The Founding Fathers

On an icy, unforgiving Christmas night in 1776, General George Washington leads his troops across the treacherous Delaware River -- a bold decision that will become a turning point in the American Revolution.

The story of how the Founding Fathers grappled with the task of actually making a theoretical democratic government into a reality. Based on the book by Joseph Ellis.

The story of how the Founding Fathers grappled with the task of actually making a theoretical democratic government into a reality. Based on the book by Joseph Ellis.

Part 1 of a documentary series presenting the flesh-and-blood men behind early American legends examines the political agitation of the early 1770s and how a group of loyal British citizens was driven to commit treason

Part 2 sees pockets of discontent grow as patriots argue among themselves at meetings of the First and Second Continental Congress.

Part 3 looks at the toll on the patriots as undeclared war simmers for a year, peace talks fail, and the Declaration of Independence is debated, written, and issued.