The Revolution

Faced with escalating controversies and conflicts, the American colonists are forced to act. Some of the major political players of the rebellion are introduced as a Continental Congress convenes

As rebellion escalates into war, the Continental Congress establishes an army and appoints George Washington to Commander-in-Chief. When the army surrounds the British troops in Boston, Britain sends additional troops and its three best generals. In spite of these tactics, the Continental Army's assault forces the British troops and loyalists to flee the city.

Finally, in 1776, noble ideas and long-desired dreams are realized as the Declaration of Independence is signed and America is born. Yet many dark and devastating struggles lay ahead, and few Americans trust that the glorious cause will survive.

As the new nation begins to realize that all its efforts may have been for naught, a desperate and determined General George Washington gambles on a brillant - yet dangerously daring - design in order to save his army and America itself.

As the American situation reaches desperation, Bejamin Franklin descends on Paris and talks the French into joining the fight against Britain. Meanwhile, British General William Howe badly defeats George Washington's troops at the Battle of Brandywine. To the North, American general Horatio Gates takes the Battle of Saratoga, thereby convincing France to enter the fight.

General Washington's losses continue, and some in Congress begin to question his leadership. Washington's immediate concern, however, is for the health and security of his ragged, starving, and slowly dwindling army.