American Experience (1988) s12e01 Episode Script

1
Man: IF YOU IMAGINE AN
ORDINARY MOMENT AT AN
INTERSECTION IN NEW YORK CITY,
ORDINARY MOMENT AT AN
INTERSECTION IN NEW YORK CITY,
AND THERE'S A PAUSE WHICH IS A
INTERSECTION IN NEW YORK CITY,
AND THERE'S A PAUSE WHICH IS A
STREET LIGHT, AND SOME PEOPLE
AND THERE'S A PAUSE WHICH IS A
STREET LIGHT, AND SOME PEOPLE
ARE STOPPED AND OTHERS ARE IN
STREET LIGHT, AND SOME PEOPLE
ARE STOPPED AND OTHERS ARE IN
MOTION, AND SOME CARS ARE
ARE STOPPED AND OTHERS ARE IN
MOTION, AND SOME CARS ARE
STOPPED AND OTHERS ARE IN
MOTION, AND SOME CARS ARE
STOPPED AND OTHERS ARE IN
MOTION, IF YOU WERE TO PUT THA
STOPPED AND OTHERS ARE IN
MOTION, IF YOU WERE TO PUT THA
IN A IN FILM TERMS, IN A
MOTION, IF YOU WERE TO PUT THA
IN A IN FILM TERMS, IN A
FREEZE FRAME, AND HOLD
IN A IN FILM TERMS, IN A
FREEZE FRAME, AND HOLD
EVERYTHING FOR A SECOND, YOU
FREEZE FRAME, AND HOLD
EVERYTHING FOR A SECOND, YOU
WOULD REALIZE THAT THERE'S A
EVERYTHING FOR A SECOND, YOU
WOULD REALIZE THAT THERE'S A
UNIVERSE THERE OF TOTALLY
WOULD REALIZE THAT THERE'S A
UNIVERSE THERE OF TOTALLY
DISPARATE INTENTIONS, EVERYBODY
UNIVERSE THERE OF TOTALLY
DISPARATE INTENTIONS, EVERYBODY
GOING ABOUT HIS OR HER BUSINESS
DISPARATE INTENTIONS, EVERYBODY
GOING ABOUT HIS OR HER BUSINESS
IN THE SILENCE OF THEIR OWN
GOING ABOUT HIS OR HER BUSINESS
IN THE SILENCE OF THEIR OWN
MINDS, WITH EVERYBODY ELSE AND
IN THE SILENCE OF THEIR OWN
MINDS, WITH EVERYBODY ELSE AND
THE STREET AND THE TIME OF DAY
MINDS, WITH EVERYBODY ELSE AND
THE STREET AND THE TIME OF DAY
AND THE ARCHITECTURE AND THE
THE STREET AND THE TIME OF DAY
AND THE ARCHITECTURE AND THE
QUALITY OF THE LIGHT AND THE
AND THE ARCHITECTURE AND THE
QUALITY OF THE LIGHT AND THE
NATURE OF THE WEATHER AS KIND OF
QUALITY OF THE LIGHT AND THE
NATURE OF THE WEATHER AS KIND OF
BACKGROUND OR FIELD FOR THE
NATURE OF THE WEATHER AS KIND OF
BACKGROUND OR FIELD FOR THE
INDIVIDUAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND THE
BACKGROUND OR FIELD FOR THE
INDIVIDUAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND THE
DRAMA IT IS MAKING OF ITSELF A
INDIVIDUAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND THE
DRAMA IT IS MAKING OF ITSELF A
THAT MOMENT.
WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT THAT,
THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS IN THE CITY.
THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS IN THE CITY.
IN THAT SOMEHOW THE CITY CAN
IN THAT SOMEHOW THE CITY CAN
EMBRACE AND ACCEPT AND
EMBRACE AND ACCEPT AND
ACCOMMODATE ALL THAT DISPARATE
ACCOMMODATE ALL THAT DISPARATE
INTENTION AT ONE IN THE SAME
INTENTION AT ONE IN THE SAME
TIME, NOT ONLY IN THAT CORNER
TIME, NOT ONLY IN THAT CORNER
BUT IN THOUSANDS OF CORNERS.
Narrator: ON SEPTEMBER 2,
Narrator: ON SEPTEMBER 2,
BY THE DUTCH TO FIND A FASTER
BY THE DUTCH TO FIND A FASTER
ROUTE TO THE RICHES OF THE
BY THE DUTCH TO FIND A FASTER
ROUTE TO THE RICHES OF THE
ORIENT STEERED HIS 80-TON SHIP
ROUTE TO THE RICHES OF THE
ORIENT STEERED HIS 80-TON SHIP
OFF THE SURGING CURRENTS OF
ORIENT STEERED HIS 80-TON SHIP
OFF THE SURGING CURRENTS OF
THE NORTH ATLANTIC, AND INTO
OFF THE SURGING CURRENTS OF
THE NORTH ATLANTIC, AND INTO
AN IMMENSE SHELTERED BAY.
THE NORTH ATLANTIC, AND INTO
AN IMMENSE SHELTERED BAY.
SAILING TO THE MOUTH OF THE
AN IMMENSE SHELTERED BAY.
SAILING TO THE MOUTH OF THE
MILE-WIDE RIVER THAT FLOWED INTO
SAILING TO THE MOUTH OF THE
MILE-WIDE RIVER THAT FLOWED INTO
IT FROM THE NORTH, HE PUSHED A
MILE-WIDE RIVER THAT FLOWED INTO
IT FROM THE NORTH, HE PUSHED A
HUNDRED MILES UPSTREAM HOPING
IT FROM THE NORTH, HE PUSHED A
HUNDRED MILES UPSTREAM HOPING
IT LED TO CHINA.
HUNDRED MILES UPSTREAM HOPING
IT LED TO CHINA.
IT DIDN'T.
IT LED TO CHINA.
IT DIDN'T.
BUT THOUGH HE HAD FAILED TO FIND
IT DIDN'T.
BUT THOUGH HE HAD FAILED TO FIND
THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE, HENRY
BUT THOUGH HE HAD FAILED TO FIND
THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE, HENRY
HUDSON HAD STUMBLED UPON
THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE, HENRY
HUDSON HAD STUMBLED UPON
SOMETHING EVEN BETTER: ONE OF
HUDSON HAD STUMBLED UPON
SOMETHING EVEN BETTER: ONE OF
THE BIGGEST AND BEST NATURAL
SOMETHING EVEN BETTER: ONE OF
THE BIGGEST AND BEST NATURAL
HARBORS IN THE WORLD "A SAFE
THE BIGGEST AND BEST NATURAL
HARBORS IN THE WORLD "A SAFE
HAVEN," ONE FELLOW EXPLORER
HARBORS IN THE WORLD "A SAFE
HAVEN," ONE FELLOW EXPLORER
SAID, "WHEREIN A THOUSAND SHIPS
HAVEN," ONE FELLOW EXPLORER
SAID, "WHEREIN A THOUSAND SHIPS
MAY RIDE IN SAFETY."
SAID, "WHEREIN A THOUSAND SHIPS
MAY RIDE IN SAFETY."
OF ALL THE EARLY EXPLORERS,
MAY RIDE IN SAFETY."
OF ALL THE EARLY EXPLORERS,
HUDSON WAS THE FIRST TO SENSE
OF ALL THE EARLY EXPLORERS,
HUDSON WAS THE FIRST TO SENSE
THE IMMENSE POTENTIAL OF THE
HUDSON WAS THE FIRST TO SENSE
THE IMMENSE POTENTIAL OF THE
REMOTE AND LONELY HARBOR.
THE IMMENSE POTENTIAL OF THE
REMOTE AND LONELY HARBOR.
YET EVEN HE COULD NEVER HAVE
REMOTE AND LONELY HARBOR.
YET EVEN HE COULD NEVER HAVE
FORESEEN THE TREMENDOUS HUMAN
YET EVEN HE COULD NEVER HAVE
FORESEEN THE TREMENDOUS HUMAN
FORCES IT WOULD ONE DAY UNLEASH.
FORESEEN THE TREMENDOUS HUMAN
FORCES IT WOULD ONE DAY UNLEASH.
NOR THAT THE GREAT CITY THA
FORCES IT WOULD ONE DAY UNLEASH.
NOR THAT THE GREAT CITY THA
WOULD RISE THERE WOULD BE
NOR THAT THE GREAT CITY THA
WOULD RISE THERE WOULD BE
DEDICATED TO A CRUCIAL
WOULD RISE THERE WOULD BE
DEDICATED TO A CRUCIAL
EXPERIMENT, ONE THAT WOULD GROW
DEDICATED TO A CRUCIAL
EXPERIMENT, ONE THAT WOULD GROW
EVER MORE URGENT WITH EACH
EXPERIMENT, ONE THAT WOULD GROW
EVER MORE URGENT WITH EACH
PASSING YEAR, THE EXHILARATING,
EVER MORE URGENT WITH EACH
PASSING YEAR, THE EXHILARATING,
OFTEN HARROWING EXPERIMENT TO
PASSING YEAR, THE EXHILARATING,
OFTEN HARROWING EXPERIMENT TO
SEE WHETHER ALL THE PEOPLES OF
OFTEN HARROWING EXPERIMENT TO
SEE WHETHER ALL THE PEOPLES OF
THE WORLD COULD LIVE TOGETHER IN
SEE WHETHER ALL THE PEOPLES OF
THE WORLD COULD LIVE TOGETHER IN
A SINGLE PLACE.
Brendan Gill: NEW YORK CITY
WAS FOUNDED BY THE DUTCH.
WAS FOUNDED BY THE DUTCH.
THE DUTCH DIDN'T GIVE A DAMN
THE DUTCH DIDN'T GIVE A DAMN
ABOUT ANYTHING EXCEPT MAKING
ABOUT ANYTHING EXCEPT MAKING
MONEY AND THE MORE MONEY YOU
MONEY AND THE MORE MONEY YOU
MADE, THE CLOSER YOU WERE TO
MADE, THE CLOSER YOU WERE TO
GOD.
AND THEY WOULD BUILD SOME
AND THEY WOULD BUILD SOME
CHURCHES TO THANK HIM FOR HIS
FOR HIS GENEROUSLY SETTING
CHURCHES TO THANK HIM FOR HIS
FOR HIS GENEROUSLY SETTING
THINGS UP FOR THEM.
FOR HIS GENEROUSLY SETTING
THINGS UP FOR THEM.
Kenneth T. Jackson: UNLIKE
THINGS UP FOR THEM.
Kenneth T. Jackson: UNLIKE
BOSTON OR PHILADELPHIA, OR MANY
Kenneth T. Jackson: UNLIKE
BOSTON OR PHILADELPHIA, OR MANY
OTHER PLACES IN THE UNITED
BOSTON OR PHILADELPHIA, OR MANY
OTHER PLACES IN THE UNITED
STATES, NEW YORK WAS NOT FOUNDED
OTHER PLACES IN THE UNITED
STATES, NEW YORK WAS NOT FOUNDED
BY VISIONARIES ANXIOUS TO CREATE
STATES, NEW YORK WAS NOT FOUNDED
BY VISIONARIES ANXIOUS TO CREATE
A NEW PLACE TO PRACTICE THEIR
BY VISIONARIES ANXIOUS TO CREATE
A NEW PLACE TO PRACTICE THEIR
OWN VERSION OF RELIGIOUS
A NEW PLACE TO PRACTICE THEIR
OWN VERSION OF RELIGIOUS
FREEDOM.
THE DUTCH CAME TO NEW YORK CITY
AND ESTABLISHED A TRADING POS
AND ESTABLISHED A TRADING POS
THERE, TO MAKE A BUCK OR TO MAKE
THERE, TO MAKE A BUCK OR TO MAKE
A GUILDER.
AND THAT ACQUISITIVENESS, THA
AND THAT ACQUISITIVENESS, THA
MATERIALISM, THAT SEARCH FOR THE
SUCCESS HAS DOMINATED NEW YORK
MATERIALISM, THAT SEARCH FOR THE
SUCCESS HAS DOMINATED NEW YORK
AND CHARACTERIZED NEW YORK EVER
SUCCESS HAS DOMINATED NEW YORK
AND CHARACTERIZED NEW YORK EVER
SINCE THE WHITE PERSON FIRST SE
AND CHARACTERIZED NEW YORK EVER
SINCE THE WHITE PERSON FIRST SE
FOOT ON THIS LAND.
SINCE THE WHITE PERSON FIRST SE
FOOT ON THIS LAND.
AND EVEN TODAY, THERE'S AN
FOOT ON THIS LAND.
AND EVEN TODAY, THERE'S AN
ENERGY IN NEW YORK, THERE'S A
AND EVEN TODAY, THERE'S AN
ENERGY IN NEW YORK, THERE'S A
BUSTLE IN NEW YORK, AND THA
ENERGY IN NEW YORK, THERE'S A
BUSTLE IN NEW YORK, AND THA
BUSTLE HAS BEEN THERE FOR MORE
BUSTLE IN NEW YORK, AND THA
BUSTLE HAS BEEN THERE FOR MORE
THAN 350 YEARS.
Margo Jefferson: BECAUSE OF
ITS SHAPE, THE NARROWNESS, THE
ITS SHAPE, THE NARROWNESS, THE
WAY THE NEIGHBORHOODS ARE ALL
WAY THE NEIGHBORHOODS ARE ALL
PUSHED TOGETHER, YOU'RE
PUSHED TOGETHER, YOU'RE
CONSTANTLY BEING FORCED TO,
CONSTANTLY BEING FORCED TO,
WHETHER YOU WANT TO OR NOT,
WHETHER YOU WANT TO OR NOT,
WATCH OTHER PEOPLE WITH WILDLY
WATCH OTHER PEOPLE WITH WILDLY
RADICAL STYLES.
