪♪
1197
00:59:16,678 --> 00:59:20,348
‐ Gates is not just looking
to steal Arnold's thunder.
1198
00:59:20,348 --> 00:59:24,352
His real intention is to use
his victory at Saratoga
1199
00:59:24,352 --> 00:59:27,731
to make a play for the job
of his commanding officer,
1200
00:59:27,731 --> 00:59:29,983
George Washington.
1201
00:59:29,983 --> 00:59:34,279
‐ Gates is very careful
not to put himself on paper
1202
00:59:34,279 --> 00:59:37,699
and saying,
"I want to take charge."
1203
00:59:37,699 --> 00:59:41,161
But he speaks
with Washington's opponents,
1204
00:59:41,161 --> 00:59:45,415
and he encourages them
to begin lobbying in Congress
1205
00:59:45,415 --> 00:59:49,461
and elsewhere
for Washington's deposition.
1206
00:59:49,461 --> 00:59:53,298
And when criticisms
of Washington arise,
1207
00:59:53,298 --> 00:59:56,927
certain young men
in what Washington calls
1208
00:59:56,927 --> 00:59:59,846
his military family
stepped to the fore,
1209
00:59:59,846 --> 01:00:01,973
identify Washington's critics
1210
01:00:01,973 --> 01:00:04,309
and do their best
to destroy them.
1211
01:00:04,309 --> 01:00:07,312
And nobody steps forward
with more aggressiveness
1212
01:00:07,312 --> 01:00:08,688
than Alexander Hamilton.
1213
01:00:10,857 --> 01:00:13,985
‐ "All the true and sensible
friends to their country
1214
01:00:13,985 --> 01:00:16,780
"and, of course,
to a certain great man
1215
01:00:16,780 --> 01:00:18,448
"ought to be upon the watch
1216
01:00:18,448 --> 01:00:20,867
"to counterplot
the secret machinations
1217
01:00:20,867 --> 01:00:23,495
of his enemies."
1218
01:00:23,495 --> 01:00:25,330
♪♪♪
1219
01:00:25,330 --> 01:00:28,834
‐ The 21‐year‐old captain
who commanded an artillery unit
1220
01:00:28,834 --> 01:00:31,044
at the Battle of Trenton
1221
01:00:31,044 --> 01:00:33,630
is now one
of the commander in chief's
1222
01:00:33,630 --> 01:00:36,132
most trusted aides‐de‐camp.
1223
01:00:36,132 --> 01:00:38,134
‐ In an aide,
what Washington needs
1224
01:00:38,134 --> 01:00:39,469
is someone
who can write for him,
1225
01:00:39,469 --> 01:00:41,847
can speak for him,
can act for him
1226
01:00:41,847 --> 01:00:44,975
in a way that's true to him.
1227
01:00:44,975 --> 01:00:47,853
‐ Another of
Washington's staunchest allies
1228
01:00:47,853 --> 01:00:51,147
is the 19‐year‐old
Marquis de Lafayette.
1229
01:00:51,147 --> 01:00:53,275
♪♪♪
1230
01:00:53,275 --> 01:00:56,069
‐ The Marquis de Lafayette
is a young French nobleman
1231
01:00:56,069 --> 01:01:00,657
who is inspired by the cause
of what's going on in America.
1232
01:01:00,657 --> 01:01:04,202
So he comes to the United States
1233
01:01:04,202 --> 01:01:06,580
and commits himself
to the effort.
1234
01:01:06,580 --> 01:01:09,165
‐ Lafayette has joined
Washington's army
1235
01:01:09,165 --> 01:01:10,792
as a volunteer.
1236
01:01:10,792 --> 01:01:13,044
He was wounded
at the Battle of Brandywine,
1237
01:01:13,044 --> 01:01:14,921
and he's now been appointed
a general
1238
01:01:14,921 --> 01:01:16,798
in the Continental Army.
1239
01:01:16,798 --> 01:01:19,217
‐ He's very young
and very eager,
1240
01:01:19,217 --> 01:01:21,011
and you certainly get a sense
1241
01:01:21,011 --> 01:01:24,431
that Washington and Lafayette
become very close very quickly.
1242
01:01:24,431 --> 01:01:29,644
♪♪♪
1243
01:01:29,644 --> 01:01:33,189
‐ As Washington begins
winter camp at Valley Forge,
1244
01:01:33,189 --> 01:01:36,401
his critics
are still plotting against him,
1245
01:01:36,401 --> 01:01:40,906
but his military family
is standing by his side.
1246
01:01:40,906 --> 01:01:43,617
‐ [ speaks French ]
1247
01:01:43,617 --> 01:01:47,329
‐ To old friends and new allies.
1248
01:01:47,329 --> 01:01:49,122
‐ And to
our fearless commander.
1249
01:01:49,122 --> 01:01:53,793
‐ The only general
who could lead this army.
1250
01:01:53,793 --> 01:01:54,628
[ glasses clink ]
1251
01:01:54,628 --> 01:01:57,505
♪♪♪
1252
01:01:57,505 --> 01:01:59,382
‐ I must say,
1253
01:01:59,382 --> 01:02:02,427
we are all well aware
on the fools in Congress
1254
01:02:02,427 --> 01:02:05,347
who do not know a single thing
about war.
1255
01:02:05,347 --> 01:02:09,392
But every man at this table,
every man in this camp
1256
01:02:09,392 --> 01:02:11,478
knows that if you are lost
to America,
1257
01:02:11,478 --> 01:02:14,022
there is nobody
who could keep the army
1258
01:02:14,022 --> 01:02:16,316
and the revolution going.
