Ken Burns on how the American Revolution "turned the world upside down"
Summary
Filmmaker Ken Burns said the American Revolution was a major event that changed the world by creating the idea of a citizen with rights. He explained that before the revolution, people were mostly subjects ruled by others, but the Declaration of Independence introduced ideas about equality and rights that influenced many revolutions worldwide.Key Facts
- Ken Burns calls the American Revolution one of the most important events in world history.
- The revolution created the new concept of a "citizen," rather than just a subject under a ruler.
- The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776.
- It introduced the idea that "all men are created equal" and have basic rights.
- These ideas inspired many revolutions around the world over the next 200 years.
- Burns’ new film, "The American Revolution," will air on PBS on November 16.
- The Declaration initially did not include women, poor people, Black Americans, or Native Americans, but its ideas have inspired broader inclusion over time.
- Burns believes understanding the complex stories of American history helps all people relate to the country’s past.
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