"The American Revolution," A Documentary Film | Why the British Lost the War for American Independence

Join us for "The American Revolution," a six-part documentary film series presented in partnership with WETA PBS, featuring expert talks followed by screenings of the acclaimed film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. Each event will delve into a unique theme of the Revolutionary War. On August 6, Dr. Porter Blakemore from the University of Mary Washington will explore the question: How did Britain, the most powerful Atlantic maritime power of the 18th century, lose to a disparate group of colonial plantation owners, backwoodsmen, and city merchants? Despite having triumphed over France in the French and Indian War fifteen years earlier, the British were unable to replicate their success against the American patriots. This engaging session will discuss whether their defeat stemmed from British incompetence, American talent, luck, or a combination of all these factors. Following Dr. Blakemore's lecture, attendees are invited to enjoy a 60-minute screening of "The American Revolution," which focuses on the American military during the conflict. Dr. Blakemore brings extensive expertise in military history and European diplomatic history to the discussion, having established his career at Mary Washington since 1979.