A thoughtful and impassioned - if not quirky - study of our nation’s founding. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning &/or being reminded of the events of the American Revolution before, during & after the war. It’s especially helpful to be reminded by the professor that the events as they occurred were not foregone conclusions AND that this was a novel never before in the history of the world event…an event that has revived meaning in our current US historical moment.

Great instructor, Great material, and Great experience.

I teach US Government at my local high school and just discovered this. It gave me great insight into the pre revolutionary colonies and helped me explain better to my students some of the reasoning and feelings the colonists were having about their break up with England which helped to fill in gaps that normal high school courses don’t address.

BRAVO! I began listening to this course as a distraction from household chores, dropping in whenever my room needed cleaning or the kitchen needed mopping. Soon I noticed that my house was getting cleaner and cleaner -- I was actually finding work to do just so that I could continue this fantastic course! THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION is a hit for a number of reasons. Professor Freeman is utterly delightful: she is deeply passionate about her work and has a talent for bringing it closer to her audience through anecdote and carefully-selected sources. Not only does her combination of historical narrative and specific examples (taken through primary sources) give listeners a rich understanding of the time period, but it turns a tiring list of dates and events into a riveting story. The class itself goes over colonial society and self-perception, politics, economics, war, and more; Freeman demonstrates that the 'American Revolution' might not have been as revolutionary as is often imagined, as colonists did see themselves as Englishmen, and rebelled because of perceived transgressions on their rights as English citizens. It's a fascinating revisit to history that is often mythologized and idealized in the USA. Also appreciated are Prof. Freeman's observations about historiography that she seamlessly ties into the course. A big point she makes is that students of history should remember CONTINGENCY -- although the Revolution and Constitution seem to us inevitable, they definitely did not seem so to early Americans, so we shouldn't dismiss perspectives that ultimately didn't win out. Likewise, during her discussion of the "Boston Massacre," Prof. Freeman examines both British and Colonial accounts, which lets her draw observations about bias in primary sources. In that sense, this class is not only instructive about a specific era, but also lets listeners pick up on historical critical thinking skills that are useful for studying any era. All in all, it's amazing how ACCESSIBLE this class is. It flows clearly; I never found myself doing strenuous mental gymnastics over who's-who and what's-what. Yet I certainly came out a little more enlightened about this fascinating subject. Absolutely recommended :)

I am grateful to have watched these lectures as they filled in significant gaps in my and expanded my concept of the American Revolution. That said, Professor Freeman has several stylistic quirks that may have enhanced the lectures for some, but were distracting for me; the most distracting was her frequent enactment of short (1 to 15 second) parodies of the subjects under discussion, followed by a staccato high-pitched (but mercifully, short) laugh.

Dr Freeman's energetic lectures are informative and delightful. Every morning I would look forward to getting on the metro and listening to her lectures. One lecture per round-trip. This downtime now has now been filled with the excitement of learning and a new understanding of how our country was founded. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in continuing to learn.

I really enjoy these lectures. Thank you!!!

I have never heard the word "I" muttered so many times in a history. The professor elevates herself above her subject.

This was an amazing course. Ms. Freeman is a spectacular teacher. She keeps you motivated and is inspiring. I WANT to take every class she teaches.

A friend recommended this series to me and I am really enjoying it. It is clear Dr Freeman likes teaching and likes the subject, and she makes you want to go and read all the original source documents and letters she quotes in the lectures. I am learning more US History through iTunes now I no longer live in the US than I was interested in before, and this is one of the better-produced ones-- camera is solid, audio is good, lighting is good.

Overall, I would say that this is a worthwhile lecture series. At times, however, seemingly in an effort to please her students, veers into anecdotes that add very little. Also, that laugh. Oh gosh, that laugh.

prof freeman is an energetic, articulate and well organized lecturer with a compelling approach - outlined in the first lecture. She uses a variety of primary source materials to describe the social and political context of the colonial period. One emphasis is the uncertainty of the entire revolutionary enterprise in the minds of the participants. How would this end? Well how could they have known. With light humor and a bright style she animates this period in a manner I found very compelling. There is never a dull moment. Furthermore, the audio quality is excellent compared to other yale productions.