1259
01:02:16,316 --> 01:02:20,278
‐ I appreciate your confidence,
my dear Marquis.
1260
01:02:20,278 --> 01:02:23,823
But for one night,
let's not discuss the war.
1261
01:02:23,823 --> 01:02:25,825
‐ Hear, hear.
1262
01:02:25,825 --> 01:02:26,993
‐ To Christmas.
‐ To Christmas.
1263
01:02:26,993 --> 01:02:27,911
‐ To Christmas.
1264
01:02:27,911 --> 01:02:29,621
[ glasses clink ]
1265
01:02:29,621 --> 01:02:32,499
‐ Despite attempts
to quiet the cabal,
1266
01:02:32,499 --> 01:02:35,710
calls for Washington's ouster
aren't going away.
1267
01:02:35,710 --> 01:02:38,797
In January 1778,
1268
01:02:38,797 --> 01:02:41,841
an anonymous letter
circulated in the Congress
1269
01:02:41,841 --> 01:02:44,386
makes the case for his removal
1270
01:02:44,386 --> 01:02:48,306
with a scathing list
of Washington's failures.
1271
01:02:48,306 --> 01:02:50,308
‐ "That the enemies,
taking possession
1272
01:02:50,308 --> 01:02:52,102
"of the city of Philadelphia,
1273
01:02:52,102 --> 01:02:54,771
"with so little loss
in opposition,
1274
01:02:54,771 --> 01:02:56,439
"has been very discouraging
1275
01:02:56,439 --> 01:03:00,151
"to many of the true friends
of America,
1276
01:03:00,151 --> 01:03:02,445
"that more men will die
this winter
1277
01:03:02,445 --> 01:03:04,864
"than it would've cost lives
to have conquered the enemy
1278
01:03:04,864 --> 01:03:07,867
"last summer and fall,
1279
01:03:07,867 --> 01:03:11,204
"that it is a very great
reproach to America
1280
01:03:11,204 --> 01:03:14,624
to say there is
only one general in it."
1281
01:03:14,624 --> 01:03:18,545
♪♪♪
1282
01:03:18,545 --> 01:03:20,380
‐ Washington worried
the American people
1283
01:03:20,380 --> 01:03:23,008
were going to believe
this criticism.
1284
01:03:23,008 --> 01:03:25,343
He worried he was going
to lose their support.
1285
01:03:25,343 --> 01:03:29,556
♪♪♪
1286
01:03:29,556 --> 01:03:33,018
‐ There's a sense that he really
doesn't have what it takes.
1287
01:03:33,018 --> 01:03:43,319
♪♪♪
1288
01:03:44,112 --> 01:03:55,040
♪♪♪
1289
01:03:55,040 --> 01:03:58,251
‐ Nearly three years
into the war,
1290
01:03:58,251 --> 01:04:02,714
George Washington is facing
escalating personal attacks
1291
01:04:02,714 --> 01:04:05,717
and a new enemy...
1292
01:04:05,717 --> 01:04:08,678
winter.
1293
01:04:08,678 --> 01:04:11,556
Plagued with disease
and desperately hungry,
1294
01:04:11,556 --> 01:04:14,184
the men of Washington's main
fighting force
1295
01:04:14,184 --> 01:04:17,312
are battling to stay alive.
1296
01:04:17,312 --> 01:04:19,397
‐ Follow me.
1297
01:04:19,397 --> 01:04:21,107
‐ If we are to set rations,
1298
01:04:21,107 --> 01:04:23,693
we must have accurate account
of our provisions.
1299
01:04:27,280 --> 01:04:28,615
‐ [ coughing ]
1300
01:04:28,615 --> 01:04:32,994
♪♪♪
1301
01:04:32,994 --> 01:04:35,080
‐ Food supplies are running low,
1302
01:04:35,080 --> 01:04:36,581
and what little they do have
1303
01:04:36,581 --> 01:04:39,876
is growing more rancid
by the day.
1304
01:04:39,876 --> 01:04:41,002
‐ Wow.
1305
01:04:41,002 --> 01:04:43,630
♪♪♪
1306
01:04:43,630 --> 01:04:45,465
‐ Check every crate and barrel.
1307
01:04:45,465 --> 01:04:47,926
♪♪♪
1308
01:04:47,926 --> 01:04:50,553
Inform me as soon as the count
is completed.
1309
01:04:52,931 --> 01:04:54,849
‐ Washington and his troops
1310
01:04:54,849 --> 01:04:57,894
are hunkered down for
the winter at Valley Forge,
1311
01:04:57,894 --> 01:05:01,606
just 20 miles outside of
British‐occupied Philadelphia.
1312
01:05:01,606 --> 01:05:03,817
The two armies are
camped so close
1313
01:05:03,817 --> 01:05:05,944
that to survive the winter,
1314
01:05:05,944 --> 01:05:10,782
they're forced to draw on
the same farms for supplies.
1315
01:05:10,782 --> 01:05:13,660
‐ There's a battle
going on for food,
1316
01:05:13,660 --> 01:05:15,328
and the British are winning.
1317
01:05:15,328 --> 01:05:16,871
‐ The Americans don't
have gold and silver,
1318
01:05:16,871 --> 01:05:20,166
and so they're offering payment
in paper money.
1319
01:05:20,166 --> 01:05:23,169
Farmers don't like having
bushels of paper money
1320
01:05:23,169 --> 01:05:24,629
of diminishing value
1321
01:05:24,629 --> 01:05:26,381
when they could be offered
gold and silver
1322
01:05:26,381 --> 01:05:28,133
if they will trade it
with the British.
