Ep 11. Washington Takes Command
- TVY
- September 16, 2002
- 23 min
-
(14)
In season 1 episode 11 of Liberty's Kids, titled "Washington Takes Command", viewers are transported to the year 1775, just a few short months after the United States declared its independence from Great Britain. The episode follows the Continental Army's struggle to find a competent leader to take command of their troops, which had been stationed outside of Boston since the beginning of the Revolutionary War.
The episode begins with a meeting of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, where delegates debate the pros and cons of a number of potential candidates for the position of commander-in-chief. Some favor General Charles Lee, a seasoned veteran of the British army who had fought in the French and Indian War, while others support General Horatio Gates, a former British officer who had recently taken up arms against his former comrades.
Faced with an indecisive Congress, Massachusetts delegate John Adams decides to take matters into his own hands, traveling to the army's camp outside Boston to meet with the current commanding officer, General Artemas Ward. There, he witnesses the army's lack of discipline and organization, as well as their shortage of supplies and ammunition.
Adams realizes that the Continental Army is in dire need of a strong leader, and he begins to lobby on behalf of his fellow Virginian, George Washington. Though Washington had no formal military training, Adams is convinced that he possesses the charisma and leadership skills necessary to rally the troops and lead them to victory against the better-trained British army.
Despite initial resistance from some members of Congress, Washington is eventually appointed as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, and he quickly sets about the task of whipping the troops into shape. He enforces strict discipline and punishes deserters, earning him the respect of his soldiers and inspiring them to fight harder than ever before.
In the end, the Continental Army is victorious, driving the British out of Boston and establishing a foothold in the war for independence. The episode ends with a triumphant Washington addressing his troops, urging them to continue fighting for their freedom and reminding them of the sacrifices that had already been made in the name of liberty.
Overall, "Washington Takes Command" is an exciting and inspiring episode of Liberty's Kids, giving young viewers a glimpse into the early days of the Revolutionary War and the struggles faced by the Continental Army as they fought for their freedom. With excellent writing, engaging characters, and historically accurate details, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in American history.