The Revolution: 3. Declaring Independence

The History Channel episode focuses on the summer of 1776. Two big events happen that summer, the first being the drafting, passing and then signing the Declaration of Independence. Almost immediately following this act the British fleet, which has amassed in New York Harbor, fires on the colonist in New York as a show of force. The British troops disembark on Staten Island and then defeat Washington's army. All is not lost, with a stroke of good luck, Washington's army is able to ferry across a narrow passage of water, avoiding being crushed by the British.