THAT'S WHAT A NEW YORKER IN SOME
THAT'S WHAT A NEW YORKER IN SOME
WAY COMMITS TO, THAT CONSTAN
LIFE OF TRANSITION, THE CONSTAN
WAY COMMITS TO, THAT CONSTAN
LIFE OF TRANSITION, THE CONSTAN
POSSIBILITY OF CHANGE.
Robert A.M. Stern: YOU CAN
COME HERE AND REINVENT YOURSELF.
COME HERE AND REINVENT YOURSELF.
OR YOU CAN BE BORN HERE AND
OR YOU CAN BE BORN HERE AND
REINVENT.
REINVENT.
AND YOU CAN CHANGE YOURSELF.
AND IF YOU CAN CHANGE YOURSELF,
AND IF YOU CAN CHANGE YOURSELF,
PRESUMABLY, IN THE PROCESS, YOU
ARE ALSO CHANGING THE WHOLE
PRESUMABLY, IN THE PROCESS, YOU
ARE ALSO CHANGING THE WHOLE
STRUCTURE OF THE WORLD THAT YOU
ARE ALSO CHANGING THE WHOLE
STRUCTURE OF THE WORLD THAT YOU
OPERATE IN, IN ORDER TO MAKE
STRUCTURE OF THE WORLD THAT YOU
OPERATE IN, IN ORDER TO MAKE
YOUR NEW FICTIVE REALITY COME
OPERATE IN, IN ORDER TO MAKE
YOUR NEW FICTIVE REALITY COME
ALIVE.
YOUR NEW FICTIVE REALITY COME
ALIVE.
Fran Leibowitz: IT WAS ALWAYS
ALIVE.
Fran Leibowitz: IT WAS ALWAYS
THE PLACE OF GREATES
Fran Leibowitz: IT WAS ALWAYS
THE PLACE OF GREATES
OPPORTUNITY.
THE PLACE OF GREATES
OPPORTUNITY.
IT WAS NOT THE WEST.
THE WEST WAS THE PLACE OF
GREATEST OPPORTUNITY IF YOU WERE
GREATEST OPPORTUNITY IF YOU WERE
GOING TO BE A RANCHER, YOU KNOW.
GOING TO BE A RANCHER, YOU KNOW.
BUT SAY YOU WEREN'T.
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani: YOU
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani: YOU
HAVE PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE
WORLD, YOU HAVE MORE LANGUAGES
HAVE PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE
WORLD, YOU HAVE MORE LANGUAGES
SPOKEN IN NEW YORK CITY THAN ANY
WORLD, YOU HAVE MORE LANGUAGES
SPOKEN IN NEW YORK CITY THAN ANY
CITY IN THE WORLD, YOU HAVE
SPOKEN IN NEW YORK CITY THAN ANY
CITY IN THE WORLD, YOU HAVE
EVERY NATIONAL GROUP, RACIAL
CITY IN THE WORLD, YOU HAVE
EVERY NATIONAL GROUP, RACIAL
GROUP, RELIGIOUS GROUP
EVERY NATIONAL GROUP, RACIAL
GROUP, RELIGIOUS GROUP
REPRESENTED HERE.
AND WHAT THEY'RE COMPETING TO DO
IS TO REALLY CREATE A BETTER
IS TO REALLY CREATE A BETTER
LIFE FOR THEMSELVES.
LIFE FOR THEMSELVES.
Daniel Patrick Moynihan: NEW
Daniel Patrick Moynihan: NEW
YORK IS CONTINUOUSLY THROWING UP
YORK IS CONTINUOUSLY THROWING UP
NEW IDEAS AND NEW PEOPLE.
THIS TURNS OUT TO BE THE SETTING
THIS TURNS OUT TO BE THE SETTING
IN WHICH POLITICAL DEMOCRACY
BECOMES POSSIBLE AS IN NO OTHER.
IN WHICH POLITICAL DEMOCRACY
BECOMES POSSIBLE AS IN NO OTHER.
IT IS EXACTLY THAT MONEY-CRAZY,
BECOMES POSSIBLE AS IN NO OTHER.
IT IS EXACTLY THAT MONEY-CRAZY,
DRIVING, COMMERCIAL CULTURE THA
IT IS EXACTLY THAT MONEY-CRAZY,
DRIVING, COMMERCIAL CULTURE THA
MADE POLITICAL DEMOCRACY SEEM
DRIVING, COMMERCIAL CULTURE THA
MADE POLITICAL DEMOCRACY SEEM
PERFECTLY SENSIBLE, PERFECTLY
MADE POLITICAL DEMOCRACY SEEM
PERFECTLY SENSIBLE, PERFECTLY
NORMAL, AND INDEED BROUGHT I
PERFECTLY SENSIBLE, PERFECTLY
NORMAL, AND INDEED BROUGHT I
INTO EXISTENCE SUCH A POPULAR
NORMAL, AND INDEED BROUGHT I
INTO EXISTENCE SUCH A POPULAR
DEMOCRACY WAS ESTABLISHED FOR
INTO EXISTENCE SUCH A POPULAR
DEMOCRACY WAS ESTABLISHED FOR
THE FIRST TIME AND MEN OF THE
DEMOCRACY WAS ESTABLISHED FOR
THE FIRST TIME AND MEN OF THE
PEOPLE GOVERNED.
THE FIRST TIME AND MEN OF THE
PEOPLE GOVERNED.
Mike Wallace: ONE OF THE
PEOPLE GOVERNED.
Mike Wallace: ONE OF THE
REASONS THAT THIS PLACE IS
Mike Wallace: ONE OF THE
REASONS THAT THIS PLACE IS
ENDLESSLY IN FLUX AND IS
REASONS THAT THIS PLACE IS
ENDLESSLY IN FLUX AND IS
ENDLESSLY RECOMPOSED IS BECAUSE
ENDLESSLY IN FLUX AND IS
ENDLESSLY RECOMPOSED IS BECAUSE
IT IS, IN FACT, A CAPITALIS
ENDLESSLY RECOMPOSED IS BECAUSE
IT IS, IN FACT, A CAPITALIS
CITY.
IT IS A PLACE WHERE CAPITALISM
HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO WORK ITSELF
HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO WORK ITSELF
OUT WITH THE LEAST KIND OF
OUT WITH THE LEAST KIND OF
IMPEDIMENTS FOR GOOD AND FOR
IMPEDIMENTS FOR GOOD AND FOR
ILL.
THE GOOD IS THAT IT PRODUCES
THE GOOD IS THAT IT PRODUCES
INCREDIBLE, DAZZLING THINGS, BU
THE DOWNSIDE OF IT IS THAT YOU
INCREDIBLE, DAZZLING THINGS, BU
THE DOWNSIDE OF IT IS THAT YOU
GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
THE DOWNSIDE OF IT IS THAT YOU
GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
Jackson: WHEN MOST AMERICANS
GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
Jackson: WHEN MOST AMERICANS
THINK OF HISTORY, THEY DON'
Jackson: WHEN MOST AMERICANS
THINK OF HISTORY, THEY DON'
THINK OF NEW YORK.
THINK OF HISTORY, THEY DON'
THINK OF NEW YORK.
THEY THINK OF WILLIAMSBURG OR
THINK OF NEW YORK.
THEY THINK OF WILLIAMSBURG OR
PHILADELPHIA OR BOSTON
THEY THINK OF WILLIAMSBURG OR
PHILADELPHIA OR BOSTON
AND YET NEW YORK IS REALLY THE
PHILADELPHIA OR BOSTON
AND YET NEW YORK IS REALLY THE
MOST HISTORIC OF AMERICAN CITIES
AND YET NEW YORK IS REALLY THE
MOST HISTORIC OF AMERICAN CITIES
REALLY IN A NUMBER OF WAYS.
MOST HISTORIC OF AMERICAN CITIES
REALLY IN A NUMBER OF WAYS.
IT'S FIRST OF ALL OLDER THAN ALL
REALLY IN A NUMBER OF WAYS.
IT'S FIRST OF ALL OLDER THAN ALL
OF THOSE OTHER PLACES I
IT'S FIRST OF ALL OLDER THAN ALL
OF THOSE OTHER PLACES I
STARTED IN 1624 BY THE DUTCH
OF THOSE OTHER PLACES I
STARTED IN 1624 BY THE DUTCH
BUT IT'S ALSO UNUSUAL IN OTHER
STARTED IN 1624 BY THE DUTCH
BUT IT'S ALSO UNUSUAL IN OTHER
WAYS.
BUT IT'S ALSO UNUSUAL IN OTHER
WAYS.
MORE HAS HAPPENED IN NEW YORK
WAYS.
MORE HAS HAPPENED IN NEW YORK
THAN IN BOSTON OR PHILADELPHIA
MORE HAS HAPPENED IN NEW YORK
THAN IN BOSTON OR PHILADELPHIA
OR CERTAINLY COLONIAL
THAN IN BOSTON OR PHILADELPHIA
OR CERTAINLY COLONIAL
WILLIAMSBURG.
OR CERTAINLY COLONIAL
WILLIAMSBURG.
I MEAN, THE LITANY OF IMPORTAN
WILLIAMSBURG.
I MEAN, THE LITANY OF IMPORTAN
EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE ON THE
I MEAN, THE LITANY OF IMPORTAN
EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE ON THE
TINY ISLAND OF MANHATTAN WOULD
EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE ON THE
TINY ISLAND OF MANHATTAN WOULD
BE FAR BEYOND REALLY ANY OTHER
TINY ISLAND OF MANHATTAN WOULD
BE FAR BEYOND REALLY ANY OTHER
SIMILARLY SIZED PLOT IN THE
BE FAR BEYOND REALLY ANY OTHER
SIMILARLY SIZED PLOT IN THE
UNITED STATES.
SIMILARLY SIZED PLOT IN THE
UNITED STATES.
AND THIRDLY, PEOPLE DON'
UNITED STATES.
AND THIRDLY, PEOPLE DON'
REALIZE IT THAT NEW YORK IS OLD
AND THIRDLY, PEOPLE DON'
REALIZE IT THAT NEW YORK IS OLD
AS A BIG CITY.
REALIZE IT THAT NEW YORK IS OLD
AS A BIG CITY.
AND BY THE END OF THE 19th
AS A BIG CITY.
AND BY THE END OF THE 19th
CENTURY, NEW YORK WAS THE
AND BY THE END OF THE 19th
CENTURY, NEW YORK WAS THE
FASTEST GROWING CITY IN THE
CENTURY, NEW YORK WAS THE
FASTEST GROWING CITY IN THE
WORLD.
FASTEST GROWING CITY IN THE
WORLD.
SO NEW YORK ENCOUNTERED
WORLD.
SO NEW YORK ENCOUNTERED
HISTORICALLY MANY PROBLEMS WHICH
SO NEW YORK ENCOUNTERED
HISTORICALLY MANY PROBLEMS WHICH
WE ASSOCIATE WITH CITIES LONG
HISTORICALLY MANY PROBLEMS WHICH
WE ASSOCIATE WITH CITIES LONG
BEFORE PLACES LIKE ATHENS OR
WE ASSOCIATE WITH CITIES LONG
BEFORE PLACES LIKE ATHENS OR
ISTANBUL OR BEIJING OR HALF A
BEFORE PLACES LIKE ATHENS OR
ISTANBUL OR BEIJING OR HALF A
HUNDRED OTHER PLACES THA
ISTANBUL OR BEIJING OR HALF A
HUNDRED OTHER PLACES THA
TECHNICALLY ARE OLDER THAN NEW
HUNDRED OTHER PLACES THA
TECHNICALLY ARE OLDER THAN NEW
YORK.
Craig Wilder: NEW YORK IS
UNLIKE ANY OTHER PLACE IN THE
UNLIKE ANY OTHER PLACE IN THE
UNITED STATES.
WE'VE TESTED EVERYTHING FIRST.
WE'VE TESTED EVERYTHING FIRST.
WE'VE TESTED IMMIGRATION, WE'VE
TESTED UNIONIZATION, WE'VE
WE'VE TESTED IMMIGRATION, WE'VE
TESTED UNIONIZATION, WE'VE
TESTED INDUSTRIALIZATION.
TESTED UNIONIZATION, WE'VE
TESTED INDUSTRIALIZATION.
ALL THE GREAT EXPERIMENTS OF
TESTED INDUSTRIALIZATION.
ALL THE GREAT EXPERIMENTS OF
AMERICAN SOCIETY HAVE PROBABLY
ALL THE GREAT EXPERIMENTS OF
AMERICAN SOCIETY HAVE PROBABLY
OCCURRED HERE FIRST.
AMERICAN SOCIETY HAVE PROBABLY
OCCURRED HERE FIRST.
THE RAPID URBAN EXPANSION, THIS
OCCURRED HERE FIRST.
THE RAPID URBAN EXPANSION, THIS
EXPERIMENT IN MULTIRACIAL,
THE RAPID URBAN EXPANSION, THIS
EXPERIMENT IN MULTIRACIAL,
MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY, CAME HERE
EXPERIMENT IN MULTIRACIAL,
MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY, CAME HERE
FIRST.
MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY, CAME HERE
FIRST.
Narrator: WHEN NEW YORK WAS
FIRST.
Narrator: WHEN NEW YORK WAS
FOUNDED AT THE DAWN OF THE
Narrator: WHEN NEW YORK WAS
FOUNDED AT THE DAWN OF THE
MODERN AGE, LONDON AND PARIS
FOUNDED AT THE DAWN OF THE
MODERN AGE, LONDON AND PARIS
WERE ALREADY 1,500 YEARS OLD;
MODERN AGE, LONDON AND PARIS
WERE ALREADY 1,500 YEARS OLD;
ROME AND BEIJING, 2,000;
WERE ALREADY 1,500 YEARS OLD;
ROME AND BEIJING, 2,000;
JERUSALEM, 4,000.
