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# In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)
- URL: https://www.cascadepbs.org/show/the-american-revolution/episode/the-american-revolution-episode-1-in-order-to-be-free/
- Published: 2025-11-14T17:15:58.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-01T14:00:17.000Z
- Description: Political protest escalates into violence. War gives thirteen colonies a common cause.
- Author: Cascade PBS Staff
- Tags: The American Revolution, Season 1, Episode 1, #ZZZ_Episode_2e4bc12f-28a3-4f99-8eee-ab07bdd948c0, #episode, #ZZZ_Show_f16516f8-e9bd-49d8-b49b-96781c68070a, #v1.16

American colonists oppose efforts by the British Crown and Parliament to seize greater control in North America, escalating simmering tensions over land, taxes, and sovereignty into violent confrontation. After protestors dump tea in Boston Harbor, the British government enacts martial law in Massachusetts. Fighting at Lexington and Concord ignites a war that will last eight years.