Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
America is obsessed with freedom. And a good story. Since the United States founding, we've enjoyed the narrative that America has always stood as a bastion of liberty. It's a good story...if it were entirely true. In this audio special from WMHT Public Media and PBS, we explore the hidden history behind America's quest for freedom. Produced in companion to KEN BURNS'S THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction: The American Obsession with Freedom
02:10 The Founders' Oligarchy & Class Distinctions
04:12 New York Aristocrats & Early Voting Restrictions
06:21 Black Suffrage & Legal Backlash in New York
07:32 Lemuel Haynes & "Liberty Extended"
11:18 Nuance, Compromise, & Slavery's Preservation
12:41 Shays' Rebellion: Economic Crisis & Veteran Resistance
17:42 Ideological Splits & Treatment of War Veterans
18:42 Women's Rights & Property Laws
20:41 Conclusion: Living Up to the Promise
Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Promotional material for Defining Freedom includes footage from Field Trip Visits the American Revolution and The Library of Congress.
MUSIC CREDIT
From The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi
Live, Unedited performance
Wiedemann Recital Hall, Wichita State University
John Harrison – Violin | Robert Turizziani – Conductor
The Wichita State University Chamber Players
johnharrison.cc
America is obsessed with freedom. And a good story. Since the United States founding, we've enjoyed the narrative that America has always stood as a bastion of liberty. It's a good story...if it were entirely true. In this audio special from WMHT Public Media and PBS, we explore the hidden history behind America's quest for freedom. Produced in companion to KEN BURNS'S THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction: The American Obsession with Freedom
02:10 The Founders' Oligarchy & Class Distinctions
04:12 New York Aristocrats & Early Voting Restrictions
06:21 Black Suffrage & Legal Backlash in New York
07:32 Lemuel Haynes & "Liberty Extended"
11:18 Nuance, Compromise, & Slavery's Preservation
12:41 Shays' Rebellion: Economic Crisis & Veteran Resistance
17:42 Ideological Splits & Treatment of War Veterans
18:42 Women's Rights & Property Laws
20:41 Conclusion: Living Up to the Promise
Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Promotional material for Defining Freedom includes footage from Field Trip Visits the American Revolution and The Library of Congress.
MUSIC CREDIT
From The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi
Live, Unedited performance
Wiedemann Recital Hall, Wichita State University
John Harrison – Violin | Robert Turizziani – Conductor
The Wichita State University Chamber Players
johnharrison.cc
