America250 Documentary Film Series
June 18 & 23: The American Revolution: The Soul of All America (December 1777 - May 1780) - Contd.
This episode spans December 1777 to May 1780, a period of intense hardship and strategic change. The Continental Army, led by George Washington, endures a harsh winter at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, with severe shortages of food, clothing, and supplies. Morale is low, and there are rumors of mutiny. Washington slowly stabilizes the army with the help of General Nathanael Greene as quartermaster and General Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben as drillmaster.
In the North, General Henry Clinton replaces William Howe as British commander-in-chief. Clinton’s orders to abandon Philadelphia force a retreat to New York, diverting British forces from the continent. The French entry into the war changes the strategic landscape, pushing Britain to redeploy troops.
Washington and the Americans follow the British into New Jersey, culminating in the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse in June 1778. The battle is inconclusive — the British withdraw, but the Americans hold the field — and both sides claim victory.
In the South, the British launch a Southern Strategy to regain control of the colonies. The first coordinated French-American operation, the assault on Newport, Rhode Island, fails due to poor timing and storm damage to the French fleet.
June 25 & 30th: Ken Burns “The American Revolution: The Most Sacred Thing”
July 2: Happy 250th Birthday, America Party!
All events will take place at the Downtown Library, 413 SE 4th in Amarillo. Doors will open at 5 PM. Events will start at 5:30 PM and films will be followed by a brief discussion. Events will end by 7 PM. Light refreshments provided.
Partners include Panhandle PBS, Friends of the Amarillo Public Library, the Amarillo Public Library, as well as:
Amarillo Genealogical Society
Palo Duro Chapter, Daughters of the Republic of Texas
Esther McCrory Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR)
Molly Goodnight Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR)
Panhandle Plains Chapter, National Society Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR)
Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
