Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns recently highlighted the American Revolution as a pivotal moment in history. His latest work, “The American Revolution,” delves into the era through various narratives. While often celebrated, the documentary notably omits critical Catholic perspectives that once played a significant role during this time.
Documentary Overview
Burns collaborated with Sarah Botstein and David P. Schmidt to bring this project to life, which began in 2015. The production is supported by PBS, noted for its commitment to long-term projects. The documentary showcases a total of 12 hours of storytelling, intertwining historic maps, music, and re-enactments.
Narrative Techniques
Utilizing both established and emerging historians, the narrative is enriched by voices such as Bernard Bailyn and Joseph Ellis. Familiar narrators like Peter Coyote and Morgan Freeman lend their talents, enhancing the emotional weight of the storytelling.
Important Historical Context
The documentary begins by acknowledging the Indigenous peoples who inhabited North America long before European settlers arrived. It explores the colonial expansion and its impact on Native communities, particularly after the French and Indian War.
Absence of Key Catholic Narratives
One critical aspect omitted from Burns’s documentary is the Catholic delegation’s efforts to win support from French Canada during the Revolution. In 1775, drafts of the Articles of Confederation sought to include British colonies and Ireland. General George Washington even prohibited Continental troops from engaging in anti-Catholic celebrations.
- Key Events:
- 1775: Washington’s mandate during Guy Fawkes Day.
- 1776: Franklin and Rev. John Carroll’s failed mission to Montreal.
This exclusion diminishes the broader narrative, particularly the influence of Catholic figures like Rev. John Carroll, who later became a key leader in the Catholic Church in America.
Catholic Experiences During the Revolution
By the 18th century, Catholics represented about 1% of the population in the colonies. Despite restrictions, the Catholic community was slowly expanding, aided by figures like the Quakers in Pennsylvania, who fostered religious tolerance.
Complexity of Revolutionary Narratives
The documentary aims to present a comprehensive view of the American Revolution, addressing social history alongside military events. It examines the varied experiences of different groups, such as the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, which faced internal divisions amid the conflict.
- Key Groups Included:
- Indigenous Peoples
- Enslaved Africans
- Catholics
The Revolution also had significant implications for enslaved individuals, with many seeking freedom by aligning with British forces, which offered a different form of opportunity compared to their American counterparts.
Conclusion and Legacy
The series concludes with the aftermath of the Revolution, highlighting the challenges of establishing a stable government. This serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to achieve the ideals set forth during this tumultuous period.
Ultimately, Ken Burns’s “The American Revolution” stands as an important exploration of a foundational moment in U.S. history, but its narrative could benefit from a richer inclusion of Catholic and other marginalized perspectives to fully capture the complexity of the era.
