The American Revolution, Episode 2: An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)

The American Revolution, a landmark documentary by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, examines how our nation’s founding was at once a war for independence, a civil war, and a world war that impacted millions. We are pleased to present screenings of all six episodes in their entirety for America 250.  

Episode Two: An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776) 

Delegates from all thirteen colonies convene for the Second Continental Congress at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia. The representatives remain divided — some hopeful for reconciliation with Britain, others increasingly committed to permanent separation. 

In the north, Patriot forces led by Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen capture Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain after the British garrison surrenders without resistance. Soon after, Congress officially forms the Continental Army and appoints George Washington as Commander-in-Chief.  

The British launch repeated assaults on Patriot positions at Breed’s Hill and Bunker Hill outside the city of Boston. The British eventually seize the high ground and drive the Patriots from the Charlestown Peninsula, but they suffer heavy casualties — nearly 40% of their troops are killed or wounded in the Battle of Bunker Hill.