Haym Salomon is not a name you typically hear in the context of the American Revolution, but it should be. Wars are run on money, and the American Revolution was nearly lost for the lack of it. When Washington was unable to finance the basic needs of his troops, he turned to Jewish financier Haym Salomon for help. Salomon offered not only to raise money but to give all that he … [Read more...]
July 4th, Independence Day: Eight Short Films
July 4th, Independence Day, is America's annual celebration commemorating its Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Cato Institute has a nice explanation as to why this is such a libertarian holiday: "The libertarian vision is in the Declaration of Independence: we are all created equal; no one ought to have any special rights and privileges in his social relations … [Read more...]
Sons of Liberty (2015)
A group of young men–Sam Adams, John Adams, Paul Revere, John Hancock and Dr. Joseph Warren–secretly join together to oppose British domination, and end up sparking the American Revolution. [ Sons of Liberty credits: Dir: Kari Skogland/ Ben Barnes, Marton Csokas, Ryan Eggold/ 87 min/ Drama, History/ American Revolution, Resistance to Tyranny] For history to be kept … [Read more...]
America: Imagine the World Without Her (2014)
Dinesh D'Souza challenges the Left's dominant anti-American narrative -- that America was built on plunder and conquest -- by revealing that the country's true story is one of unprecedented triumph over humanity's plunder-and-conquest history. [ America: Imagine the World Without Her credits: Dir: Dinesh D'Souza, John Sullivan/ 103 min/ Documentary/ American revolution, … [Read more...]
The Patriot (2000)
In response to British atrocities, a war hero reluctantly joins in the American Revolution. [ The Patriot credits: Dir: Roland Emmerich/ Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Joely Richardson/ 164min/ Action-Adventure/ American Revolution] This is primarily a film about family loyalty and about war per se, and only secondarily one about the American Revolutionary War. Nonetheless, … [Read more...]
Thomas Jefferson (1997)
The story of Thomas Jefferson’s life, his contributions to liberty, and his personal pursuits of happiness. Biographical. [ Thomas Jefferson credits: Dir: Ken Burns/ 180 min/ Documentary-Educational, Biography/ American Revolution, Libertarian Heroes] Trailer not available but full documentary often available on YouTube or Vimeo. Thomas Jefferson was no doubt a … [Read more...]
Liberty! The American Revolution (1997)
WINNER: TOP 25 LIBERTARIAN DOCUMENTARIES A six-part documentary series on the American Revolution. [ Liberty! The American Revolution credits: Dir: Ellen Hovde, Muffie Meyer / 360 min/ Documentary-Educational/ American Revolution, Libertarian Heroes, Right to Secede] Note: the full documentary can typically be found online via YouTube or Google search. This PBS … [Read more...]
George Washington: The Man Who Wouldn’t Be King (1992)
WINNER: TOP 25 LIBERTARIAN DOCUMENTARIES The story of George Washington and his pivotal role in the American Revolution is told in this moving documentary. [ George Washington: The Man Who Wouldn’t Be King credits: Dir: David Sutherland/ 60 min/ Documentary-Educational, Biography/ American Revolution] No trailer available. Note: the full documentary can typically be found … [Read more...]
1776 (1972)
WINNER: TOP 25 LIBERTARIAN FILMS The Founding Fathers declare American independence from Britain. [ 1776 credits: Dir: Peter H. Hunt/ William Daniels, Howard da Silva, Ken Howard/ 141 min/ Musical-Dance, Drama/ American Revolution, Libertarian Heroes, Right to Secede] This musical story of the Declaration of Independence dramatizes some of the important essentials … [Read more...]
The Swamp Fox (1959-1961)
This eight-episode Disney series is a tribute to Revolutionary War military hero Francis Marion, renowned for his lightning surprise attacks, who frustrated British efforts to control the South. [ The Swamp Fox credits: Dir: Harry Keller/ Leslie Nielsen, John Sutton, Joy Page/ 102 min/ Action-Adventure/ American revolution, Resistance to tyranny] External Reviews "The … [Read more...]