ROME AND BEIJING, 2,000;
JERUSALEM, 4,000.
AND YET SOMEHOW, IN THE
JERUSALEM, 4,000.
AND YET SOMEHOW, IN THE
CENTURIES TO COME, THE TINY
AND YET SOMEHOW, IN THE
CENTURIES TO COME, THE TINY
COLONY ON THE EDGE OF THE WORLD
CENTURIES TO COME, THE TINY
COLONY ON THE EDGE OF THE WORLD
WOULD RISE TO BECOME THE
COLONY ON THE EDGE OF THE WORLD
WOULD RISE TO BECOME THE
GREATEST CITY ON EARTH, THE
WOULD RISE TO BECOME THE
GREATEST CITY ON EARTH, THE
UNDISPUTED CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC
GREATEST CITY ON EARTH, THE
UNDISPUTED CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC
CAPITAL OF THE WORLD, AND THE
UNDISPUTED CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC
CAPITAL OF THE WORLD, AND THE
SUPREME LABORATORY OF MODERN
CAPITAL OF THE WORLD, AND THE
SUPREME LABORATORY OF MODERN
LIFE.
Caleb Carr: THE OLD SAW THA
WHATEVER HAPPENS IN NEW YORK
WHATEVER HAPPENS IN NEW YORK
HAPPENS IN THE REST OF THE
HAPPENS IN THE REST OF THE
COUNTRY TEN YEARS LATER HAS
COUNTRY TEN YEARS LATER HAS
CERTAINLY BEEN TRUE FOR THE LIFE
CERTAINLY BEEN TRUE FOR THE LIFE
OF OUR COUNTRY.
IF AMERICAN SOCIETY IS GOING TO
IF AMERICAN SOCIETY IS GOING TO
SUCCEED, IT IS GOING TO HAVE TO
FIND A WAY TO DO WHAT NEW
SUCCEED, IT IS GOING TO HAVE TO
FIND A WAY TO DO WHAT NEW
YORK HAS ALWAYS DONE, WHICH IS
FIND A WAY TO DO WHAT NEW
YORK HAS ALWAYS DONE, WHICH IS
TO TAKE INCREDIBLY DISPARATE
YORK HAS ALWAYS DONE, WHICH IS
TO TAKE INCREDIBLY DISPARATE
HUMAN ELEMENTS, PUT THEM
TO TAKE INCREDIBLY DISPARATE
HUMAN ELEMENTS, PUT THEM
TOGETHER, AND FIND A WAY FOR
HUMAN ELEMENTS, PUT THEM
TOGETHER, AND FIND A WAY FOR
THEM TO TOLERATE EACH OTHER.
TOGETHER, AND FIND A WAY FOR
THEM TO TOLERATE EACH OTHER.
SO THE FATE OF NEW YORK IS
THEM TO TOLERATE EACH OTHER.
SO THE FATE OF NEW YORK IS
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO THE FATE
SO THE FATE OF NEW YORK IS
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO THE FATE
OF THE COUNTRY.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO THE FATE
OF THE COUNTRY.
Moynihan: NEW YORK IS THE
OF THE COUNTRY.
Moynihan: NEW YORK IS THE
FINEST HARBOR IN THE ATLANTIC
Moynihan: NEW YORK IS THE
FINEST HARBOR IN THE ATLANTIC
OCEAN.
FINEST HARBOR IN THE ATLANTIC
OCEAN.
YOU START THERE.
OCEAN.
YOU START THERE.
AT JUST AS HARBOR.
YOU START THERE.
AT JUST AS HARBOR.
BUT IT'S SO MUCH MORE; IT'S AN
AT JUST AS HARBOR.
BUT IT'S SO MUCH MORE; IT'S AN
ENTRANCE INTO NORTH AMERICA.
BUT IT'S SO MUCH MORE; IT'S AN
ENTRANCE INTO NORTH AMERICA.
Jackson: NEW YORK CANNOT BE
ENTRANCE INTO NORTH AMERICA.
Jackson: NEW YORK CANNOT BE
UNDERSTOOD ASIDE FROM ITS
Jackson: NEW YORK CANNOT BE
UNDERSTOOD ASIDE FROM ITS
GEOGRAPHY.
UNDERSTOOD ASIDE FROM ITS
GEOGRAPHY.
INDEED, NO CITY COULD.
GEOGRAPHY.
INDEED, NO CITY COULD.
BUT NEW YORK MORE SO THAN ALMOS
INDEED, NO CITY COULD.
BUT NEW YORK MORE SO THAN ALMOS
ANY OTHER CITY IN THE WORLD,
BUT NEW YORK MORE SO THAN ALMOS
ANY OTHER CITY IN THE WORLD,
BECAUSE HERE YOU HAVE WHAT'S
ANY OTHER CITY IN THE WORLD,
BECAUSE HERE YOU HAVE WHAT'S
REALLY A NATURAL LOCATION FOR A
BECAUSE HERE YOU HAVE WHAT'S
REALLY A NATURAL LOCATION FOR A
GREAT CITY.
REALLY A NATURAL LOCATION FOR A
GREAT CITY.
IT'S PROBABLY ONE OF THE THREE
GREAT CITY.
IT'S PROBABLY ONE OF THE THREE
GREATEST HARBORS IN THE WORLD.
IT'S PROBABLY ONE OF THE THREE
GREATEST HARBORS IN THE WORLD.
AND THEN WHAT'S KEY IS AT THE
GREATEST HARBORS IN THE WORLD.
AND THEN WHAT'S KEY IS AT THE
VERY HEART OF NEW YORK IS AN
AND THEN WHAT'S KEY IS AT THE
VERY HEART OF NEW YORK IS AN
ISLAND, MANHATTAN, SO THAT THE
VERY HEART OF NEW YORK IS AN
ISLAND, MANHATTAN, SO THAT THE
INDIANS, WHO WERE NOT AT MOS
ISLAND, MANHATTAN, SO THAT THE
INDIANS, WHO WERE NOT AT MOS
PLACES IN THE UNITED STATES IN
INDIANS, WHO WERE NOT AT MOS
PLACES IN THE UNITED STATES IN
THE EARLY 17th CENTURY, WERE ON
PLACES IN THE UNITED STATES IN
THE EARLY 17th CENTURY, WERE ON
THE ISLAND OF MANHATTAN, BECAUSE
THE EARLY 17th CENTURY, WERE ON
THE ISLAND OF MANHATTAN, BECAUSE
IT WAS A NATURAL LOCATION FOR A
THE ISLAND OF MANHATTAN, BECAUSE
IT WAS A NATURAL LOCATION FOR A
GREAT CITY.
IT WAS A NATURAL LOCATION FOR A
GREAT CITY.
Narrator: AS SOON AS THEY SAW
GREAT CITY.
Narrator: AS SOON AS THEY SAW
THE SAILS OF HUDSON'S SHIP, THE
Narrator: AS SOON AS THEY SAW
THE SAILS OF HUDSON'S SHIP, THE
LOCAL INHABITANTS, WHO CALLED
THE SAILS OF HUDSON'S SHIP, THE
LOCAL INHABITANTS, WHO CALLED
THEMSELVES THE LENAPE, ROWED OU
LOCAL INHABITANTS, WHO CALLED
THEMSELVES THE LENAPE, ROWED OU
TO MEET THEM, TRYING TO KEEP
THEMSELVES THE LENAPE, ROWED OU
TO MEET THEM, TRYING TO KEEP
PACE WITH THE STRANGE-LOOKING
TO MEET THEM, TRYING TO KEEP
PACE WITH THE STRANGE-LOOKING
VESSEL AS IT MADE ITS WAY ACROSS
PACE WITH THE STRANGE-LOOKING
VESSEL AS IT MADE ITS WAY ACROSS
THE BAY "EIGHT AND TWENTY
VESSEL AS IT MADE ITS WAY ACROSS
THE BAY "EIGHT AND TWENTY
CANOES FULL OF MEN WOMEN AND
THE BAY "EIGHT AND TWENTY
CANOES FULL OF MEN WOMEN AND
CHILDREN," ONE OF HUDSON'S
CANOES FULL OF MEN WOMEN AND
CHILDREN," ONE OF HUDSON'S
OFFICERS REPORTED, "SEEMING VERY
CHILDREN," ONE OF HUDSON'S
OFFICERS REPORTED, "SEEMING VERY
GLAD OF OUR COMING."
OFFICERS REPORTED, "SEEMING VERY
GLAD OF OUR COMING."
15 YEARS LATER, IN THE SPRING OF
GLAD OF OUR COMING."
15 YEARS LATER, IN THE SPRING OF
1624, THE FIRST BOATLOAD OF
15 YEARS LATER, IN THE SPRING OF
1624, THE FIRST BOATLOAD OF
COLONISTS ARRIVED TO ESTABLISH
1624, THE FIRST BOATLOAD OF
COLONISTS ARRIVED TO ESTABLISH
A PERMANENT PRESENCE IN THE
COLONISTS ARRIVED TO ESTABLISH
A PERMANENT PRESENCE IN THE
HARBOR, SPURRED ON BY HUDSON'S
A PERMANENT PRESENCE IN THE
HARBOR, SPURRED ON BY HUDSON'S
GLOWING REPORTS OF A FUR-TRADING
HARBOR, SPURRED ON BY HUDSON'S
GLOWING REPORTS OF A FUR-TRADING
PARADISE, AND EAGER TO BEAT OU
GLOWING REPORTS OF A FUR-TRADING
PARADISE, AND EAGER TO BEAT OU
PARADISE, AND EAGER TO BEAT OU
TO THE SPOILS OF THE NORTH
TO THE SPOILS OF THE NORTH
AMERICAN CONTINENT.
TO THE SPOILS OF THE NORTH
AMERICAN CONTINENT.
IT WAS A BUSINESS PROPOSITION
AMERICAN CONTINENT.
IT WAS A BUSINESS PROPOSITION
FROM THE VERY START.
IT WAS A BUSINESS PROPOSITION
FROM THE VERY START.
FROM ONE END TO THE OTHER, THE
FROM THE VERY START.
FROM ONE END TO THE OTHER, THE
NEW COLONY WAS OWNED AND
FROM ONE END TO THE OTHER, THE
NEW COLONY WAS OWNED AND
OPERATED BY A GIANT CORPORATION
NEW COLONY WAS OWNED AND
OPERATED BY A GIANT CORPORATION
CALLED THE DUTCH WEST INDIA
OPERATED BY A GIANT CORPORATION
CALLED THE DUTCH WEST INDIA
COMPANY, THE ATLANTIC WING OF
CALLED THE DUTCH WEST INDIA
COMPANY, THE ATLANTIC WING OF
A VAST TRADING EMPIRE THA
COMPANY, THE ATLANTIC WING OF
A VAST TRADING EMPIRE THA
STRETCHED ROUND THE WORLD.
A VAST TRADING EMPIRE THA
STRETCHED ROUND THE WORLD.
Jackson: THE DUTCH EAST INDIA
STRETCHED ROUND THE WORLD.
Jackson: THE DUTCH EAST INDIA
COMPANY, FROM WHICH THE DUTCH
Jackson: THE DUTCH EAST INDIA
COMPANY, FROM WHICH THE DUTCH
WEST INDIA COMPANY, WE WOULD
COMPANY, FROM WHICH THE DUTCH
WEST INDIA COMPANY, WE WOULD
CALL TODAY KIND OF A SUBSIDIARY
WEST INDIA COMPANY, WE WOULD
CALL TODAY KIND OF A SUBSIDIARY
CORPORATION, WAS ONE OF THE MOS
CALL TODAY KIND OF A SUBSIDIARY
CORPORATION, WAS ONE OF THE MOS
SUCCESSFUL COMMERCIAL
CORPORATION, WAS ONE OF THE MOS
SUCCESSFUL COMMERCIAL
ENTERPRISES IN THE HISTORY OF
SUCCESSFUL COMMERCIAL
ENTERPRISES IN THE HISTORY OF
THE WORLD.
ENTERPRISES IN THE HISTORY OF
THE WORLD.
FOR 200 YEARS IT RETURNED AN
THE WORLD.
FOR 200 YEARS IT RETURNED AN
AVERAGE ANNUAL PROFIT IN EXCESS
FOR 200 YEARS IT RETURNED AN
AVERAGE ANNUAL PROFIT IN EXCESS
OF 10%.
AVERAGE ANNUAL PROFIT IN EXCESS
OF 10%.
SO WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE DUTCH
OF 10%.
SO WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE DUTCH
EAST INDIA COMPANY, WE'RE NO
SO WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE DUTCH
EAST INDIA COMPANY, WE'RE NO
TALKING ABOUT SOME CUTESY LITTLE
EAST INDIA COMPANY, WE'RE NO
TALKING ABOUT SOME CUTESY LITTLE
COMPANY.
TALKING ABOUT SOME CUTESY LITTLE
COMPANY.
WE'RE TALKING ABOUT A COMPANY
COMPANY.
WE'RE TALKING ABOUT A COMPANY
THAT WAS MORE SUCCESSFUL AND
WE'RE TALKING ABOUT A COMPANY
THAT WAS MORE SUCCESSFUL AND
MORE POWERFUL THAN I.B.M. IN OUR
THAT WAS MORE SUCCESSFUL AND
MORE POWERFUL THAN I.B.M. IN OUR
OWN TIME.
MORE POWERFUL THAN I.B.M. IN OUR
OWN TIME.
AND THEY ANCHORED THEIR NORTH
OWN TIME.
AND THEY ANCHORED THEIR NORTH
AMERICAN OPERATIONS ON A PLACE
AND THEY ANCHORED THEIR NORTH
AMERICAN OPERATIONS ON A PLACE
THEY CALLED NEW AMSTERDAM.