1323
01:05:28,133 --> 01:05:30,426
‐ And a lot of states
really hoarded their resources
1324
01:05:30,426 --> 01:05:32,679
in the event
that Britain decided
1325
01:05:32,679 --> 01:05:35,265
to make its next campaign
in their state.
1326
01:05:35,265 --> 01:05:37,225
‐ For Washington, it meant
1327
01:05:37,225 --> 01:05:41,020
that there was no end
to the shortages.
1328
01:05:41,020 --> 01:05:43,106
‐ He's begging the states.
He's begging Congress.
1329
01:05:43,106 --> 01:05:44,149
‐ "I need you to raise
more money
1330
01:05:44,149 --> 01:05:46,234
"so that I can feed
my soldiers,
1331
01:05:46,234 --> 01:05:48,194
"so that I can give them shoes,
1332
01:05:48,194 --> 01:05:50,238
"so that I can have
the proper amount of gunpowder
1333
01:05:50,238 --> 01:05:52,991
to actually be able to
fire my cannons."
1334
01:05:52,991 --> 01:05:55,952
‐ Many another person
in Washington's position
1335
01:05:55,952 --> 01:05:58,079
would have said,
"I can't do this.
1336
01:05:58,079 --> 01:06:00,373
"If you're not gonna give me
the resources to win,
1337
01:06:00,373 --> 01:06:02,250
then I'm not gonna take this."
1338
01:06:02,250 --> 01:06:05,003
But Washington had committed
himself personally to this,
1339
01:06:05,003 --> 01:06:06,713
and he was gonna see it
through to the end.
1340
01:06:06,713 --> 01:06:08,173
♪♪♪
1341
01:06:08,173 --> 01:06:10,300
‐ And so, too, will Martha,
1342
01:06:10,300 --> 01:06:13,887
who arrives in Valley Forge
two months into winter quarters
1343
01:06:13,887 --> 01:06:17,682
to support her husband
and the cause.
1344
01:06:17,682 --> 01:06:19,684
‐ Martha Washington visits
George Washington
1345
01:06:19,684 --> 01:06:21,477
in every encampment
during the war.
1346
01:06:21,477 --> 01:06:24,189
‐ And she joins him for some
of the roughest campaigns,
1347
01:06:24,189 --> 01:06:26,524
and for long winters,
she's there.
1348
01:06:26,524 --> 01:06:29,110
‐ Martha is
no chimney corner wife.
1349
01:06:29,110 --> 01:06:33,740
She's not going to go
and sit and knit for him.
1350
01:06:33,740 --> 01:06:36,492
She assists on taking
a visible role in camp.
1351
01:06:36,492 --> 01:06:38,536
‐ Martha leads by example.
1352
01:06:38,536 --> 01:06:42,832
She's tending to the sick,
and she's receiving people,
1353
01:06:42,832 --> 01:06:44,959
so she's also sort of working
the diplomatic relations
1354
01:06:44,959 --> 01:06:46,419
for Washington.
1355
01:06:46,419 --> 01:06:48,546
‐ They both shared
that powerful sense
1356
01:06:48,546 --> 01:06:50,465
that the people needed them,
1357
01:06:50,465 --> 01:06:52,759
and it was this duty
and the sacrifice
1358
01:06:52,759 --> 01:06:55,094
and service
that was part of the cause.
1359
01:06:55,094 --> 01:06:57,972
‐ She had an impact
on headquarters
1360
01:06:57,972 --> 01:07:00,683
and on the general morale
of people who were there,
1361
01:07:00,683 --> 01:07:02,477
and I think was important
1362
01:07:02,477 --> 01:07:04,812
as a figure that Washington
could trust
1363
01:07:04,812 --> 01:07:07,440
in a way that possibly
he couldn't trust anyone else.
1364
01:07:07,440 --> 01:07:08,691
[ door opens ]
1365
01:07:11,236 --> 01:07:12,946
‐ Is it any better?
[ wind howling ]
1366
01:07:12,946 --> 01:07:17,200
‐ Worse.
And still Congress does nothing.
1367
01:07:17,200 --> 01:07:18,743
‐ Perhaps
they do not understand
1368
01:07:18,743 --> 01:07:20,745
the severity of the situation.
1369
01:07:20,745 --> 01:07:22,914
‐ I have written
letter after letter.
1370
01:07:22,914 --> 01:07:26,167
They understand well enough.
1371
01:07:26,167 --> 01:07:30,213
‐ Then they think an army can
survive without food.
1372
01:07:30,213 --> 01:07:33,716
‐ Their failure
is not malice, my dear.
1373
01:07:33,716 --> 01:07:37,971
It is a deeper matter,
a fault in their constitution.
1374
01:07:37,971 --> 01:07:41,099
‐ You must take care
that their failure
1375
01:07:41,099 --> 01:07:43,726
does not become yours.
1376
01:07:43,726 --> 01:07:46,896
‐ Yes.
1377
01:07:46,896 --> 01:07:49,440
My reputation may well not
survive this.
1378
01:07:51,359 --> 01:07:54,070
That cannot be my concern now.
1379
01:07:54,070 --> 01:07:56,489
It is the men,
1380
01:07:56,489 --> 01:07:58,825
this starving army.
1381
01:07:58,825 --> 01:08:02,120
I'm at my wits' end
about what to do for them.
1382
01:08:02,120 --> 01:08:04,330
‐ Well...
1383
01:08:04,330 --> 01:08:08,584
if there's one thing
I know about you,
1384
01:08:08,584 --> 01:08:11,087
it is that you are
simply too determined
1385
01:08:11,087 --> 01:08:14,424
to concede defeat.
1386
01:08:14,424 --> 01:08:17,343
You will find another way.
