Philadelphia: The Great Experiment — Season 1, Episode 4: The Storm (1765-1790)

Episode synopsis

Discontent among Philadelphians rises with every new British tax, and with it, tension between the wealthy and working classes. As the largest and most diverse city in the colonies, Philadelphia attracts the powerful and passionate, and quickly becomes the headquarters for the American Revolution. Once independence –and war—is declared, revolutionaries seek out Loyalists, who they see as dangerous, and traitorous. Now, the city is at war with itself. Who will fight? Learn the real stories of iconic Philadelphians like Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, Thomas Paine, and Charles Willson Peale, and how their actions defined the Philadelphia, and nation, that would emerge.

About Philadelphia: The Great Experiment

A 14-part documentary series covering the history of Philadelphia, William Penn's great utopian experiment, from founding to today.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Fever (1793-1820)
• E2In Penn's Shadow (1680-1720)
• E3Franklin's Spark (1720-1765)
• E5Fever (1793-1820)
• E6Disorder (1820-1854)
• E7An Equal Chance (1855-1871)
• E8The Floodgates Open
• E9World Stage (1872-1899)
• E10Awakening (1900-1920)
• E11Corrupt (1920-1940)
• E12Promise for a Better City (1944-1964)
• E13The Fight (1965-1978)