Part 1 of a documentary series presenting the flesh-and-blood men behind early American legends examines the political agitation of the early 1770s and a group of loyal British citizens driven to commit treason.

Join the first sessions of the Continental Congress and witness the battles of Lexington and Concord, the election of Washington as Commander of the Army, and publication of "Common Sense".

After undeclared war simmers for a year and peace talks fail, the Declaration of Independence is debated, written, and issued.