1387
01:08:17,343 --> 01:08:22,807
♪♪♪
1388
01:08:22,807 --> 01:08:26,561
‐ "Friends, countrymen,
and fellow citizens,
1389
01:08:26,561 --> 01:08:29,063
"it is to be feared
that so large an army
1390
01:08:29,063 --> 01:08:31,190
may suffer for the want
of provisions."
1391
01:08:31,190 --> 01:08:32,859
‐ After having written
1392
01:08:32,859 --> 01:08:35,403
hundreds of pages of letters
to Congress,
1393
01:08:35,403 --> 01:08:38,072
Washington flexes
his political muscle
1394
01:08:38,072 --> 01:08:41,034
and makes a direct appeal
to the people.
1395
01:08:41,034 --> 01:08:43,786
His open letters
are printed in papers
1396
01:08:43,786 --> 01:08:46,539
across the states.
1397
01:08:46,539 --> 01:08:49,000
‐ "It is therefore recommended
1398
01:08:49,000 --> 01:08:50,043
"to the inhabitants
of those states
1399
01:08:50,043 --> 01:08:52,211
"to put up
and feed immediately
1400
01:08:52,211 --> 01:08:55,965
as many of their stock cattle
as they can spare."
1401
01:08:55,965 --> 01:08:58,926
‐ He then invites the
congressional delegates to camp
1402
01:08:58,926 --> 01:09:02,263
so they can witness the misery
of his army firsthand.
1403
01:09:04,098 --> 01:09:07,352
‐ Delegates to Congress‐‐
they recognize now
1404
01:09:07,352 --> 01:09:09,479
that things really are
just as desperate
1405
01:09:09,479 --> 01:09:11,689
as Washington
has portrayed them.
1406
01:09:11,689 --> 01:09:15,193
‐ They also discover
something else‐‐
1407
01:09:15,193 --> 01:09:17,570
an army being held together
1408
01:09:17,570 --> 01:09:22,617
against tremendous odds
by one man.
1409
01:09:22,617 --> 01:09:26,621
‐ He can win this war if he can
keep his army together.
1410
01:09:26,621 --> 01:09:28,915
Valley Forge was all about
1411
01:09:28,915 --> 01:09:32,085
preventing his soldiers
from saying, "I quit."
1412
01:09:32,085 --> 01:09:35,338
‐ The impact of Washington's
dedication at Valley Forge
1413
01:09:35,338 --> 01:09:37,298
is huge.
1414
01:09:37,298 --> 01:09:40,051
‐ He was there with them.
He shared their hardship.
1415
01:09:40,051 --> 01:09:42,929
and he showed them that
they could get through this.
1416
01:09:42,929 --> 01:09:45,556
‐ When soldiers see
their officers with them,
1417
01:09:45,556 --> 01:09:47,642
eating the same lousy food,
1418
01:09:47,642 --> 01:09:49,727
getting the same
lousy amount of sleep,
1419
01:09:49,727 --> 01:09:51,687
living in the same
awful conditions,
1420
01:09:51,687 --> 01:09:53,731
"then my officers can do it,
I can do it."
1421
01:09:53,731 --> 01:09:55,775
That's what leadership's
all about.
1422
01:09:55,775 --> 01:09:59,112
‐ Valley Forge was the light
in the darkness
1423
01:09:59,112 --> 01:10:05,201
because Washington
had the courage to endure.
1424
01:10:05,201 --> 01:10:10,665
‐ This is Washingtonian‐‐
"Survive and you shall succeed."
1425
01:10:10,665 --> 01:10:12,667
They survived.
1426
01:10:12,667 --> 01:10:15,002
‐ As does Washington's command.
1427
01:10:15,002 --> 01:10:18,381
After months of whispers,
the talk of General Gates
1428
01:10:18,381 --> 01:10:22,009
replacing Washington
is no more.
1429
01:10:22,009 --> 01:10:24,137
‐ The great majority
of the officers in the army
1430
01:10:24,137 --> 01:10:27,098
stand by Washington.
1431
01:10:27,098 --> 01:10:28,641
And they make it clear
to Congress
1432
01:10:28,641 --> 01:10:30,935
that if they wanna keep
an army together,
1433
01:10:30,935 --> 01:10:33,980
it has to be kept together
under Washington.
1434
01:10:33,980 --> 01:10:36,441
♪♪♪
1435
01:10:36,441 --> 01:10:42,488
‐ An estimated 2,000 men
ultimately die at Valley Forge.
1436
01:10:42,488 --> 01:10:44,532
But when spring arrives,
1437
01:10:44,532 --> 01:10:50,079
Washington has some
10,000 soldiers fit to fight,
1438
01:10:50,079 --> 01:10:54,125
and he's received word
that help is on the way.
1439
01:10:56,002 --> 01:10:57,462
[ door squeaks ]
1440
01:10:57,462 --> 01:10:59,380
‐ You summoned me, General.
1441
01:10:59,380 --> 01:11:02,258
‐ I have something here
you may find of interest.
1442
01:11:07,764 --> 01:11:09,807
‐ [ chuckles ] Is it true?
1443
01:11:09,807 --> 01:11:11,225
‐ It would appear
1444
01:11:11,225 --> 01:11:13,436
that Mr. Franklin has
finally done it.
1445
01:11:14,812 --> 01:11:16,647
‐ [ grunts ]
1446
01:11:16,647 --> 01:11:19,066
King Louis has seen reason.
1447
01:11:19,066 --> 01:11:20,985
‐ Yes.
1448
01:11:20,985 --> 01:11:22,945
An alliance.
1449
01:11:22,945 --> 01:11:25,239
‐ For years, the colonies
have sought an ally
1450
01:11:25,239 --> 01:11:27,658
with the power to rival Britain.