AMERICAN OPERATIONS ON A PLACE
THEY CALLED NEW AMSTERDAM.
Narrator: MOST OF THE FIRS
THEY CALLED NEW AMSTERDAM.
Narrator: MOST OF THE FIRS
DUTCH COLONISTS WERE NOT IN FAC
Narrator: MOST OF THE FIRS
DUTCH COLONISTS WERE NOT IN FAC
DUTCH, BUT FRENCH-SPEAKING
DUTCH COLONISTS WERE NOT IN FAC
DUTCH, BUT FRENCH-SPEAKING
BELGIAN HUGUENOTS, 110 MEN,
DUTCH, BUT FRENCH-SPEAKING
BELGIAN HUGUENOTS, 110 MEN,
WOMEN, AND CHILDREN IN ALL, IN
BELGIAN HUGUENOTS, 110 MEN,
WOMEN, AND CHILDREN IN ALL, IN
30 DIFFERENT FAMILIES, CASTOFFS
WOMEN, AND CHILDREN IN ALL, IN
30 DIFFERENT FAMILIES, CASTOFFS
HOPING TO MAKE A GO OF IT IN
30 DIFFERENT FAMILIES, CASTOFFS
HOPING TO MAKE A GO OF IT IN
THE NEW WORLD.
HOPING TO MAKE A GO OF IT IN
THE NEW WORLD.
THEY QUICKLY SETTLED ON THE
THE NEW WORLD.
THEY QUICKLY SETTLED ON THE
SLENDER ISLAND AT THE HEAD OF
THEY QUICKLY SETTLED ON THE
SLENDER ISLAND AT THE HEAD OF
THE BAY, WHICH THEY CALLED
SLENDER ISLAND AT THE HEAD OF
THE BAY, WHICH THEY CALLED
"MANNAHATTA" AFTER AN OLD INDIAN
THE BAY, WHICH THEY CALLED
"MANNAHATTA" AFTER AN OLD INDIAN
WORD, THOUGHT BY SOME TO MEAN
"MANNAHATTA" AFTER AN OLD INDIAN
WORD, THOUGHT BY SOME TO MEAN
"ISLAND OF HILLS," AND BY
WORD, THOUGHT BY SOME TO MEAN
"ISLAND OF HILLS," AND BY
OTHERS, "PLACE OF GENERAL
"ISLAND OF HILLS," AND BY
OTHERS, "PLACE OF GENERAL
INEBRIATION."
OTHERS, "PLACE OF GENERAL
INEBRIATION."
AT THE SOUTHERNMOST TIP, THEY
INEBRIATION."
AT THE SOUTHERNMOST TIP, THEY
CLEARED LAND AND BUILT SIMPLE
AT THE SOUTHERNMOST TIP, THEY
CLEARED LAND AND BUILT SIMPLE
BARK CABINS, A CRUDE COUNTING
CLEARED LAND AND BUILT SIMPLE
BARK CABINS, A CRUDE COUNTING
HOUSE, AND A STONE-AND-EARTH
BARK CABINS, A CRUDE COUNTING
HOUSE, AND A STONE-AND-EARTH
FORT, THEN WIDENED THE OLD
HOUSE, AND A STONE-AND-EARTH
FORT, THEN WIDENED THE OLD
INDIAN TRAIL THAT RAN NORTH FROM
FORT, THEN WIDENED THE OLD
INDIAN TRAIL THAT RAN NORTH FROM
THE MAKESHIFT VILLAGE, AND NAMED
INDIAN TRAIL THAT RAN NORTH FROM
THE MAKESHIFT VILLAGE, AND NAMED
IT HEER STRAAT, OR BREEDE WEGH.
THE MAKESHIFT VILLAGE, AND NAMED
IT HEER STRAAT, OR BREEDE WEGH.
IT WOULD BECOME BROADWAY.
IT HEER STRAAT, OR BREEDE WEGH.
IT WOULD BECOME BROADWAY.
OTHER SETTLEMENTS SOON SPRANG UP
IT WOULD BECOME BROADWAY.
OTHER SETTLEMENTS SOON SPRANG UP
AROUND THE HARBOR, INCLUDING
OTHER SETTLEMENTS SOON SPRANG UP
AROUND THE HARBOR, INCLUDING
THE VILLAGE OF BREUCKELEN, NAMED
AROUND THE HARBOR, INCLUDING
THE VILLAGE OF BREUCKELEN, NAMED
FOR A TOWN BACK IN HOLLAND,
THE VILLAGE OF BREUCKELEN, NAMED
FOR A TOWN BACK IN HOLLAND,
AND UP ALONG THE EAST RIVER,
FOR A TOWN BACK IN HOLLAND,
AND UP ALONG THE EAST RIVER,
A SPRAWLING PLANTATION, OWNED
AND UP ALONG THE EAST RIVER,
A SPRAWLING PLANTATION, OWNED
BY A DANISH FARMER NAMED JONAS
A SPRAWLING PLANTATION, OWNED
BY A DANISH FARMER NAMED JONAS
BRONCK.
BY A DANISH FARMER NAMED JONAS
BRONCK.
IT WAS SOON KNOWN SIMPLY AS
BRONCK.
IT WAS SOON KNOWN SIMPLY AS
"THE BRONCKS."
IT WAS SOON KNOWN SIMPLY AS
"THE BRONCKS."
IN 1626, JUST TWO YEARS AFTER
"THE BRONCKS."
IN 1626, JUST TWO YEARS AFTER
THE COLONY WAS FOUNDED, A SHIP
IN 1626, JUST TWO YEARS AFTER
THE COLONY WAS FOUNDED, A SHIP
CARRYING THE FIRST 11 AFRICAN
THE COLONY WAS FOUNDED, A SHIP
CARRYING THE FIRST 11 AFRICAN
SLAVES ARRIVED FROM ANGOLA.
CARRYING THE FIRST 11 AFRICAN
SLAVES ARRIVED FROM ANGOLA.
THEY WERE QUICKLY PUT TO WORK
SLAVES ARRIVED FROM ANGOLA.
THEY WERE QUICKLY PUT TO WORK
BUILDING THE FORT AND CLEARING
THEY WERE QUICKLY PUT TO WORK
BUILDING THE FORT AND CLEARING
LAND FOR WHITE FARMERS.
BUILDING THE FORT AND CLEARING
LAND FOR WHITE FARMERS.
THAT SAME YEAR, THE DIRECTOR
LAND FOR WHITE FARMERS.
THAT SAME YEAR, THE DIRECTOR
GENERAL, PETER MINUIT, CALLED
THAT SAME YEAR, THE DIRECTOR
GENERAL, PETER MINUIT, CALLED
TOGETHER THE LEADERS OF ALL THE
GENERAL, PETER MINUIT, CALLED
TOGETHER THE LEADERS OF ALL THE
LOCAL TRIBES AND MADE THEM A
TOGETHER THE LEADERS OF ALL THE
LOCAL TRIBES AND MADE THEM A
FATEFUL OFFER.
LOCAL TRIBES AND MADE THEM A
FATEFUL OFFER.
"THEY HAVE BOUGHT THE ISLAND
FATEFUL OFFER.
"THEY HAVE BOUGHT THE ISLAND
MANHATTES FROM THE WILDMEN,"
"THEY HAVE BOUGHT THE ISLAND
MANHATTES FROM THE WILDMEN,"
THE COMPANY ACCOUNTANT LATER
MANHATTES FROM THE WILDMEN,"
THE COMPANY ACCOUNTANT LATER
REPORTED, "FOR THE VALUE OF 60
THE COMPANY ACCOUNTANT LATER
REPORTED, "FOR THE VALUE OF 60
GUILDERS."
REPORTED, "FOR THE VALUE OF 60
GUILDERS."
THE DUTCH HAD IN FACT PAID MUCH
GUILDERS."
THE DUTCH HAD IN FACT PAID MUCH
MORE THAN THE $24 OF LEGEND, BU
THE DUTCH HAD IN FACT PAID MUCH
MORE THAN THE $24 OF LEGEND, BU
STILL, LESS THAN $600, FOR ALL
MORE THAN THE $24 OF LEGEND, BU
STILL, LESS THAN $600, FOR ALL
14,000 ACRES OF MANHATTAN REAL
STILL, LESS THAN $600, FOR ALL
14,000 ACRES OF MANHATTAN REAL
ESTATE.
14,000 ACRES OF MANHATTAN REAL
ESTATE.
THE INDIANS, WHO HAD LIVED ON
ESTATE.
THE INDIANS, WHO HAD LIVED ON
THE ISLAND SINCE THE END OF THE
THE INDIANS, WHO HAD LIVED ON
THE ISLAND SINCE THE END OF THE
ICE AGE, THOUGHT THE ARRANGEMEN
THE ISLAND SINCE THE END OF THE
ICE AGE, THOUGHT THE ARRANGEMEN
TEMPORARY.
ICE AGE, THOUGHT THE ARRANGEMEN
TEMPORARY.
Peter Quinn: WHAT'S AT THE
TEMPORARY.
Peter Quinn: WHAT'S AT THE
BEGINNING OF THE CITY IS AT THE
Peter Quinn: WHAT'S AT THE
BEGINNING OF THE CITY IS AT THE
END OF THE CITY, IT'S A REAL
BEGINNING OF THE CITY IS AT THE
END OF THE CITY, IT'S A REAL
ESTATE DEAL.
AND IF THERE'S EVER A KIND OF
MOTIF THAT RUNS THROUGH THE
MOTIF THAT RUNS THROUGH THE
HISTORY OF THE CITY, IT'S THAT.
HISTORY OF THE CITY, IT'S THAT.
IT'S THE REAL ESTATE DEAL AT THE
IT'S THE REAL ESTATE DEAL AT THE
BEGINNING OF THE VERY EXISTENCE
BEGINNING OF THE VERY EXISTENCE
OF THE CITY.
OF THE CITY.
John Steele Gordon: NEW YORK
John Steele Gordon: NEW YORK
WAS FOUNDED FOR NO OTHER REASON
WAS FOUNDED FOR NO OTHER REASON
THAN TO MAKE A BUCK.
THAN TO MAKE A BUCK.
THE PURITANS CAME TO NEW ENGLAND
THE PURITANS CAME TO NEW ENGLAND
TO, IN ORDER TO WORSHIP GOD AS
TO, IN ORDER TO WORSHIP GOD AS
THEY SAW FIT.
THEY SAW FIT.
THE CATHOLICS CAME TO MARYLAND,
THE CATHOLICS CAME TO MARYLAND,
THE QUAKERS TO PENNSYLVANIA.
THE QUAKERS TO PENNSYLVANIA.
THE DUTCH CAME TO MANHATTAN TO
THE DUTCH CAME TO MANHATTAN TO
GET BEAVER SKINS.
AND SO DEVOTED WERE THEY TO
AND SO DEVOTED WERE THEY TO
MAKING A PROFIT THAT THEY DIDN'
GET AROUND TO EVEN BUILDING A
MAKING A PROFIT THAT THEY DIDN'
GET AROUND TO EVEN BUILDING A
CHURCH FOR 17 YEARS.
GET AROUND TO EVEN BUILDING A
CHURCH FOR 17 YEARS.
AND EVER SINCE, HOWEVER BIG THE
CHURCH FOR 17 YEARS.
AND EVER SINCE, HOWEVER BIG THE
CITY HAS GOTTEN, SOMEWHERE DEEP
AND EVER SINCE, HOWEVER BIG THE
CITY HAS GOTTEN, SOMEWHERE DEEP
IN ITS SOUL IT IS ALWAYS NEW
CITY HAS GOTTEN, SOMEWHERE DEEP
IN ITS SOUL IT IS ALWAYS NEW
AMSTERDAM, WHERE MODERN
IN ITS SOUL IT IS ALWAYS NEW
AMSTERDAM, WHERE MODERN
CAPITALISM WAS INVENTED.
AMSTERDAM, WHERE MODERN
CAPITALISM WAS INVENTED.
Narrator: BUT THERE WERE
CAPITALISM WAS INVENTED.
Narrator: BUT THERE WERE
PROBLEMS FROM THE START.
Narrator: BUT THERE WERE
PROBLEMS FROM THE START.
THOUGH THICK BALES OF BEAVER,
PROBLEMS FROM THE START.
THOUGH THICK BALES OF BEAVER,
OTTER, MUSKRAT, AND MINK, WERE
THOUGH THICK BALES OF BEAVER,
OTTER, MUSKRAT, AND MINK, WERE
SOON BEING SHIPPED BACK TO
OTTER, MUSKRAT, AND MINK, WERE
SOON BEING SHIPPED BACK TO
HOLLAND FOUR TIMES A YEAR, THE
SOON BEING SHIPPED BACK TO
HOLLAND FOUR TIMES A YEAR, THE
REMOTE AND LONELY COLONY, 4,000
HOLLAND FOUR TIMES A YEAR, THE
REMOTE AND LONELY COLONY, 4,000
MILES FROM THE MOTHER COUNTRY,
REMOTE AND LONELY COLONY, 4,000
MILES FROM THE MOTHER COUNTRY,
STRUGGLED TO TAKE HOLD.
MILES FROM THE MOTHER COUNTRY,
STRUGGLED TO TAKE HOLD.
Wallace: PEOPLE IN HOLLAND
STRUGGLED TO TAKE HOLD.
Wallace: PEOPLE IN HOLLAND
ARE IN FACT NOT TERRIBLY
Wallace: PEOPLE IN HOLLAND
ARE IN FACT NOT TERRIBLY
INTERESTED IN COMING HERE.
ARE IN FACT NOT TERRIBLY
INTERESTED IN COMING HERE.
