Nearly 250 years after the American Revolution transformed the world, its questions and lessons continue to shape conversations about leadership, citizenship and the American experience.
In “Revolutionary Reflections with Rick Atkinson,” airing Tuesday, July 14, at 6:30 p.m. on Arkansas TV, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author Rick Atkinson joins “Arkansas Week” host Steve Barnes for a thoughtful discussion about the Revolution, the people behind America’s founding and why that history remains relevant today.
Drawing from his acclaimed Revolution Trilogy, Atkinson shares insights into the research, storytelling and historical discoveries behind his work – including his efforts to look beyond familiar myths and reveal the complex, deeply human stories of figures such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.
The conversation explores how a group of colonists facing overwhelming odds challenged the world’s most powerful military and ultimately changed the course of history.
“The Americans had to not lose for eight years, whereas the British had to win.” – Atkinson
Atkinson explains that the Revolution was not defined simply by battlefield victories, but by endurance, uncertainty and the ability to persevere through extraordinary challenges.
As one of the historians featured in the Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt documentary “The American Revolution,” Atkinson brings a unique perspective on both the events themselves and the challenge of bringing the Revolutionary era to life for modern audiences.
Throughout the conversation, Atkinson discusses why history matters, how Americans understand their shared story and why studying the past can help inform decisions about the future. He also reflects on his decades-long career writing about war and conflict, from Vietnam to World War II and the American Revolution and why he believes history should be told honestly rather than romantically.
“The revolution remains a bright mirror in which we see characteristics of the American character.” – Atkinson
The program also connects with this year’s “If All Arkansas Read the Same Book” selection from the Arkansas Center for the Book. Arkansans are invited to explore Atkinson’s “The Fate of the Day,” the second volume in his planned three-part history of the American Revolution, through local libraries statewide and digitally through the Libby app.
Atkinson’s conversation with Barnes offers viewers more than a look back at America’s founding – it provides an opportunity to consider how the choices, struggles and ideals of the Revolutionary era continue to influence the country today.
Corporate funding for “The American Revolution” was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment, Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for “The American Revolution” was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. “The American Revolution” was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
HOW TO WATCH
Watch “Revolutionary Reflections with Rick Atkinson” on Tuesday, July 14, at 6:30 p.m. or watch on demand at any time at YouTube.com/@arkansastv.
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Learn more at arkansastv.gov/america250.