1451
01:11:27,658 --> 01:11:31,329
In the spring of 1778,
they get one
1452
01:11:31,329 --> 01:11:35,208
when Benjamin Franklin brokers
a treaty between America
1453
01:11:35,208 --> 01:11:39,295
and England's greatest rival,
France.
1454
01:11:39,295 --> 01:11:41,547
‐ With luck, your countrymen
will soon be fighting
1455
01:11:41,547 --> 01:11:43,841
by our side.
This is certainly welcome news.
1456
01:11:43,841 --> 01:11:46,552
‐ Oh, oui. And to see
King George's face
1457
01:11:46,552 --> 01:11:48,304
when he hears.
1458
01:11:48,304 --> 01:11:50,014
But a toast...
1459
01:11:50,014 --> 01:11:51,933
We must have a toast.
‐ Of course.
1460
01:11:51,933 --> 01:11:55,436
‐ France is impressed
by Washington's ability
1461
01:11:55,436 --> 01:11:56,896
to keep his army going.
1462
01:11:56,896 --> 01:11:58,147
‐ For the Americans,
it's a huge moment
1463
01:11:58,147 --> 01:12:01,567
because now
they have this major empire
1464
01:12:01,567 --> 01:12:04,779
giving vital support
and supplies and funds.
1465
01:12:04,779 --> 01:12:07,114
‐ Washington finally sees hope.
1466
01:12:07,114 --> 01:12:11,869
He begins now to think
of a final campaign
1467
01:12:11,869 --> 01:12:14,580
in ending the war
in one fell swoop.
1468
01:12:14,580 --> 01:12:16,833
‐ [ speaks French ]
1469
01:12:16,833 --> 01:12:18,459
[ glasses clink ]
1470
01:12:18,459 --> 01:12:20,711
[ speaks French ]
1471
01:12:20,711 --> 01:12:21,963
[ clink ]
1472
01:12:21,963 --> 01:12:27,134
♪♪♪
1473
01:12:27,885 --> 01:12:36,644
♪♪♪
1474
01:12:36,644 --> 01:12:37,812
‐ Sir.
1475
01:12:37,812 --> 01:12:41,065
‐ Thank you, Billy.
1476
01:12:41,065 --> 01:12:43,276
‐ In May of 1778,
1477
01:12:43,276 --> 01:12:45,403
with the desperate winter
behind him
1478
01:12:45,403 --> 01:12:47,655
and the French now on his side,
1479
01:12:47,655 --> 01:12:49,949
General George Washington
is looking ahead
1480
01:12:49,949 --> 01:12:52,285
to the next phase of the war.
1481
01:12:52,285 --> 01:12:54,370
‐ Major General Arnold
is here, sir.
1482
01:12:54,370 --> 01:12:56,247
‐ Send him in.
1483
01:12:56,247 --> 01:12:59,333
‐ But first, he has
a thank you to bestow
1484
01:12:59,333 --> 01:13:02,879
on the hero of Saratoga.
1485
01:13:02,879 --> 01:13:04,213
[ door squeaks ]
1486
01:13:06,257 --> 01:13:08,467
‐ I traveled here
as soon as I could.
1487
01:13:08,467 --> 01:13:10,761
‐ It is certainly good
to see you doing so well.
1488
01:13:10,761 --> 01:13:13,222
‐ For the past seven months,
1489
01:13:13,222 --> 01:13:15,349
Benedict Arnold has been
working his way back
1490
01:13:15,349 --> 01:13:18,644
from the injury he suffered
at Saratoga
1491
01:13:18,644 --> 01:13:20,313
when his horse fell on him
in battle.
1492
01:13:20,313 --> 01:13:22,023
[ horse whinnies ]
1493
01:13:22,023 --> 01:13:26,736
His left leg is now 2 inches
shorter than the right.
1494
01:13:26,736 --> 01:13:30,364
‐ My, uh, recovery took longer
than I would have hoped.
1495
01:13:30,364 --> 01:13:32,158
And there is still some
difficulty atop a horse,
1496
01:13:32,158 --> 01:13:34,660
but I'm eager to return
to the field.
1497
01:13:34,660 --> 01:13:36,996
‐ As we are to have you.
1498
01:13:36,996 --> 01:13:39,332
Did you receive the epaulets
and sword that I sent you?
1499
01:13:39,332 --> 01:13:42,043
‐ I did. They were,
uh, very much appreciated.
1500
01:13:42,043 --> 01:13:43,794
‐ A gentleman from France
recently sent me
1501
01:13:43,794 --> 01:13:45,338
three sets of them.
1502
01:13:45,338 --> 01:13:47,089
I was instructed to keep one
for myself
1503
01:13:47,089 --> 01:13:49,926
and impart the others on men
of deserving character.
1504
01:13:49,926 --> 01:13:51,344
‐ Thank you, sir.
1505
01:13:51,344 --> 01:13:54,555
‐ You have deserved them
twice over.
1506
01:13:54,555 --> 01:13:55,932
‐ Thank you.
1507
01:13:58,351 --> 01:14:00,436
‐ Something seems
to trouble you, Major General.
1508
01:14:01,354 --> 01:14:03,105
‐ [ sighs ]
1509
01:14:03,105 --> 01:14:05,441
I do not wish you to think me
ungrateful.
1510
01:14:05,441 --> 01:14:08,986
The epaulets were
a fine gesture.
1511
01:14:08,986 --> 01:14:11,989
But I've sacrificed my fortune,
1512
01:14:11,989 --> 01:14:16,118
my blood. I have...