THE PROMOTERS SENT BACK THESE
INTERESTED IN COMING HERE.
THE PROMOTERS SENT BACK THESE
TRACTS ABOUT THE GLORIES OF THIS
THE PROMOTERS SENT BACK THESE
TRACTS ABOUT THE GLORIES OF THIS
PLACE, BUT, YOU KNOW, THE FAC
TRACTS ABOUT THE GLORIES OF THIS
PLACE, BUT, YOU KNOW, THE FAC
OF THE MATTER WAS THAT FROM A
PLACE, BUT, YOU KNOW, THE FAC
OF THE MATTER WAS THAT FROM A
DUTCH PERSPECTIVE IF YOU WERE IN
OF THE MATTER WAS THAT FROM A
DUTCH PERSPECTIVE IF YOU WERE IN
AMSTERDAM AND YOU WANTED TO MAKE
DUTCH PERSPECTIVE IF YOU WERE IN
AMSTERDAM AND YOU WANTED TO MAKE
YOUR FORTUNE OUT IN THE
AMSTERDAM AND YOU WANTED TO MAKE
YOUR FORTUNE OUT IN THE
COLONIES, YOU WENT TO THE SPICE
YOUR FORTUNE OUT IN THE
COLONIES, YOU WENT TO THE SPICE
ISLANDS, YOU WENT TO BRAZIL,
COLONIES, YOU WENT TO THE SPICE
ISLANDS, YOU WENT TO BRAZIL,
YOU GOT INTO THE AFRICAN SLAVE
ISLANDS, YOU WENT TO BRAZIL,
YOU GOT INTO THE AFRICAN SLAVE
TRADE.
YOU GOT INTO THE AFRICAN SLAVE
TRADE.
BEAVERS WAS A DISTINCTLY SECOND-
TRADE.
BEAVERS WAS A DISTINCTLY SECOND-
RATE OPERATION, IT WAS FOR
BEAVERS WAS A DISTINCTLY SECOND-
RATE OPERATION, IT WAS FOR
SECOND-RANK MERCHANTS.
RATE OPERATION, IT WAS FOR
SECOND-RANK MERCHANTS.
Narrator: IN THE WINTER OF
SECOND-RANK MERCHANTS.
Narrator: IN THE WINTER OF
1643, THE COLONY'S TROUBLES
Narrator: IN THE WINTER OF
1643, THE COLONY'S TROUBLES
DEEPENED WHEN AN INCOMPETEN
1643, THE COLONY'S TROUBLES
DEEPENED WHEN AN INCOMPETEN
DIRECTOR NAMED WILLEM KIEF
DEEPENED WHEN AN INCOMPETEN
DIRECTOR NAMED WILLEM KIEF
TRIED TO TAX THE LOCAL INDIANS,
DIRECTOR NAMED WILLEM KIEF
TRIED TO TAX THE LOCAL INDIANS,
THEN LAUNCHED A BRUTAL YEAR-LONG
TRIED TO TAX THE LOCAL INDIANS,
THEN LAUNCHED A BRUTAL YEAR-LONG
WAR AGAINST THEM WHEN THEY
THEN LAUNCHED A BRUTAL YEAR-LONG
WAR AGAINST THEM WHEN THEY
RESISTED.
WAR AGAINST THEM WHEN THEY
RESISTED.
IN FEBRUARY, A PLATOON OF DUTCH
RESISTED.
IN FEBRUARY, A PLATOON OF DUTCH
SOLDIERS FELL ON TWO
IN FEBRUARY, A PLATOON OF DUTCH
SOLDIERS FELL ON TWO
UNSUSPECTING LENAPE VILLAGES
SOLDIERS FELL ON TWO
UNSUSPECTING LENAPE VILLAGES
ALONG THE EAST RIVER, BUTCHERED
UNSUSPECTING LENAPE VILLAGES
ALONG THE EAST RIVER, BUTCHERED
80 MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN IN
ALONG THE EAST RIVER, BUTCHERED
80 MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN IN
THEIR SLEEP, THEN MARCHED BACK
80 MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN IN
THEIR SLEEP, THEN MARCHED BACK
TO FORT AMSTERDAM WITH THEIR
THEIR SLEEP, THEN MARCHED BACK
TO FORT AMSTERDAM WITH THEIR
HEADS ON PIKES.
TO FORT AMSTERDAM WITH THEIR
HEADS ON PIKES.
BEFORE THE YEAR WAS OUT,
HEADS ON PIKES.
BEFORE THE YEAR WAS OUT,
HUNDREDS OF NATIVE AMERICANS
BEFORE THE YEAR WAS OUT,
HUNDREDS OF NATIVE AMERICANS
AND DOZENS OF DUTCH SETTLERS
HUNDREDS OF NATIVE AMERICANS
AND DOZENS OF DUTCH SETTLERS
HAD DIED IN WHAT WAS CALLED
AND DOZENS OF DUTCH SETTLERS
HAD DIED IN WHAT WAS CALLED
"THE YEAR OF THE BLOOD."
HAD DIED IN WHAT WAS CALLED
"THE YEAR OF THE BLOOD."
LESS THAN TWO DECADES AFTER
"THE YEAR OF THE BLOOD."
LESS THAN TWO DECADES AFTER
BEING FOUNDED, THE FLEDGLING
LESS THAN TWO DECADES AFTER
BEING FOUNDED, THE FLEDGLING
COLONY HAD BEGUN TO FALL APART,
BEING FOUNDED, THE FLEDGLING
COLONY HAD BEGUN TO FALL APART,
ITS POPULATION DWINDLING,
COLONY HAD BEGUN TO FALL APART,
ITS POPULATION DWINDLING,
DRUNKENNESS ON THE RISE, AND
ITS POPULATION DWINDLING,
DRUNKENNESS ON THE RISE, AND
MORALE AT AN ALL-TIME LOW.
DRUNKENNESS ON THE RISE, AND
MORALE AT AN ALL-TIME LOW.
Carr: THE MOST INTERESTING
MORALE AT AN ALL-TIME LOW.
Carr: THE MOST INTERESTING
THING ABOUT THE DUTCH PERIOD IN
Carr: THE MOST INTERESTING
THING ABOUT THE DUTCH PERIOD IN
NEW YORK TO ME IS HOW MUCH I
THING ABOUT THE DUTCH PERIOD IN
NEW YORK TO ME IS HOW MUCH I
SET THE PATTERN FOR BEHAVIOR IN
NEW YORK TO ME IS HOW MUCH I
SET THE PATTERN FOR BEHAVIOR IN
NEW YORK.
SET THE PATTERN FOR BEHAVIOR IN
NEW YORK.
I FORGET WHAT THE EXACT RATIO
NEW YORK.
I FORGET WHAT THE EXACT RATIO
IS, BUT THERE WAS AN ABSURD
I FORGET WHAT THE EXACT RATIO
IS, BUT THERE WAS AN ABSURD
RATIO OF CITIZENS TO TAVERNS.
IS, BUT THERE WAS AN ABSURD
RATIO OF CITIZENS TO TAVERNS.
IT WAS VIRTUALLY THAT EVERY 20
RATIO OF CITIZENS TO TAVERNS.
IT WAS VIRTUALLY THAT EVERY 20
GUYS HAD THEIR OWN TAVERN.
IT WAS VIRTUALLY THAT EVERY 20
GUYS HAD THEIR OWN TAVERN.
AND IT REMAINS A RATIO THAT'S
GUYS HAD THEIR OWN TAVERN.
AND IT REMAINS A RATIO THAT'S
PROBABLY PRETTY CLOSE TO THE WAY
AND IT REMAINS A RATIO THAT'S
PROBABLY PRETTY CLOSE TO THE WAY
THE CITY HAS REMAINED THROUGHOU
PROBABLY PRETTY CLOSE TO THE WAY
THE CITY HAS REMAINED THROUGHOU
ITS HISTORY.
THE CITY HAS REMAINED THROUGHOU
ITS HISTORY.
Wallace: IT'S LIKE DODGE
ITS HISTORY.
Wallace: IT'S LIKE DODGE
CITY.
Wallace: IT'S LIKE DODGE
CITY.
I MEAN, EVERY OTHER BUILDING WAS
CITY.
I MEAN, EVERY OTHER BUILDING WAS
A BAR, IT'S A MUD HOLE AND A
I MEAN, EVERY OTHER BUILDING WAS
A BAR, IT'S A MUD HOLE AND A
SINKHOLE, THE FORT IS FALLING
A BAR, IT'S A MUD HOLE AND A
SINKHOLE, THE FORT IS FALLING
DOWN, PIGS ARE ROOTING IN THE
SINKHOLE, THE FORT IS FALLING
DOWN, PIGS ARE ROOTING IN THE
FOUNDATIONS.
DOWN, PIGS ARE ROOTING IN THE
FOUNDATIONS.
WE NEED TO SHAPE THIS PLACE UP.
FOUNDATIONS.
WE NEED TO SHAPE THIS PLACE UP.
AND WHAT THEY DO IS THEY, LIKE
WE NEED TO SHAPE THIS PLACE UP.
AND WHAT THEY DO IS THEY, LIKE
A GLOBAL CORPORATION THAT THEY
AND WHAT THEY DO IS THEY, LIKE
A GLOBAL CORPORATION THAT THEY
WERE, YOU CAN SORT OF THINK OF
A GLOBAL CORPORATION THAT THEY
WERE, YOU CAN SORT OF THINK OF
THE WEST INDIA COMPANY AS SOR
WERE, YOU CAN SORT OF THINK OF
THE WEST INDIA COMPANY AS SOR
OF LIKE EXXON WITH GUNS I
THE WEST INDIA COMPANY AS SOR
OF LIKE EXXON WITH GUNS I
MEAN, WITH ITS OWN NAVAL FLEET.
OF LIKE EXXON WITH GUNS I
MEAN, WITH ITS OWN NAVAL FLEET.
THEY TRANSFERRED A BRANCH
MEAN, WITH ITS OWN NAVAL FLEET.
THEY TRANSFERRED A BRANCH
MANAGER FROM CURACAO UP TO
THEY TRANSFERRED A BRANCH
MANAGER FROM CURACAO UP TO
NEW YORK AND SAID, "WE WANT YOU
MANAGER FROM CURACAO UP TO
NEW YORK AND SAID, "WE WANT YOU
TO WHIP THIS PLACE INTO SHAPE."
NEW YORK AND SAID, "WE WANT YOU
TO WHIP THIS PLACE INTO SHAPE."
AND HE DID.
TO WHIP THIS PLACE INTO SHAPE."
AND HE DID.
Narrator: IN THE SPRING OF
AND HE DID.
Narrator: IN THE SPRING OF
1647, NEW AMSTERDAM GOT A NEW
Narrator: IN THE SPRING OF
1647, NEW AMSTERDAM GOT A NEW
DIRECTOR GENERAL A 37-YEAR-OLD
1647, NEW AMSTERDAM GOT A NEW
DIRECTOR GENERAL A 37-YEAR-OLD
EX-SOLDIER AND MINISTER'S SON
DIRECTOR GENERAL A 37-YEAR-OLD
EX-SOLDIER AND MINISTER'S SON
WHO HAD LOST HIS RIGHT LEG TO
EX-SOLDIER AND MINISTER'S SON
WHO HAD LOST HIS RIGHT LEG TO
A CANNON BALL DURING A NAVAL
WHO HAD LOST HIS RIGHT LEG TO
A CANNON BALL DURING A NAVAL
BATTLE IN THE WEST INDIES.
A CANNON BALL DURING A NAVAL
BATTLE IN THE WEST INDIES.
IRON-WILLED, SHORT-TEMPERED, AND
BATTLE IN THE WEST INDIES.
IRON-WILLED, SHORT-TEMPERED, AND
PURITANICAL, PETER STUYVESAN
IRON-WILLED, SHORT-TEMPERED, AND
PURITANICAL, PETER STUYVESAN
HAD STRICT ORDERS TO CLEAN
PURITANICAL, PETER STUYVESAN
HAD STRICT ORDERS TO CLEAN
THE PLACE UP, AND MAKE IT PAY.
HAD STRICT ORDERS TO CLEAN
THE PLACE UP, AND MAKE IT PAY.
"I SHALL GOVERN YOU AS A FATHER
THE PLACE UP, AND MAKE IT PAY.
"I SHALL GOVERN YOU AS A FATHER
HIS CHILDREN," HE TOLD THE
"I SHALL GOVERN YOU AS A FATHER
HIS CHILDREN," HE TOLD THE
STUBBORN AND UNRULY CITIZENS OF
HIS CHILDREN," HE TOLD THE
STUBBORN AND UNRULY CITIZENS OF
NEW AMSTERDAM, AND IT WAS SOON
STUBBORN AND UNRULY CITIZENS OF
NEW AMSTERDAM, AND IT WAS SOON
APPARENT HE MEANT EVERY WORD HE
NEW AMSTERDAM, AND IT WAS SOON
APPARENT HE MEANT EVERY WORD HE
SAID.
APPARENT HE MEANT EVERY WORD HE
SAID.
WITHIN WEEKS OF HIS ARRIVAL, HE
SAID.
WITHIN WEEKS OF HIS ARRIVAL, HE
HAD BANNED DRINKING ON SUNDAYS,
WITHIN WEEKS OF HIS ARRIVAL, HE
HAD BANNED DRINKING ON SUNDAYS,
OUTLAWED KNIFE FIGHTING IN
HAD BANNED DRINKING ON SUNDAYS,
OUTLAWED KNIFE FIGHTING IN
PUBLIC, AND IMPOSED STIFF FINES
OUTLAWED KNIFE FIGHTING IN
PUBLIC, AND IMPOSED STIFF FINES
FOR MISSING CHURCH, SPEEDING ON
PUBLIC, AND IMPOSED STIFF FINES
FOR MISSING CHURCH, SPEEDING ON
BROADWAY, AND FORNICATING WITH
FOR MISSING CHURCH, SPEEDING ON
BROADWAY, AND FORNICATING WITH
THE INDIANS.
