Featuring dramatic readings from letters and diaries of the period plus live-action re-creations, this compelling series traces the events leading up to the war and America's fight for freedom. In 1763, the French have left and America is at peace under British rule. But dissension is mounting, signified by the Boston Tea Party and publication of Tom Paine's book, Common Sense. Follow the course of revolution as George Washington assumes leadership, Benjamin Franklin goes to France seeking support, and ordinary Americans come together in a conflict that will forge a new nation.

Titles of the individual episodes are: "The Reluctant Revolutionaries," "Blows must Decide," "The Times that Try Men's Souls," "Oh, Fatal Ambition," and "The World Turned Upside Down," "Are We to be a Nation?"