1513
01:14:16,118 --> 01:14:19,497
I've become a cripple
in the service of my country.
1514
01:14:19,497 --> 01:14:22,208
I believe I have earned more.
1515
01:14:22,208 --> 01:14:25,086
♪♪♪
1516
01:14:25,086 --> 01:14:28,339
‐ Washington clearly felt
that Arnold was worthy,
1517
01:14:28,339 --> 01:14:30,424
but Congress
in its wisdom decided
1518
01:14:30,424 --> 01:14:32,802
not to give Arnold a promotion.
1519
01:14:32,802 --> 01:14:35,221
‐ He's getting passed over
for all these other people
1520
01:14:35,221 --> 01:14:37,515
with political connections
to Congress.
1521
01:14:37,515 --> 01:14:38,933
And even when he gets
promotions,
1522
01:14:38,933 --> 01:14:41,811
he doesn't get the commands
he wants.
1523
01:14:41,811 --> 01:14:46,148
‐ I understand
your frustrations.
1524
01:14:46,148 --> 01:14:48,609
But Congress moves slowly,
1525
01:14:48,609 --> 01:14:52,405
and politics have a way
of complicating things.
1526
01:14:52,405 --> 01:14:56,742
Know that I do not
question your value,
1527
01:14:56,742 --> 01:15:00,579
and I learned as a young man,
1528
01:15:00,579 --> 01:15:03,082
patience is a virtue.
1529
01:15:03,082 --> 01:15:04,333
‐ Patience?
1530
01:15:07,003 --> 01:15:08,963
[ exhales deeply ]
1531
01:15:08,963 --> 01:15:11,090
I will take my leave then, sir.
1532
01:15:11,090 --> 01:15:12,049
‐ Of course.
1533
01:15:15,261 --> 01:15:25,896
♪♪♪
1534
01:15:25,896 --> 01:15:28,107
‐ Arnold is stewing.
1535
01:15:28,107 --> 01:15:30,609
He's getting over his injury.
1536
01:15:30,609 --> 01:15:33,654
Congress still hasn't repaid him
for money that he fronted
1537
01:15:33,654 --> 01:15:36,115
at the beginning of the war.
He's in debt.
1538
01:15:36,115 --> 01:15:38,242
♪♪♪
1539
01:15:38,242 --> 01:15:43,039
‐ So, Arnold began to wonder,
"Why am I doing this?
1540
01:15:43,039 --> 01:15:44,749
"Is this country living up
1541
01:15:44,749 --> 01:15:46,917
to the commitments
it's made to me?"
1542
01:15:46,917 --> 01:15:48,753
♪♪♪
1543
01:15:48,753 --> 01:15:51,714
‐ In June of 1778,
1544
01:15:51,714 --> 01:15:55,384
Washington offers
a new opportunity
1545
01:15:55,384 --> 01:15:59,555
that has the potential
to advance Arnold's career.
1546
01:15:59,555 --> 01:16:03,851
With the French and their navy
now on America's side,
1547
01:16:03,851 --> 01:16:06,812
the redcoats have
abandoned Philadelphia
1548
01:16:06,812 --> 01:16:10,483
to reinforce their troops
in New York.
1549
01:16:10,483 --> 01:16:13,694
‐ After the British evacuate,
1550
01:16:13,694 --> 01:16:17,990
Washington puts Arnold
in command of Philadelphia.
1551
01:16:17,990 --> 01:16:19,658
‐ [ exhales deeply ]
1552
01:16:19,658 --> 01:16:21,660
‐ Washington saw Arnold
as a kind of project,
1553
01:16:21,660 --> 01:16:24,622
someone, uh, that if nurtured,
1554
01:16:24,622 --> 01:16:29,001
could become a truly spectacular
balanced leader.
1555
01:16:29,001 --> 01:16:34,715
‐ Ah, William.
Welcome to Philadelphia.
1556
01:16:34,715 --> 01:16:37,093
‐ But once military governor
of Philadelphia,
1557
01:16:37,093 --> 01:16:39,553
Arnold decided
it was time for him
1558
01:16:39,553 --> 01:16:41,764
to begin to profit
from this war.
1559
01:16:41,764 --> 01:16:43,182
And so he began to launch
1560
01:16:43,182 --> 01:16:46,060
into a series
of investment schemes.
1561
01:16:46,060 --> 01:16:49,563
‐ This is what we spoke about?
1562
01:16:49,563 --> 01:16:53,400
‐ He is accused of corruption.
1563
01:16:53,400 --> 01:16:55,027
♪♪♪
1564
01:16:55,027 --> 01:16:57,530
He has to go
through a court‐martial
1565
01:16:57,530 --> 01:17:00,324
which largely finds him
innocent
1566
01:17:00,324 --> 01:17:03,494
but also gives him a slap
on the wrist.
1567
01:17:03,494 --> 01:17:06,455
Arnold can't stand it.
1568
01:17:06,455 --> 01:17:08,624
‐ And so he became embittered
over time,
1569
01:17:08,624 --> 01:17:11,794
much in the way we saw a young
Washington become embittered,
1570
01:17:11,794 --> 01:17:13,504
but Washington‐‐
he didn't hold on
1571
01:17:13,504 --> 01:17:15,005
to the vestiges of the past,
1572
01:17:15,005 --> 01:17:18,968
whereas Arnold tended
to his grudges like a garden.
1573
01:17:18,968 --> 01:17:20,511
[ birds chirping ]
1574
01:17:20,511 --> 01:17:23,806
‐ In spring 1779,
1575
01:17:23,806 --> 01:17:27,101
Arnold sows the seeds
of betrayal
1576
01:17:27,101 --> 01:17:30,604
by making contact
with British intelligence.
