As we celebrate the Fourth of July, and as the smash-hit "Hamilton" becomes more and more popular, it's time we remember the show that helped teach us our American history: "Liberty's Kids." The show was on the air for less than a year, but it impacted children all across America, helping cement in their minds the following seven things about their country's history.
1. History can be fun.
It is hard for kids to believe this sometimes as they sit in history class, taking notes and wondering how long they have until recess. When they become involved in what is happening, however, and invested in the people they are learning about, they discover that history is fun. "Liberty's Kids" allowed children to do these very things.
2. History books are not always accurate.
While history books may be accurate when it comes to the broad details, most books do only that: They cover the basics but leave the fascinating and important details out. "Liberty's Kids" focused on those small details.
3. We really don't know who first fired "The Shot Heard Round the World."
Even today, the argument over whether the British or Americans fired first at the Battle of Lexington and Concord, one of the first skirmishes of the War for Independence, still comes up. Some like to say it was the British; others blame the Americans. In "Liberty's Kids," we see the musket fire but not the man who fired it, reminding us we can never really know who fired that first shot.
4. The Americans had help in winning the war.
America was the primary force when it came to defeating Britain and gaining independence, but France and Ireland also had a hand in helping win the war. "Liberty's Kids" explains to us how France's Marquis de Lafayette was a leading figure throughout the war and how Ireland's Hercules Mulligan was a spy for the Patriots.
5. Abolition was a huge topic during the war.
The War for Independence took place almost 80 years before the Civil War, but already the issue of slavery was being discussed. For example, Founding Father Alexander Hamilton was considered an abolitionist, and there are several "Liberty's Kids" episodes about Phillis Wheatley and slavery in general.
6. The war was about much more than just battles.
This period of American history consisted of not only battles but also mental. The Thirteen Colonies had to adjust to the idea that they were their own united country. Leaders of the cause for independence had to summon up the courage to do what they knew to be right. The Founding Fathers had to form a government that would last and lead a country. "Liberty's Kids" featured several episodes that went into detail about these crucial internal battles.
7. The Founding Fathers were not perfect.
Despite what history tells us, the Founding Fathers were not perfect. Many of them owned slaves, and many attempts had to be made to find a government that worked for the American people. "Liberty's Kids" reminds us that the Founding Fathers were merely human and, in many ways, just like us.
"Liberty's Kids" was a gem of a show, and it shaped the childhood of many of today's young adults. Perhaps, on this Fourth of July, you can watch an episode and maybe even learn something new.
