The Incoherence of Ken Burns's "The American Revolution"

Ken Burns's documentary, "The American Revolution," presents a multifaceted narrative that intertwines traditional military history with the experiences of American slaves and Native Americans. The film argues that the American Revolution was not a unifying event but rather a civil war characterized by conflict and division among various groups. This perspective challenges the conventional view of the Revolution as a harmonious struggle for independence.

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The documentary is structured around three overlapping narratives: the military efforts of the Patriots, the struggles of enslaved Americans seeking freedom, and the resistance of Native Americans against encroaching sovereignty. Burns posits that these conflicting stories illustrate a broader truth about American history: it is marked by oppression and violence among its own people. The film suggests that understanding this complexity is essential to grasping the true nature of the American Revolution.

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While Burns's storytelling is visually compelling and honors the sacrifices of the Patriots, critics argue that the film lacks clarity regarding the ultimate purpose of the Revolution. The documentary's portrayal of the Patriot cause is described as vague and noncommittal, failing to articulate what the sacrifices were ultimately for. This ambiguity is highlighted in the historian Jane Kamensky's commentary, which some view as lacking substance.

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The documentary concludes with a sobering reflection on the aftermath of the Revolution. It notes that the peace treaty with Great Britain did not address the rights of enslaved individuals or Native Americans, leading to further oppression for these groups. The film emphasizes that the promises of freedom and sovereignty made during the Revolution were largely unfulfilled, particularly for those who fought alongside the Patriots.

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Critics of the documentary argue that it misrepresents the Founders' legacy by intertwining their achievements with contemporary identity politics. They contend that Burns's narrative attempts to critique the Founders while simultaneously invoking their ideals to address modern political issues. This duality raises questions about the coherence of the documentary's message regarding American ideals and historical realities.

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There is a notable tension in the documentary's portrayal of the American Revolution. While it acknowledges the significant achievements of the Founders in establishing a constitutional republic, it simultaneously critiques their failures regarding equality and justice. This duality leaves viewers grappling with the question of whether to celebrate the Revolution as a triumph or to view it as a precursor to ongoing struggles for justice.

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• “the Revolution is not over.” — Ken Burns

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• “The world would never be the same.” — Narrator

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• “For them, “there would be no peace.” — Narrator on Native Americans

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• “Jefferson clearly didn’t take that seriously as a slaveholder, but I do. And I think it’s incumbent on all of us to take those words from Jefferson, and make them real in our own lives even if they weren’t real in his.” — Historian

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In summary, Ken Burns's "The American Revolution" presents a complex and often contradictory narrative that reflects the ongoing debates about American identity and history. The documentary's exploration of the Revolution's multifaceted legacy invites viewers to reconsider the foundational myths of the nation amidst its historical realities.

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