The American revolution was never going to deliver freedom or economic equality for women, enslaved africans and people who didn't have property. And i think it's important to really kind of confront that and drag the founding out of this glorious light if you really want see somebody's underlying economic and white supremisis relations. But even more importantly, what this shows us is the way the black freedom has always meant pushing beyond national identity and patriotism and some idea of being a good citizen.
In the American Revolution, the men who revolted were among the wealthiest and most comfortable people in the colonies. What kind of revolution was it, anyway? Was it about a desire to establish democracy—or something else?
By producer/host John Biewen with series collaborator Chenjerai Kumanyika. Interviews with Davy Arch, Barbara Duncan, Rob Shenk, and Woody Holton. Edited by Loretta Williams.
Music by Algiers, John Erik Kaada, Eric Neveux, and Lucas Biewen. Music consulting and production help from Joe Augustine of Narrative Music.