Ken Burns Discusses His New Documentary on America’s Divisions

Director Ken Burns shared that his upcoming documentary illustrates how America has been sharply divided since its inception. He believes that the narrative of the revolution, much like the conflict itself, may help “bring ‘us’ back to America.”

“Back then, we were pretty divided,” Burns remarked. He reflects on the events leading to the War of Independence in the 1770s.

“This wasn’t just about rebelling against Britain. It was also a civil conflict involving those loyal to Britain, as well as a global war with many European nations and Native American tribes. It’s a complex narrative,” the renowned filmmaker stated.

This intricate history is the focus of Burns’ new six-part series, “The American Revolution.” The 12-hour series, which Burns created and directed alongside Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, features writing by Jeffrey Ward and is set to debut on PBS on November 16, airing over six consecutive nights.

“It’s a vibrant tale, really. It’s reminiscent of the gripping stories we often hear, but, importantly, it’s all rooted in truth. As we approach our 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, understanding our origin story becomes even more vital,” he explained.

Burns noted that the series could serve as a valuable resource for those grappling with today’s divisions.

The journey to bring “The American Revolution” to life spanned nearly a decade and included an A-list cast portraying historical figures, featuring Tom Hanks, Samuel L. Jackson, Claire Danes, Morgan Freeman, and Meryl Streep.

“We began working on this in December 2015—when Barack Obama was still president—and we’ve seen it through Trump’s first term, then Biden’s, and now we’re on the cusp of Trump’s second term,” Burns, 72, recounted.

“Questions about our governance and the balance of power have consistently plagued Americans in times of significant division,” he added. “It’s healthy to discuss these issues, as we see in the film how they were debated during the summer of 1787 at the Constitutional Convention.”

In 2016, Burns shifted from his previously maintained “conscious neutrality” to address his concerns regarding then-candidate Donald Trump.

While he didn’t mention names directly, Burns reflected on his speech at Stanford University where he referred to Trump’s “authoritarian tendencies” and “Orwellian statements.”

When asked if he ever regretted speaking out or if his view of Trump had shifted, Burns replied, “As a private citizen, I think I have the right to express my opinions.” He continued, “I’ve generally kept those feelings private because I don’t include them in my films. I don’t want to weaponize the past to critique the present.”

“I’ve had my voice once. The American Revolution tells a remarkable story, and I’m eager to share it,” Burns expressed.

“That perspective hasn’t changed for me, but I am aware that others like Vice President Vance have made much stronger comparisons regarding Trump and past authoritarian figures,” he noted.

Burns referred to Vance’s private comments about fearing Trump could become “America’s Hitler.”

Responding to whether he risks alienating audiences with his political views, Burns emphasized, “We are living in times that demand clarity. There is no more critical choice.”

He added, “I think it’s essential to foster passionate yet civil discussions about our historical complexities. In this film, we aim to remain impartial referees.”

“Our goal is for every American to feel a connection to this larger narrative of the American Revolution. That’s what matters most to me. PBS shares this mission to include everyone,” Burns stated.

He praised PBS as a long-standing partner and criticized Congressional Republicans’ recent decision to cut $1.1 billion in federal funding for public broadcasting, calling it “short-sighted.” He recounted how President Trump previously accused PBS of biased reporting.

Burns mentioned that these funding cuts could jeopardize smaller rural stations, which often struggle to cover local news and provide essential services.

Nevertheless, he concluded optimistically, saying, “We will endure.” Yet, he pondered whether America can withstand its current divisions.

When asked if understanding America’s past could help forecast its future, Burns reflected on history’s therapeutic role.

“Historians aren’t usually good predictors. What I have observed, though, is that looking back is beneficial in crises. History helps us return to our roots,” he said.

Burns emphasized the importance of questions like, “Where do you come from? Who are your parents? What experiences shaped you?” He believes these inquiries can help unite people.

“We might not know what lies ahead, but we do know that grasping our revolutionary past—the essence of our story—is crucial during these times.”