Examines the fundamental conflict at the heart of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, the struggle for all men to be treated equally.

Based on the book series: A history of US / by Joy Hakim. "Standard version presented in a format preserving the aspect ratio of its original television exhibition."--container. DVD features include scene selections and "America the beautiful" performed by Keb' Mo'

Pt.1. Independence: A new birth of freedom ; Trouble in the colonies ; The shot heard 'round the world ; A congress of great men ; To begin the world over again ; All men are created equal ; No turning back -- pt.2. Revolution: A people's war ; The world turned upside down ; The miracle in Philadelphia ; Establishing precedents ; An empire for liberty -- pt.3. A fatal contradiction: The slave trade ; Plantation slavery ; Abolition ; Frederick Douglass ; A little giant and a big debate ; Splitting apart -- pt.4. A war to end slavery: Americans against Americans ; Forever free ; To arms! ; Gettysburg ; A new birth of freedom ; The final year ; A nation worth fighting for.