BROADWAY, AND FORNICATING WITH
THE INDIANS.
IT WAS THE BEGINNING OF A LONG
THE INDIANS.
IT WAS THE BEGINNING OF A LONG
AND STORMY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
IT WAS THE BEGINNING OF A LONG
AND STORMY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
THE DIRECTOR GENERAL AND HIS
AND STORMY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
THE DIRECTOR GENERAL AND HIS
COLONISTS.
THE DIRECTOR GENERAL AND HIS
COLONISTS.
BUT THOUGH THEY BITTERLY
COLONISTS.
BUT THOUGH THEY BITTERLY
RESENTED STUYVESANT'S HIGH-
BUT THOUGH THEY BITTERLY
RESENTED STUYVESANT'S HIGH-
HANDED STYLE OF RULE, NEW
RESENTED STUYVESANT'S HIGH-
HANDED STYLE OF RULE, NEW
AMSTERDAM BEGAN TO TAKE HOLD.
HANDED STYLE OF RULE, NEW
AMSTERDAM BEGAN TO TAKE HOLD.
Wallace: IN AN INCREDIBLY
AMSTERDAM BEGAN TO TAKE HOLD.
Wallace: IN AN INCREDIBLY
SHORT SPACE OF TIME, HE HAS
Wallace: IN AN INCREDIBLY
SHORT SPACE OF TIME, HE HAS
SLAVES LAY OUT THE ROAD UP TO
SHORT SPACE OF TIME, HE HAS
SLAVES LAY OUT THE ROAD UP TO
HARLEM, GETS A WALL BUILT, HAS
SLAVES LAY OUT THE ROAD UP TO
HARLEM, GETS A WALL BUILT, HAS
STREETS BUILT, HAS THE POR
HARLEM, GETS A WALL BUILT, HAS
STREETS BUILT, HAS THE POR
FIXED UP, BUILDS HIMSELF AN
STREETS BUILT, HAS THE POR
FIXED UP, BUILDS HIMSELF AN
EXTREMELY NICE HOUSE, TAKES
FIXED UP, BUILDS HIMSELF AN
EXTREMELY NICE HOUSE, TAKES
A LARGE CHUNK OF THE SLAVE
EXTREMELY NICE HOUSE, TAKES
A LARGE CHUNK OF THE SLAVE
POPULATION FOR HIMSELF, BU
A LARGE CHUNK OF THE SLAVE
POPULATION FOR HIMSELF, BU
IN FACT MAKES THIS PLACE INTO
POPULATION FOR HIMSELF, BU
IN FACT MAKES THIS PLACE INTO
A FUNCTIONING OPERATION.
IN FACT MAKES THIS PLACE INTO
A FUNCTIONING OPERATION.
THE POPULATION INCREASES, HE
A FUNCTIONING OPERATION.
THE POPULATION INCREASES, HE
ESTABLISHES A BASE, AN ECONOMIC
THE POPULATION INCREASES, HE
ESTABLISHES A BASE, AN ECONOMIC
BASE WHICH IS SLAVING, THIS
ESTABLISHES A BASE, AN ECONOMIC
BASE WHICH IS SLAVING, THIS
IS GOING TO BE A SLAVE ENTREPO
BASE WHICH IS SLAVING, THIS
IS GOING TO BE A SLAVE ENTREPO
AND THEY ARE GOING TO RUN SLAVES
IS GOING TO BE A SLAVE ENTREPO
AND THEY ARE GOING TO RUN SLAVES
INTO HERE AND THEN DOWN TO THE
AND THEY ARE GOING TO RUN SLAVES
INTO HERE AND THEN DOWN TO THE
CARIBBEAN.
INTO HERE AND THEN DOWN TO THE
CARIBBEAN.
Narrator: BY 1653, IN LESS
CARIBBEAN.
Narrator: BY 1653, IN LESS
THAN FIVE YEARS, STUYVESAN
Narrator: BY 1653, IN LESS
THAN FIVE YEARS, STUYVESAN
HAD MANAGED TO TRANSFORM THE
THAN FIVE YEARS, STUYVESAN
HAD MANAGED TO TRANSFORM THE
DISORDERLY BACKWATER INTO A
HAD MANAGED TO TRANSFORM THE
DISORDERLY BACKWATER INTO A
BUSTLING TOWN WITH ITS OWN
DISORDERLY BACKWATER INTO A
BUSTLING TOWN WITH ITS OWN
PIERS, CANALS, WINDMILLS, AND
BUSTLING TOWN WITH ITS OWN
PIERS, CANALS, WINDMILLS, AND
SCHOOLS, 300 ROW HOUSES, A
PIERS, CANALS, WINDMILLS, AND
SCHOOLS, 300 ROW HOUSES, A
POPULATION OF 3,000, AND A
SCHOOLS, 300 ROW HOUSES, A
POPULATION OF 3,000, AND A
2,340-FOOT WALL, STRETCHING ALL
POPULATION OF 3,000, AND A
2,340-FOOT WALL, STRETCHING ALL
THE WAY FROM THE EAST RIVER TO
2,340-FOOT WALL, STRETCHING ALL
THE WAY FROM THE EAST RIVER TO
THE HUDSON, BUILT TO KEEP OU
THE WAY FROM THE EAST RIVER TO
THE HUDSON, BUILT TO KEEP OU
THE HUDSON, BUILT TO KEEP OU
Jackson: SO MANY THINGS ABOU
Jackson: SO MANY THINGS ABOU
NEW YORK THAT WE THINK OF AS
Jackson: SO MANY THINGS ABOU
NEW YORK THAT WE THINK OF AS
BEING UNUSUAL OR DISTINCTIVE IN
NEW YORK THAT WE THINK OF AS
BEING UNUSUAL OR DISTINCTIVE IN
THE 20th CENTURY, REALLY HAVE
BEING UNUSUAL OR DISTINCTIVE IN
THE 20th CENTURY, REALLY HAVE
THEIR ORIGINS HUNDREDS OF YEARS
THE 20th CENTURY, REALLY HAVE
THEIR ORIGINS HUNDREDS OF YEARS
IN THE PAST.
THEIR ORIGINS HUNDREDS OF YEARS
IN THE PAST.
ONE THINKS OF CONGESTION.
IN THE PAST.
ONE THINKS OF CONGESTION.
EVERY AMERICAN EVERY PERSON IN
ONE THINKS OF CONGESTION.
EVERY AMERICAN EVERY PERSON IN
THE WORLD REALLY KNOWS ABOU
EVERY AMERICAN EVERY PERSON IN
THE WORLD REALLY KNOWS ABOU
NEW YORK AND ITS UNUSUAL
THE WORLD REALLY KNOWS ABOU
NEW YORK AND ITS UNUSUAL
VERTICAL SHAPE AND THE CROWDED
NEW YORK AND ITS UNUSUAL
VERTICAL SHAPE AND THE CROWDED
STREETS.
VERTICAL SHAPE AND THE CROWDED
STREETS.
BUT AGAIN, THIS GOES BACK TO THE
STREETS.
BUT AGAIN, THIS GOES BACK TO THE
17TH CENTURY, REALLY, WHEN THE
BUT AGAIN, THIS GOES BACK TO THE
17TH CENTURY, REALLY, WHEN THE
LITTLE DUTCH VILLAGE WAS CROWDED
17TH CENTURY, REALLY, WHEN THE
LITTLE DUTCH VILLAGE WAS CROWDED
DOWN IN LOWER MANHATTAN, AND ALL
LITTLE DUTCH VILLAGE WAS CROWDED
DOWN IN LOWER MANHATTAN, AND ALL
THE HOUSES WERE FLUSH UP AGAINS
DOWN IN LOWER MANHATTAN, AND ALL
THE HOUSES WERE FLUSH UP AGAINS
EACH OTHER.
THE HOUSES WERE FLUSH UP AGAINS
EACH OTHER.
OR THE HETEROGENEITY OF THE
EACH OTHER.
OR THE HETEROGENEITY OF THE
POPULATION ALREADY IN THE
OR THE HETEROGENEITY OF THE
POPULATION ALREADY IN THE
1640s THERE WERE 18 DIFFEREN
POPULATION ALREADY IN THE
1640s THERE WERE 18 DIFFEREN
LANGUAGES BEING SPOKEN ON THE
1640s THERE WERE 18 DIFFEREN
LANGUAGES BEING SPOKEN ON THE
STREETS.
LANGUAGES BEING SPOKEN ON THE
STREETS.
Narrator: THOUGH IT OFFENDED
STREETS.
Narrator: THOUGH IT OFFENDED
STUYVESANT'S KEEN SENSE OF
Narrator: THOUGH IT OFFENDED
STUYVESANT'S KEEN SENSE OF
ORDER, TO EASE THE CHRONIC LABOR
STUYVESANT'S KEEN SENSE OF
ORDER, TO EASE THE CHRONIC LABOR
SHORTAGE, HE RELUCTANTLY AGREED
ORDER, TO EASE THE CHRONIC LABOR
SHORTAGE, HE RELUCTANTLY AGREED
TO LET IN ALMOST ANYONE WILLING
SHORTAGE, HE RELUCTANTLY AGREED
TO LET IN ALMOST ANYONE WILLING
TO WORK.
TO LET IN ALMOST ANYONE WILLING
TO WORK.
CENSUS TAKERS SOON REPORTED
TO WORK.
CENSUS TAKERS SOON REPORTED
HEARING A CHORUS OF LANGUAGES
CENSUS TAKERS SOON REPORTED
HEARING A CHORUS OF LANGUAGES
ON THE STREETS OF NEW AMSTERDAM,
HEARING A CHORUS OF LANGUAGES
ON THE STREETS OF NEW AMSTERDAM,
ON THE STREETS OF NEW AMSTERDAM,
GERMAN, SPANISH, POLISH, AND
GERMAN, SPANISH, POLISH, AND
PORTUGUESE.
GERMAN, SPANISH, POLISH, AND
PORTUGUESE.
BY 1654, THE DUTCH HAD BECOME
PORTUGUESE.
BY 1654, THE DUTCH HAD BECOME
A MINORITY IN THEIR OWN COLONY
BY 1654, THE DUTCH HAD BECOME
A MINORITY IN THEIR OWN COLONY
AND STUYVESANT HIMSELF FEARED
A MINORITY IN THEIR OWN COLONY
AND STUYVESANT HIMSELF FEARED
THAT NEW AMSTERDAM WOULD SOON
AND STUYVESANT HIMSELF FEARED
THAT NEW AMSTERDAM WOULD SOON
BECOME TOO DIVERSE TO RULE.
THAT NEW AMSTERDAM WOULD SOON
BECOME TOO DIVERSE TO RULE.
Reader: "IF NOTHING IS DONE
BECOME TOO DIVERSE TO RULE.
Reader: "IF NOTHING IS DONE
TO STOP IT, I FEAR THIS COLONY
Reader: "IF NOTHING IS DONE
TO STOP IT, I FEAR THIS COLONY
WILL SOON BECOME A BABEL OF
TO STOP IT, I FEAR THIS COLONY
WILL SOON BECOME A BABEL OF
CONFUSION.
WILL SOON BECOME A BABEL OF
CONFUSION.
WE HAVE HERE PAPISTS,
CONFUSION.
WE HAVE HERE PAPISTS,
MENNONITES, AND LUTHERANS AMONG
WE HAVE HERE PAPISTS,
MENNONITES, AND LUTHERANS AMONG
THE DUTCH; ALSO MANY PURITANS OR
MENNONITES, AND LUTHERANS AMONG
THE DUTCH; ALSO MANY PURITANS OR
INDEPENDENTS, AND MANY ATHEISTS,
THE DUTCH; ALSO MANY PURITANS OR
INDEPENDENTS, AND MANY ATHEISTS,
WHO CONCEAL THEMSELVES UNDER THE
INDEPENDENTS, AND MANY ATHEISTS,
WHO CONCEAL THEMSELVES UNDER THE
NAME OF CHRISTIANS.
WHO CONCEAL THEMSELVES UNDER THE
NAME OF CHRISTIANS.
IT WOULD CREATE A STILL GREATER
NAME OF CHRISTIANS.
IT WOULD CREATE A STILL GREATER
CONFUSION IF THE OBSTINATE AND
IT WOULD CREATE A STILL GREATER
CONFUSION IF THE OBSTINATE AND
IMMOVABLE JEWS CAME TO SETTLE
CONFUSION IF THE OBSTINATE AND
IMMOVABLE JEWS CAME TO SETTLE
HERE."
IMMOVABLE JEWS CAME TO SETTLE
HERE."
Narrator: BUT THEY SOON DID.
HERE."
Narrator: BUT THEY SOON DID.
IN 1654, 23 SEPHARDIC JEWS
Narrator: BUT THEY SOON DID.
IN 1654, 23 SEPHARDIC JEWS
SAILED INTO THE HARBOR, SEEKING
IN 1654, 23 SEPHARDIC JEWS
SAILED INTO THE HARBOR, SEEKING
REFUGE FROM THE SPANISH
SAILED INTO THE HARBOR, SEEKING
REFUGE FROM THE SPANISH
INQUISITION IN BRAZIL.
REFUGE FROM THE SPANISH
INQUISITION IN BRAZIL.
STUYVESANT IMMEDIATELY
INQUISITION IN BRAZIL.