She really does a great job explaining an otherwise dry subject-can't wait untill her next lecture series.

New perspective. Thank you for sharing.

Professor Freeman makes learning about history fun. Her lectures are entertaining and they keep the student engaged from beginning to end. Her passion for early America is contagious. This course is a great foundation for anyone who wants to learn more about the American founding; not just the dates and characters you learn in high school, but the why. You feel like a part of what's unfolding during the revolution. I just can't say enough good things! I really, really hope another course of Prof. Freeman's is featured on here!!

I've downloaded and listened/watched a lot of iTunesU lecture series. Most disappoint. Not so with this series. Ms. Freeman is obviously thoroughly knowledgeable. She is enthusiastic. She litters each topic with amusing, insightful, and provocative historical anecdotes, that make the history alive and real. Because the characters in these anecdotes were so accurately portrayed (I hope Ms. Freeman did her homework.), they felt as real as current prominent individuals in contemporary events. Also, by presenting these all to human anecdotes, Ms. Freeman has pulled our founding fathers down off their pedestals and made them real people. Having navigated U.S. History through primary education and college, there was always a tendency to deify our national heros and to over simplify the difficult decisions they had to make. Obviously a highly recommend.

I love these lectures! I don't want them to end. Freeman is a wonderful speaker and makes history fun. I'd watch another class by this Instructor.

Professor Freeman brings the subject to life with an amazing depth of knowledge and an intimate familiarity with the personalities of the times...Aside from being spectacularly educational, its just great entertainment for those with a passion for this significant timeframe. I have learned so much from just the first 2 or 3 lectures, very thought provoking stuff...

Professor Freeman obviously is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about this subject. I would recommend the audio version, however, because I found some of her mannerisms detracted from an otherwise enjoyable presentation.

This woman is a rock star. Commanding understanding of the material. Great story teller. Take this class.

After browsing the selection of courses on ITunes, I came upon this series on the American Revolution by Dr. Freeman. I am very impressed with the content and delivery. Download this and enjoy!

Wish Dr. Freeman was one of my undergrad teachers. Wonderfully free of any thinly veiled political messages so common in a university history class. Love her knowledge, use of primary sources, and sence of humor. Time well spent.

Being a firm believer in the "education by iPhone" opportunity, this class combines the perfect amount of content, perspective, and intrigue. Thank you for taking the time to make these classes available to the general audience. :) Jon A.

I am not a fan of history, didn’t expect this class can be so interesting and engaging, worth well to spending every minute of my time to finish it. Love it every much. Thank Yale and Prof. Freeman!

I am loving this series. The last time I learned anything about the Revolution, I was probably in eighth grade, so all of Professor Freeman's information is new to me. This course is a fantastic introduction-- it definitely holds my attention, and I feel like I'm really getting a good overview.

Very good, both audio and video versions. Freeman presents a multitude of thought-provoking insights on the background of the revolution and how it all came to be. Personally, Freeman is bright and witty, which always helps with such an extensive podcast.

I loved this podcast! To be able to take preconceived notions out of the way and to view what happened, and to understand that nothing was certain through out the revolution was really eye opening. I just wish that I could watch more podcasts by Professor Freeman.

The only thing I could think about is the "Enlightenment" and "Establishment" philosophies commingling to form a pre American Revolution, America. At present day one might say that history is repeating in the form of the Tea Party. Only time will bear that theory out.

I love this podcast! Professor Freeman provides an insightful overview of the American Revolution. A must see for anybody interested in learning about the American Revolution and its causes.

Dr. Freeman does a good job of presenting the logic behind the decisions of the day and the feelings of the people. She does not spend a lot of time on facts and dates. I enjoyed it and recommend it.

This lecture is very interesting and educational.

I love history and i really liked listing to her lectures they were very interesting alot of points she makes. That I never really thought about