1577
01:17:30,604 --> 01:17:33,566
‐ Arnold had sent a letter
to John André,
1578
01:17:33,566 --> 01:17:37,486
who was a British officer,
offered some information.
1579
01:17:37,486 --> 01:17:40,030
He was kind of ignored.
1580
01:17:40,030 --> 01:17:42,032
♪♪♪
1581
01:17:42,032 --> 01:17:43,951
‐ This just arrived for you.
1582
01:17:46,120 --> 01:17:48,914
‐ His wife, Peggy Shippen,
had been in Philadelphia
1583
01:17:48,914 --> 01:17:50,624
during the British occupation
1584
01:17:50,624 --> 01:17:53,377
and had been good friends
with John André.
1585
01:17:55,421 --> 01:17:57,214
‐ What does it say?
1586
01:17:57,214 --> 01:17:59,800
‐ Instructions.
[ clears throat ]
1587
01:17:59,800 --> 01:18:03,304
A list of things I would
have interest in,
1588
01:18:03,304 --> 01:18:05,389
and he wishes to meet
in person.
1589
01:18:05,389 --> 01:18:08,017
‐ Well, that is good, is it not?
1590
01:18:08,017 --> 01:18:10,269
Major André is a good man.
1591
01:18:10,269 --> 01:18:12,980
You can trust him.
‐ That is not what worries me.
1592
01:18:12,980 --> 01:18:14,773
‐ Then what?
1593
01:18:14,773 --> 01:18:16,942
‐ Dispatches, troop orders,
1594
01:18:16,942 --> 01:18:19,612
officer assignments,
and battle plans,
1595
01:18:19,612 --> 01:18:22,781
insights
into Washington himself‐‐
1596
01:18:22,781 --> 01:18:26,327
all these things I can provide
with certainty.
1597
01:18:26,327 --> 01:18:29,455
These are things other men
could provide as well.
1598
01:18:29,455 --> 01:18:32,166
If I'm to make this leak,
1599
01:18:32,166 --> 01:18:33,584
I must have assurances
of my position,
1600
01:18:33,584 --> 01:18:35,461
and that can only be guaranteed
1601
01:18:35,461 --> 01:18:38,756
by bringing with me something
no one else could deliver.
1602
01:18:38,756 --> 01:18:41,383
‐ And so Arnold started
navigating his way
1603
01:18:41,383 --> 01:18:43,761
to getting command
of West Point.
1604
01:18:43,761 --> 01:18:46,472
‐ [ exhales deeply ]
1605
01:18:46,472 --> 01:18:47,932
♪♪♪
1606
01:18:47,932 --> 01:18:50,476
‐ Located 50 miles north
of New York City,
1607
01:18:50,476 --> 01:18:54,188
West Point is a massive
fortification project.
1608
01:18:54,188 --> 01:18:56,523
Washington believes
its defenses
1609
01:18:56,523 --> 01:18:59,235
are the most important piece
of strategic real estate
1610
01:18:59,235 --> 01:19:02,154
in the patriot arsenal.
1611
01:19:02,154 --> 01:19:03,906
The key to keeping the British
1612
01:19:03,906 --> 01:19:06,492
from the goal they've been
unable to achieve
1613
01:19:06,492 --> 01:19:08,702
in three years of the war‐‐
1614
01:19:08,702 --> 01:19:11,830
total domination of the Hudson.
1615
01:19:11,830 --> 01:19:14,083
‐ If the British capture
West Point,
1616
01:19:14,083 --> 01:19:17,670
they may well be able to capture
the entire Hudson River
1617
01:19:17,670 --> 01:19:20,297
and decapitate the revolution.
1618
01:19:20,297 --> 01:19:24,218
‐ West Point is also key
to Washington's strategy
1619
01:19:24,218 --> 01:19:27,972
for an assault on
British‐occupied New York City.
1620
01:19:27,972 --> 01:19:30,391
The battle plan includes
a field command
1621
01:19:30,391 --> 01:19:32,810
for Benedict Arnold.
1622
01:19:32,810 --> 01:19:34,395
‐ And there's
an interesting moment
1623
01:19:34,395 --> 01:19:37,731
where he's finally offered
something of a promotion,
1624
01:19:37,731 --> 01:19:39,900
and he says,
1625
01:19:39,900 --> 01:19:42,695
"No, actually, I'd rather be
given command of West Point,"
1626
01:19:42,695 --> 01:19:45,406
which ultimately baffles
Washington like, "What?
1627
01:19:45,406 --> 01:19:47,324
"Like, if you're all
of this ambition,
1628
01:19:47,324 --> 01:19:49,076
"I'm giving you
a better position,
1629
01:19:49,076 --> 01:19:51,120
and you just wanna be
in charge of West Point?"
1630
01:19:51,120 --> 01:19:53,789
Now, of course, no one has
any reason to know
1631
01:19:53,789 --> 01:19:55,666
why he's doing that.
1632
01:19:55,666 --> 01:19:58,127
‐ By the time Washington agrees,
1633
01:19:58,127 --> 01:20:01,046
Arnold's already been sharing
secrets with the British
1634
01:20:01,046 --> 01:20:03,048
for more than a year.
1635
01:20:03,048 --> 01:20:05,926
But he stands to earn
20,000 pounds,
1636
01:20:05,926 --> 01:20:08,012
a lifetime pension,
1637
01:20:08,012 --> 01:20:09,930
and a British officer's
commission
1638
01:20:09,930 --> 01:20:13,726
if he can deliver West Point
which he plans to do
1639
01:20:13,726 --> 01:20:18,939
by sabotaging
the fort's defenses from within.