STUYVESANT IMMEDIATELY
PETITIONED THE BOARD OF
STUYVESANT IMMEDIATELY
PETITIONED THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS OF THE DUTCH WES
PETITIONED THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS OF THE DUTCH WES
INDIA COMPANY TO HAVE THEM
DIRECTORS OF THE DUTCH WES
INDIA COMPANY TO HAVE THEM
TURNED AWAY, INSISTING, HE SAID,
INDIA COMPANY TO HAVE THEM
TURNED AWAY, INSISTING, HE SAID,
THAT "NONE OF THE JEWISH NATION
TURNED AWAY, INSISTING, HE SAID,
THAT "NONE OF THE JEWISH NATION
BE PERMITTED TO INFEST NEW
THAT "NONE OF THE JEWISH NATION
BE PERMITTED TO INFEST NEW
NETHERLAND."
BE PERMITTED TO INFEST NEW
NETHERLAND."
TO HIS ASTONISHMENT, THE
NETHERLAND."
TO HIS ASTONISHMENT, THE
PETITION WAS OVERTURNED.
TO HIS ASTONISHMENT, THE
PETITION WAS OVERTURNED.
CHIDING HIM FOR HIS BIGOTRY, THE
PETITION WAS OVERTURNED.
CHIDING HIM FOR HIS BIGOTRY, THE
DIRECTORS REMINDED STUYVESAN
CHIDING HIM FOR HIS BIGOTRY, THE
DIRECTORS REMINDED STUYVESAN
THAT HE WAS RUNNING A BUSINESS
DIRECTORS REMINDED STUYVESAN
THAT HE WAS RUNNING A BUSINESS
COLONY, NOT A RELIGIOUS
THAT HE WAS RUNNING A BUSINESS
COLONY, NOT A RELIGIOUS
ESTABLISHMENT, AND THAT FOR
COLONY, NOT A RELIGIOUS
ESTABLISHMENT, AND THAT FOR
THE SAKE OF THAT BUSINESS,
ESTABLISHMENT, AND THAT FOR
THE SAKE OF THAT BUSINESS,
NO ONE SHOULD BE TURNED AWAY.
THE SAKE OF THAT BUSINESS,
NO ONE SHOULD BE TURNED AWAY.
Reader: "THE CONSCIENCES OF
NO ONE SHOULD BE TURNED AWAY.
Reader: "THE CONSCIENCES OF
MEN OUGHT TO BE FREE AND
Reader: "THE CONSCIENCES OF
MEN OUGHT TO BE FREE AND
UNSHACKLED, SO LONG AS THEY
MEN OUGHT TO BE FREE AND
UNSHACKLED, SO LONG AS THEY
CONTINUE MODERATE, PEACEABLE,
UNSHACKLED, SO LONG AS THEY
CONTINUE MODERATE, PEACEABLE,
INOFFENSIVE, AND NOT HOSTILE TO
CONTINUE MODERATE, PEACEABLE,
INOFFENSIVE, AND NOT HOSTILE TO
GOVERNMENT.
INOFFENSIVE, AND NOT HOSTILE TO
GOVERNMENT.
SUCH HAVE BEEN THE MAXIMS OF
GOVERNMENT.
SUCH HAVE BEEN THE MAXIMS OF
TOLERATION BY WHICH THIS CITY
SUCH HAVE BEEN THE MAXIMS OF
TOLERATION BY WHICH THIS CITY
HAS BEEN GOVERNED; AND THE
TOLERATION BY WHICH THIS CITY
HAS BEEN GOVERNED; AND THE
RESULT HAS BEEN THAT THE
HAS BEEN GOVERNED; AND THE
RESULT HAS BEEN THAT THE
OPPRESSED AND PERSECUTED FROM
RESULT HAS BEEN THAT THE
OPPRESSED AND PERSECUTED FROM
EVERY COUNTRY HAVE FOUND AMONG
OPPRESSED AND PERSECUTED FROM
EVERY COUNTRY HAVE FOUND AMONG
US AN ASYLUM FROM DISTRESS.
EVERY COUNTRY HAVE FOUND AMONG
US AN ASYLUM FROM DISTRESS.
FOLLOW IN THE SAME STEPS AND
US AN ASYLUM FROM DISTRESS.
FOLLOW IN THE SAME STEPS AND
YOU SHALL BE BLESSED."
FOLLOW IN THE SAME STEPS AND
YOU SHALL BE BLESSED."
Narrator: ON SEPTEMBER 12,
YOU SHALL BE BLESSED."
Narrator: ON SEPTEMBER 12,
1654, THE FIRST ROSH HASHANA
Narrator: ON SEPTEMBER 12,
1654, THE FIRST ROSH HASHANA
SERVICE IN NORTH AMERICA WAS
1654, THE FIRST ROSH HASHANA
SERVICE IN NORTH AMERICA WAS
HELD IN PRIVATE IN NEW
SERVICE IN NORTH AMERICA WAS
HELD IN PRIVATE IN NEW
AMSTERDAM.
HELD IN PRIVATE IN NEW
AMSTERDAM.
IT WAS THE BEGINNING OF
AMSTERDAM.
IT WAS THE BEGINNING OF
CONGREGATION SHEARITH ISRAEL,
IT WAS THE BEGINNING OF
CONGREGATION SHEARITH ISRAEL,
THE OLDEST EXISTING JEWISH
CONGREGATION SHEARITH ISRAEL,
THE OLDEST EXISTING JEWISH
CONGREGATION IN THE NEW WORLD.
THE OLDEST EXISTING JEWISH
CONGREGATION IN THE NEW WORLD.
IT WAS ALSO THE BEGINNING OF
CONGREGATION IN THE NEW WORLD.
IT WAS ALSO THE BEGINNING OF
THE SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND
IT WAS ALSO THE BEGINNING OF
THE SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND
STATE IN AMERICA.
THE SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND
STATE IN AMERICA.
IN THE CENTURIES TO COME, THE
STATE IN AMERICA.
IN THE CENTURIES TO COME, THE
CITY'S GREATEST CHALLENGES
IN THE CENTURIES TO COME, THE
CITY'S GREATEST CHALLENGES
AND GREATEST STRENGTHS WOULD
CITY'S GREATEST CHALLENGES
AND GREATEST STRENGTHS WOULD
ALWAYS COME FROM ITS ASTONISHING
AND GREATEST STRENGTHS WOULD
ALWAYS COME FROM ITS ASTONISHING
DIVERSITY.
ALWAYS COME FROM ITS ASTONISHING
DIVERSITY.
Jackson: NEW YORK DID NO
DIVERSITY.
Jackson: NEW YORK DID NO
REMAIN DUTCH LONG.
Jackson: NEW YORK DID NO
REMAIN DUTCH LONG.
THERE WERE SEVERAL REASONS.
REMAIN DUTCH LONG.
THERE WERE SEVERAL REASONS.
ONE IS IT REALLY WAS NOT THE
THERE WERE SEVERAL REASONS.
ONE IS IT REALLY WAS NOT THE
FINANCIAL SUCCESS THE DUTCH HAD
ONE IS IT REALLY WAS NOT THE
FINANCIAL SUCCESS THE DUTCH HAD
HOPED FOR.
FINANCIAL SUCCESS THE DUTCH HAD
HOPED FOR.
SECONDLY, AND MORE IMPORTANT,
HOPED FOR.
SECONDLY, AND MORE IMPORTANT,
THE BRITISH WERE ESTABLISHING
SECONDLY, AND MORE IMPORTANT,
THE BRITISH WERE ESTABLISHING
THEMSELVES, BOTH DOWN IN
THE BRITISH WERE ESTABLISHING
THEMSELVES, BOTH DOWN IN
VIRGINIA AND MOVING NORTH, AND
THEMSELVES, BOTH DOWN IN
VIRGINIA AND MOVING NORTH, AND
IN MASSACHUSETTS, ESPECIALLY
VIRGINIA AND MOVING NORTH, AND
IN MASSACHUSETTS, ESPECIALLY
AROUND BOSTON, AND COMING SOUTH
IN MASSACHUSETTS, ESPECIALLY
AROUND BOSTON, AND COMING SOUTH
THROUGH CONNECTICUT.
AROUND BOSTON, AND COMING SOUTH
THROUGH CONNECTICUT.
AND WHAT THE BRITISH NOTICED WAS
THROUGH CONNECTICUT.
AND WHAT THE BRITISH NOTICED WAS
THERE WAS THIS TROUBLESOME DUTCH
AND WHAT THE BRITISH NOTICED WAS
THERE WAS THIS TROUBLESOME DUTCH
TRADING POST IN THE MIDDLE OF
THERE WAS THIS TROUBLESOME DUTCH
TRADING POST IN THE MIDDLE OF
THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN
TRADING POST IN THE MIDDLE OF
THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN
EMPIRE.
THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN
EMPIRE.
Wallace: STUYVESANT'S TRAGEDY
EMPIRE.
Wallace: STUYVESANT'S TRAGEDY
IS THAT NO SOONER DOES HE GE
Wallace: STUYVESANT'S TRAGEDY
IS THAT NO SOONER DOES HE GE
THIS PLACE ALL SPIFFED UP AND
IS THAT NO SOONER DOES HE GE
THIS PLACE ALL SPIFFED UP AND
READY FOR ACTION THAN THE
THIS PLACE ALL SPIFFED UP AND
READY FOR ACTION THAN THE
READY FOR ACTION THAN THE
PLACE.
PLACE.
Narrator: ON AUGUST 27, 1664,
PLACE.
Narrator: ON AUGUST 27, 1664,
Narrator: ON AUGUST 27, 1664,
WARSHIPS SAILED INTO THE HARBOR.
WARSHIPS SAILED INTO THE HARBOR.
PETER STUYVESANT CLIMBED
WARSHIPS SAILED INTO THE HARBOR.
PETER STUYVESANT CLIMBED
PAINFULLY TO THE TOP OF FOR
PETER STUYVESANT CLIMBED
PAINFULLY TO THE TOP OF FOR
AMSTERDAM AND MADE READY FOR
PAINFULLY TO THE TOP OF FOR
AMSTERDAM AND MADE READY FOR
BATTLE.
AMSTERDAM AND MADE READY FOR
BATTLE.
"I HAD RATHER BE CARRIED TO MY
BATTLE.
"I HAD RATHER BE CARRIED TO MY
GRAVE" THAN SURRENDER, HE SAID.
"I HAD RATHER BE CARRIED TO MY
GRAVE" THAN SURRENDER, HE SAID.
BUT BEFORE A SHOT COULD BE
GRAVE" THAN SURRENDER, HE SAID.
BUT BEFORE A SHOT COULD BE
FIRED, HE WAS HANDED A PETITION
BUT BEFORE A SHOT COULD BE
FIRED, HE WAS HANDED A PETITION
THAT HAD BEEN SIGNED BY 93 OF
FIRED, HE WAS HANDED A PETITION
THAT HAD BEEN SIGNED BY 93 OF
THE TOWN'S LEADING MERCHANTS,
THAT HAD BEEN SIGNED BY 93 OF
THE TOWN'S LEADING MERCHANTS,
INCLUDING HIS OWN SON.
THE TOWN'S LEADING MERCHANTS,
INCLUDING HIS OWN SON.
Jackson: HIS CITIZENS ONLY
INCLUDING HIS OWN SON.
Jackson: HIS CITIZENS ONLY
PARTLY DUTCH LOOKED AT THE
Jackson: HIS CITIZENS ONLY
PARTLY DUTCH LOOKED AT THE
GUNS OF THE BRITISH FLEET, KNEW
PARTLY DUTCH LOOKED AT THE
GUNS OF THE BRITISH FLEET, KNEW
THAT THEY HAD A SMALL LITTLE
GUNS OF THE BRITISH FLEET, KNEW
THAT THEY HAD A SMALL LITTLE
TOWN, WHICH WAS MADE OUT OF WOOD
THAT THEY HAD A SMALL LITTLE
TOWN, WHICH WAS MADE OUT OF WOOD
AND CLOSELY BUILT UP, AND THA
TOWN, WHICH WAS MADE OUT OF WOOD
AND CLOSELY BUILT UP, AND THA
THE BRITISH GUNS WOULD HAVE
AND CLOSELY BUILT UP, AND THA
THE BRITISH GUNS WOULD HAVE
QUICKLY REDUCED THE CITY TO A
THE BRITISH GUNS WOULD HAVE
QUICKLY REDUCED THE CITY TO A
SMOKING RUIN, AND THEY IMPLORED
QUICKLY REDUCED THE CITY TO A
SMOKING RUIN, AND THEY IMPLORED
STUYVESANT TO TURN OVER THE
SMOKING RUIN, AND THEY IMPLORED
STUYVESANT TO TURN OVER THE
CITY, WHICH HE DID.
STUYVESANT TO TURN OVER THE
CITY, WHICH HE DID.
AND WITH DRUMS BEATING AND FLAGS
CITY, WHICH HE DID.
AND WITH DRUMS BEATING AND FLAGS
FLYING HE MARCHED OUT OF HIS
AND WITH DRUMS BEATING AND FLAGS
FLYING HE MARCHED OUT OF HIS
FORT.
Carol Berkin: PETE GRUMBLED
BUT HE HAD TO SURRENDER BECAUSE
BUT HE HAD TO SURRENDER BECAUSE
THE CITIZENS OF THE TOWN SAID
THE CITIZENS OF THE TOWN SAID
THAT WE WON'T LIFT A FINGER TO
THAT WE WON'T LIFT A FINGER TO
WHY WOULD WE CARE WHO RAN THIS
WHY WOULD WE CARE WHO RAN THIS
COLONY OR WHO TAXED US?
WE'D BE PERFECTLY HAPPY TO HAVE
COLONY OR WHO TAXED US?
WE'D BE PERFECTLY HAPPY TO HAVE
WE'D BE PERFECTLY HAPPY TO HAVE
MUCH OF A JOB.
MUCH OF A JOB.
