A lesser-known chapter in American history is being shed light by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, who has unveiled a new series that delves into the lives of some 200 historical figures often overlooked in traditional accounts of the Revolutionary War. The "American Revolution" docuseries, which premiered last Sunday, promises to bring forth a diverse cast of characters, many of whom played pivotal roles in shaping the nation's early history.
In Philadelphia and South Jersey, several individuals left their mark on the fight for independence. Take James Parker, a printer from Woodbridge, New Jersey, who collaborated with Benjamin Franklin and was instrumental in spreading dissent against British rule through his printing press. Parker's work helped establish colonial periodicals like the Connecticut Gazette, which critiqued the 1765 Stamp Act, including a famous broadside featuring Franklin's iconic "Join or Die" cartoon.
On the other side of the ideological spectrum stands Hannah Griffitts, a Quaker poet who rallied colonial women to join the cause with her stirring words. Her 1768 poem "The Female Patriots" urges Americans to resist British rule and emphasizes the importance of standing firm against tyranny. Griffitts' powerful verse continues to inspire readers even in these tumultuous times.
Yet another lesser-known figure from this period is Nicholas Collin, a Swedish minister who found himself torn between his loyalty to Sweden and his commitment to America's cause during the Revolutionary War. His attempt to navigate this treacherous landscape ultimately led to him being taken prisoner by American forces, though he eventually negotiated an amended oath of allegiance.
Last but certainly not least, we have James Forten, a young boy who grew up to become a passionate abolitionist and patriot in his own right. Despite facing the complexities of racial identity during this tumultuous period, Forten remained steadfast in his devotion to America's principles. His family would go on to play a significant role in the fight against slavery, including the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society, which lobbied politicians and helped enslaved individuals achieve freedom.
Through these stories and many more, Ken Burns' "American Revolution" series paints a vibrant portrait of a nation forged in the fires of revolution, with all its attendant complexities and triumphs.
In Philadelphia and South Jersey, several individuals left their mark on the fight for independence. Take James Parker, a printer from Woodbridge, New Jersey, who collaborated with Benjamin Franklin and was instrumental in spreading dissent against British rule through his printing press. Parker's work helped establish colonial periodicals like the Connecticut Gazette, which critiqued the 1765 Stamp Act, including a famous broadside featuring Franklin's iconic "Join or Die" cartoon.
On the other side of the ideological spectrum stands Hannah Griffitts, a Quaker poet who rallied colonial women to join the cause with her stirring words. Her 1768 poem "The Female Patriots" urges Americans to resist British rule and emphasizes the importance of standing firm against tyranny. Griffitts' powerful verse continues to inspire readers even in these tumultuous times.
Yet another lesser-known figure from this period is Nicholas Collin, a Swedish minister who found himself torn between his loyalty to Sweden and his commitment to America's cause during the Revolutionary War. His attempt to navigate this treacherous landscape ultimately led to him being taken prisoner by American forces, though he eventually negotiated an amended oath of allegiance.
Last but certainly not least, we have James Forten, a young boy who grew up to become a passionate abolitionist and patriot in his own right. Despite facing the complexities of racial identity during this tumultuous period, Forten remained steadfast in his devotion to America's principles. His family would go on to play a significant role in the fight against slavery, including the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society, which lobbied politicians and helped enslaved individuals achieve freedom.
Through these stories and many more, Ken Burns' "American Revolution" series paints a vibrant portrait of a nation forged in the fires of revolution, with all its attendant complexities and triumphs.
This docuseries is long overdue, it's time we shed light on the unsung heroes of American history 
. I think it's fascinating to see how different ideologies were represented during the Revolutionary War, from James Parker's dissenting views to Hannah Griffitts' powerful poetry, it humanizes this period in history and shows us that not everyone was a patriot 
. The complexity of Nicholas Collin's situation is also intriguing, being caught between loyalty to Sweden and his American commitments. And then there's James Forten's story, which highlights the struggles of racial identity during this time. It's heartening to see how his family continued to fight for abolition and freedom 
. Ken Burns has done an excellent job in bringing these stories to life 
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I'm so over how often we hear about Washington and Franklin when it comes to the American Revolution! Like, don't get me wrong, they were def part of the crew, but what about the people who actually did the grinding work behind the scenes? I mean, James Parker was literally printing revolutionary propaganda in his basement?! And Hannah Griffitts' poem "The Female Patriots" is EVERYTHING. I need more stories like these to balance out the traditional narratives that always seem to center around the founding fathers. Let's give it up for the unsung heroes of American history! 
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These stories are like, totally refreshing! 
It's like, we've been learning about the Founding Fathers and George Washington in school, but what about these other guys who actually made a difference? James Parker was totes ahead of his time with that printing press 
, and Hannah Griffitts' poem is giving me all the feels 
. And Nicholas Collin's story is like, so tragic and heroic at the same time 
. I'm loving how Ken Burns is shedding light on these lesser-known figures who helped shape America's history. It's like, totally refreshing to see a different side of the Revolutionary War 
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. I'm definitely gonna go watch the rest of the series now, can't wait to hear more about these fascinating characters 
. I mean, we've always known about George Washington and Ben Franklin, but what about James Parker? The guy was like a one-man press operation, spreading dissent against the Brits left and right 
. And lastly, James Forten... what a hero 
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. I mean, who's James Parker, really? 
That dude's got some serious drama going on.
. His family played such a significant role in the fight against slavery, it's wild 
. Can't wait to check it out! 
it's like we're finally gettin' the full story on these unsung heroes who helped shape our nation. I mean, James Parker was a total underdog, but his printing press was instrumental in spreadin' dissent against the Brits 
it's crazy to think she was speakin' truth to power back then. And can we talk about Nicholas Collin for a sec? The dude was caught between two worlds, but his story's still relevant today 
. It's also amazing to see how James Forten's family played a role in the abolitionist movement - it's like our history's full of these hidden narratives waitin' to be uncovered 
. Like, what's next? A series on the Founding Fathers' favorite snacks or something? And don't even get me started on how they're portraying Hannah Griffitts as this ultimate female hero. Newsflash: she was just one poet among many women who were probably way more radical than she ever was 
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. And Nicholas Collin being taken prisoner by American forces? That's just basic espionage stuff 
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. Don't get me wrong, Hannah Griffitts' poem "The Female Patriots" sounds inspiring and all, but is it really worth a whole episode? 
. Parker, Griffitts, Collin, and Forten are all fascinating characters that show the diversity and complexity of the Revolutionary era. I mean, who knew a printer from New Jersey was collaborating with Ben Franklin? 
but also super depressing think about how much ppl r being left out of histories 200+ historical figs and no one's ever talkin bout dem 
being taken prisoner by americans and then having to negotiate his loyalty 
meanwhile, nathan collin's situation is like, super complicated 
, how did he balance being a patriot with fighting against slavery? can't wait to learn more about these characters and their stories 
. And have you seen James Forten's legacy? The Philly Female Anti-Slavery Society is still fighting for freedom and equality today! 
. I mean, we're skipping over the parts where colonialism was straight up brutal to indigenous peoples? The "American Revolution" didn't exactly start out as a beautiful beacon of freedom for all, you know? And what about the lack of representation for people of color like Forten? It's gonna be all rainbows and sunshine with this docuseries 
. I'm worried they're gonna gloss over the messy parts of American history instead of actually digging into it.