1640
01:20:18,939 --> 01:20:23,068
‐ And just as Arnold
is about to close the deal,
1641
01:20:23,068 --> 01:20:24,611
the plot is revealed.
1642
01:20:24,611 --> 01:20:26,488
‐ André has made his way
up the Hudson
1643
01:20:26,488 --> 01:20:28,615
for a secret meeting
with Arnold.
1644
01:20:28,615 --> 01:20:30,868
However,
André on his way back
1645
01:20:30,868 --> 01:20:32,953
is captured by some militia.
1646
01:20:32,953 --> 01:20:35,706
People begin to realize
something is up.
1647
01:20:35,706 --> 01:20:39,209
‐ When Arnold's betrayal
is discovered,
1648
01:20:39,209 --> 01:20:42,755
Washington and his immediate
staff are headed to Arnold
1649
01:20:42,755 --> 01:20:43,839
to his home.
1650
01:20:43,839 --> 01:20:46,175
So, Arnold flees.
1651
01:20:46,175 --> 01:20:48,927
And little by little,
these letters are coming in
1652
01:20:48,927 --> 01:20:51,889
that are revealing
to Washington and his staff
1653
01:20:51,889 --> 01:20:53,849
that Arnold has betrayed
the nation.
1654
01:20:53,849 --> 01:20:55,893
He's committed treason.
He's turned to the British.
1655
01:20:55,893 --> 01:20:59,772
♪♪♪
1656
01:20:59,772 --> 01:21:02,232
‐ You are going to want
to see this.
1657
01:21:02,232 --> 01:21:04,443
‐ A British intelligence officer
was captured this morning.
1658
01:21:04,443 --> 01:21:07,988
‐ This was found hidden
in his boot.
1659
01:21:07,988 --> 01:21:09,448
‐ Traitorous bastard.
1660
01:21:09,448 --> 01:21:11,408
‐ Much as the action sickens
as we are
1661
01:21:11,408 --> 01:21:15,371
fortunate to have discovered all
the plot now and not later.
1662
01:21:15,371 --> 01:21:18,791
‐ Another week, and we would
have lost West Point.
1663
01:21:18,791 --> 01:21:21,293
‐ We will make him pay.
Believe me.
1664
01:21:21,293 --> 01:21:23,379
‐ He could not have gotten far.
1665
01:21:23,379 --> 01:21:25,297
‐ I will take
our best trackers.
1666
01:21:25,297 --> 01:21:27,883
You need only say the word.
1667
01:21:28,759 --> 01:21:30,386
‐ Sir?
1668
01:21:32,554 --> 01:21:34,014
‐ Sir?
1669
01:21:36,100 --> 01:21:38,602
‐ Go.
1670
01:21:38,602 --> 01:21:41,563
Get him.
1671
01:21:41,563 --> 01:21:43,190
Now.
1672
01:21:45,025 --> 01:21:49,988
[ footsteps depart ]
1673
01:21:49,988 --> 01:21:52,116
‐ On the next "Washington"...
1674
01:21:52,116 --> 01:21:56,620
‐ The treason of Arnold is
a lightning bolt for Americans.
1675
01:21:56,620 --> 01:21:59,289
‐ Burn it all.
‐ Everybody wants him dead.
1676
01:21:59,289 --> 01:22:00,916
♪♪♪
1677
01:22:00,916 --> 01:22:03,377
‐ We expected to risk
our lives for free?
1678
01:22:03,377 --> 01:22:04,753
‐ No.
‐ No.
1679
01:22:04,753 --> 01:22:06,463
‐ Mutiny is like a virus.
1680
01:22:06,463 --> 01:22:08,465
It will infect
the whole organization.
1681
01:22:08,465 --> 01:22:11,593
‐ [ all shout indistinctly ]
1682
01:22:11,593 --> 01:22:14,972
‐ Force the soldiers back
into line. Execute the leader.
1683
01:22:14,972 --> 01:22:16,348
‐ Fire!
1684
01:22:16,348 --> 01:22:18,976
[ explosions ]
1685
01:22:18,976 --> 01:22:21,478
‐ History is written
by the winners.
1686
01:22:21,478 --> 01:22:23,522
‐ Increase our bombardment.
1687
01:22:23,522 --> 01:22:25,899
We can't allow the British
to rebuild their fortifications.
1688
01:22:25,899 --> 01:22:27,192
‐ [ shouts indistinctly ]
1689
01:22:27,192 --> 01:22:29,278
‐ Yorktown is really
the culmination
1690
01:22:29,278 --> 01:22:31,321
of Washington as a leader.
1691
01:22:31,321 --> 01:22:33,949
‐ [ men yelling ]
‐ I do solemnly swear...
1692
01:22:33,949 --> 01:22:35,951
‐ When he assumes
the presidency,
1693
01:22:35,951 --> 01:22:37,911
he has everything to lose.
1694
01:22:37,911 --> 01:22:41,665
‐ I did not want this.
1695
01:22:41,665 --> 01:22:44,042
‐ The really critical editors
would deliver three copies
1696
01:22:44,042 --> 01:22:46,920
of their paper
just to piss him off.
1697
01:22:46,920 --> 01:22:48,839
‐ Good! I should rather be
in my grave
1698
01:22:48,839 --> 01:22:50,716
than be made emperor
of this world!
1699
01:22:50,716 --> 01:22:52,843
‐ He decided to step down
after two terms
1700
01:22:52,843 --> 01:22:55,345
because that's not
what dictators do.
1701
01:22:55,345 --> 01:22:57,723
It's just as revolutionary
as the war itself.
1702
01:22:57,723 --> 01:23:00,476
♪♪♪
127360
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