Liberty: The American Revolution (Episode 2)

“Blows Must Decide” 1774-1776

A total break from Great Britain remains hard for Americans to imagine, even after shots are fired at Lexington and Concord. Words push matters “over the edge” in 1776. Paine’s influential pamphlet Common Sense argues that it’s the natural right of men to govern themselves. The Declaration of Independence declares this same idea a “self-evident” truth. For Americans, there’s no looking back. There will be war with England...