In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)

8.3/10 · 477 votesNov 16, 2025116 min

Ranked #1 of 6 in Season 1•+0.2 vs season avg

Opposition in colonial North America to British policies over taxes, land and sovereignty escalates into violent confrontation; war gives 13 colonies a common cause.

Season 1 Episodes6

E1 8.3Now viewing

In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)

E2 8.2

An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)

E3 8.1

The Times That Try Men's Souls (July 1776 – January 1777)

E4 8.1

Conquer by a Drawn Game (January 1777 – February 1778)

E5 7.9

The Soul of All America (December 1777 – May 1780)

E6 8.2

The Most Sacred Thing (May 1780 – Onward)

Cast1

Peter Coyote

Narrator (voice)

Crew5

Jacquelyn Chin

Assistant Sound Editor

Sarah Botstein

Director

Ken Burns

Director

David P. Schmidt

Director

Geoffrey C. Ward

Writer

Discussion

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Episode Summary

"In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)" is episode 1 of The American Revolution season 1. It scored 8.3/10 from 477 votes, ranking #1 of 6 episodes this season (season average 8.1). Directed by Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt and written by Geoffrey C. Ward, it aired on November 16, 2025.

In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)

Seasons1

Season 1 Episodes6

Cast1

Crew5

Discussion

Episode Summary