Narrator: IN THE YEARS TO
MUCH OF A JOB.
Narrator: IN THE YEARS TO
COME, PETER STUYVESANT THE MAN
Narrator: IN THE YEARS TO
COME, PETER STUYVESANT THE MAN
WHO FIRST BROUGHT ORDER TO THE
COME, PETER STUYVESANT THE MAN
WHO FIRST BROUGHT ORDER TO THE
CITY AND THUS ASSURED ITS
WHO FIRST BROUGHT ORDER TO THE
CITY AND THUS ASSURED ITS
FUTURE WOULD RETIRE TO A
CITY AND THUS ASSURED ITS
FUTURE WOULD RETIRE TO A
SPRAWLING FRUIT FARM NORTH OF
FUTURE WOULD RETIRE TO A
SPRAWLING FRUIT FARM NORTH OF
TOWN, ON OPEN LAND THAT WOULD
SPRAWLING FRUIT FARM NORTH OF
TOWN, ON OPEN LAND THAT WOULD
ONE DAY BECOME GREENWICH
TOWN, ON OPEN LAND THAT WOULD
ONE DAY BECOME GREENWICH
VILLAGE.
ONE DAY BECOME GREENWICH
VILLAGE.
VILLAGE.
REPLACED HIM GRACIOUSLY OFFERED
REPLACED HIM GRACIOUSLY OFFERED
FREE PASSAGE BACK TO HOLLAND TO
REPLACED HIM GRACIOUSLY OFFERED
FREE PASSAGE BACK TO HOLLAND TO
ANY DUTCH CITIZENS UNWILLING TO
FREE PASSAGE BACK TO HOLLAND TO
ANY DUTCH CITIZENS UNWILLING TO
ANY DUTCH CITIZENS UNWILLING TO
NO ONE TOOK HIM UP ON IT.
NO ONE TOOK HIM UP ON IT.
NO ONE TOOK HIM UP ON IT.
TAKEOVER, ON AUGUST 29, 1664,
TAKEOVER, ON AUGUST 29, 1664,
NEW AMSTERDAM WAS OFFICIALLY
TAKEOVER, ON AUGUST 29, 1664,
NEW AMSTERDAM WAS OFFICIALLY
RENAMED NEW YORK, IN HONOR OF
NEW AMSTERDAM WAS OFFICIALLY
RENAMED NEW YORK, IN HONOR OF
THE DUKE OF YORK, THE BROTHER OF
RENAMED NEW YORK, IN HONOR OF
THE DUKE OF YORK, THE BROTHER OF
KING CHARLES, TO WHOM THE COLONY
THE DUKE OF YORK, THE BROTHER OF
KING CHARLES, TO WHOM THE COLONY
HAD BEEN PROMISED AS A BIRTHDAY
KING CHARLES, TO WHOM THE COLONY
HAD BEEN PROMISED AS A BIRTHDAY
PRESENT.
HAD BEEN PROMISED AS A BIRTHDAY
PRESENT.
THE DAY AFTER THAT, EVERYONE
PRESENT.
THE DAY AFTER THAT, EVERYONE
WENT BACK TO WORK, AS IF NOTHING
THE DAY AFTER THAT, EVERYONE
WENT BACK TO WORK, AS IF NOTHING
MUCH HAD HAPPENED AFTER ALL.
WENT BACK TO WORK, AS IF NOTHING
MUCH HAD HAPPENED AFTER ALL.
Wilder: ONE OF THE
MUCH HAD HAPPENED AFTER ALL.
Wilder: ONE OF THE
CONTINUITIES BETWEEN DUTCH AND
Wilder: ONE OF THE
CONTINUITIES BETWEEN DUTCH AND
CONTINUITIES BETWEEN DUTCH AND
YORK IS THIS AGGRESSIVE POLICY
YORK IS THIS AGGRESSIVE POLICY
TOWARD THE NATIVE AMERICAN
YORK IS THIS AGGRESSIVE POLICY
TOWARD THE NATIVE AMERICAN
POPULATION.
TOWARD THE NATIVE AMERICAN
POPULATION.
CLEARLY THE DESTRUCTION OF THE
POPULATION.
CLEARLY THE DESTRUCTION OF THE
IROQUOIS POPULATION AND THE
CLEARLY THE DESTRUCTION OF THE
IROQUOIS POPULATION AND THE
CANARSIE POPULATION IN MANHATTAN
IROQUOIS POPULATION AND THE
CANARSIE POPULATION IN MANHATTAN
AND LONG ISLAND IS A BYPRODUC
CANARSIE POPULATION IN MANHATTAN
AND LONG ISLAND IS A BYPRODUC
OF BRITISH EXPANSION IN THOSE
AND LONG ISLAND IS A BYPRODUC
OF BRITISH EXPANSION IN THOSE
AREAS.
OF BRITISH EXPANSION IN THOSE
AREAS.
DANIEL DENTON, WHO IN THE 1660s
AREAS.
DANIEL DENTON, WHO IN THE 1660s
DANIEL DENTON, WHO IN THE 1660s
LANGUAGE HISTORIES OF THE
LANGUAGE HISTORIES OF THE
REGION, OR SORT OF GENERAL
LANGUAGE HISTORIES OF THE
REGION, OR SORT OF GENERAL
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE REGION, SAYS
REGION, OR SORT OF GENERAL
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE REGION, SAYS
SOMETHING RATHER INTERESTING:
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE REGION, SAYS
SOMETHING RATHER INTERESTING:
SOMETHING RATHER INTERESTING:
GONE, THE INVISIBLE HAND OF GOD
GONE, THE INVISIBLE HAND OF GOD
HAS PREPARED A SPACE FOR THEM
GONE, THE INVISIBLE HAND OF GOD
HAS PREPARED A SPACE FOR THEM
BY DESTROYING AND REMOVING THE
HAS PREPARED A SPACE FOR THEM
BY DESTROYING AND REMOVING THE
NATIVE POPULATION.
BY DESTROYING AND REMOVING THE
NATIVE POPULATION.
MY RESPONSE TO THAT IS THAT MEN
NATIVE POPULATION.
MY RESPONSE TO THAT IS THAT MEN
ACTED FAR MORE OFTEN THAN GOD,
MY RESPONSE TO THAT IS THAT MEN
ACTED FAR MORE OFTEN THAN GOD,
AND IT WAS THE BRITISH WHO
ACTED FAR MORE OFTEN THAN GOD,
AND IT WAS THE BRITISH WHO
PREPARED THAT SPACE.
AND IT WAS THE BRITISH WHO
PREPARED THAT SPACE.
THEY DESTROYED THE NATIVE
PREPARED THAT SPACE.
THEY DESTROYED THE NATIVE
POPULATION AGGRESSIVELY THROUGH
THEY DESTROYED THE NATIVE
POPULATION AGGRESSIVELY THROUGH
WAR.
POPULATION AGGRESSIVELY THROUGH
WAR.
THEY ENCOURAGED WARS BETWEEN
WAR.
THEY ENCOURAGED WARS BETWEEN
NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES AND
THEY ENCOURAGED WARS BETWEEN
NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES AND
NATIONS.
NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES AND
NATIONS.
AND THE SPREAD OF DISEASE JUS
NATIONS.
AND THE SPREAD OF DISEASE JUS
REALLY REDUCED A HUGE PORTION OF
AND THE SPREAD OF DISEASE JUS
REALLY REDUCED A HUGE PORTION OF
THIS LOWER NEW YORK POPULATION.
REALLY REDUCED A HUGE PORTION OF
THIS LOWER NEW YORK POPULATION.
Narrator: IN THE END, I
THIS LOWER NEW YORK POPULATION.
Narrator: IN THE END, I
WOULD BE THE FATE OF NEW YORK'S
Narrator: IN THE END, I
WOULD BE THE FATE OF NEW YORK'S
ORIGINAL INHABITANTS TO BE
WOULD BE THE FATE OF NEW YORK'S
ORIGINAL INHABITANTS TO BE
REMEMBERED WHEN THEY WERE
ORIGINAL INHABITANTS TO BE
REMEMBERED WHEN THEY WERE
REMEMBERED AT ALL AS PLACE
REMEMBERED WHEN THEY WERE
REMEMBERED AT ALL AS PLACE
NAMES IN WHAT HAD BECOME THE
REMEMBERED AT ALL AS PLACE
NAMES IN WHAT HAD BECOME THE
MOST COMPLETELY MANMADE
NAMES IN WHAT HAD BECOME THE
MOST COMPLETELY MANMADE
ENVIRONMENT ON EARTH.
MOST COMPLETELY MANMADE
ENVIRONMENT ON EARTH.
ENVIRONMENT ON EARTH.
IN MOTION A PROCESS OF CHANGE
IN MOTION A PROCESS OF CHANGE
THAT WOULD NEVER STOP, UNTIL
IN MOTION A PROCESS OF CHANGE
THAT WOULD NEVER STOP, UNTIL
THE ENTIRE HUMAN AND NATURAL
THAT WOULD NEVER STOP, UNTIL
THE ENTIRE HUMAN AND NATURAL
LANDSCAPE OF MANHATTAN ISLAND
THE ENTIRE HUMAN AND NATURAL
LANDSCAPE OF MANHATTAN ISLAND
HAD BEEN COMPLETELY REPLACED.
LANDSCAPE OF MANHATTAN ISLAND
HAD BEEN COMPLETELY REPLACED.
FOR THE NEXT 119 YEARS
HAD BEEN COMPLETELY REPLACED.
FOR THE NEXT 119 YEARS
ENGLAND WOULD RULE NEW YORK.
FOR THE NEXT 119 YEARS
ENGLAND WOULD RULE NEW YORK.
WHAT FOR THE DUTCH HAD BEEN A
ENGLAND WOULD RULE NEW YORK.
WHAT FOR THE DUTCH HAD BEEN A
SECOND-RATE OUTPOST OF EMPIRE
WHAT FOR THE DUTCH HAD BEEN A
SECOND-RATE OUTPOST OF EMPIRE
SECOND-RATE OUTPOST OF EMPIRE
LINK IN A CHAIN OF ROYAL
LINK IN A CHAIN OF ROYAL
COLONIES STRETCHING THE LENGTH
LINK IN A CHAIN OF ROYAL
COLONIES STRETCHING THE LENGTH
OF THE ATLANTIC SEABOARD.
COLONIES STRETCHING THE LENGTH
OF THE ATLANTIC SEABOARD.
SLOWLY BUT SURELY THE NEW
OF THE ATLANTIC SEABOARD.
SLOWLY BUT SURELY THE NEW
SLOWLY BUT SURELY THE NEW
COLONY INTO THE IMPERIAL SYSTEM,
COLONY INTO THE IMPERIAL SYSTEM,
REORGANIZING THE LANDS AROUND
COLONY INTO THE IMPERIAL SYSTEM,
REORGANIZING THE LANDS AROUND
THE HARBOR, AND NAMING THEM
REORGANIZING THE LANDS AROUND
THE HARBOR, AND NAMING THEM
AFTER MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL
THE HARBOR, AND NAMING THEM
AFTER MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL
FAMILY.
AFTER MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL
FAMILY.
THE FLATLANDS AROUND BROOKLYN
FAMILY.
THE FLATLANDS AROUND BROOKLYN
WERE NAMED KINGS COUNTY, IN
THE FLATLANDS AROUND BROOKLYN
WERE NAMED KINGS COUNTY, IN
HONOR OF KING CHARLES, AND THE
WERE NAMED KINGS COUNTY, IN
HONOR OF KING CHARLES, AND THE
REGION TO THE NORTH, QUEENS, IN
HONOR OF KING CHARLES, AND THE
REGION TO THE NORTH, QUEENS, IN
HONOR OF HIS WIFE, CATHERINE.
REGION TO THE NORTH, QUEENS, IN
HONOR OF HIS WIFE, CATHERINE.
STATEN ISLAND WAS NAMED
HONOR OF HIS WIFE, CATHERINE.
STATEN ISLAND WAS NAMED
RICHMOND, AFTER THE DUKE OF
STATEN ISLAND WAS NAMED
RICHMOND, AFTER THE DUKE OF
RICHMOND, THE KING'S BASTARD
RICHMOND, AFTER THE DUKE OF
RICHMOND, THE KING'S BASTARD
SON.
RICHMOND, THE KING'S BASTARD
SON.
THOUGH THEY DID EVERYTHING THEY
SON.
THOUGH THEY DID EVERYTHING THEY
COULD TO EASE THE TRANSITION,
THOUGH THEY DID EVERYTHING THEY
COULD TO EASE THE TRANSITION,
COULD TO EASE THE TRANSITION,
THAN THE DUTCH TO KEEP ORDER IN
THAN THE DUTCH TO KEEP ORDER IN
THE UNRULY COLONY.
THAN THE DUTCH TO KEEP ORDER IN
THE UNRULY COLONY.
IN 1689, A LOCAL MERCHANT NAMED
THE UNRULY COLONY.
IN 1689, A LOCAL MERCHANT NAMED
JACOB LEISLER LED AN ARMED
IN 1689, A LOCAL MERCHANT NAMED
JACOB LEISLER LED AN ARMED
UPRISING AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT.
JACOB LEISLER LED AN ARMED
UPRISING AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT.
IT WAS SOON PUT DOWN, AND
UPRISING AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT.
IT WAS SOON PUT DOWN, AND
LEISLER HIMSELF TRIED FOR
IT WAS SOON PUT DOWN, AND
LEISLER HIMSELF TRIED FOR
TREASON AND SENTENCED TO BE
LEISLER HIMSELF TRIED FOR
TREASON AND SENTENCED TO BE
HANGED, DISEMBOWLED WHILE STILL
TREASON AND SENTENCED TO BE
HANGED, DISEMBOWLED WHILE STILL
ALIVE, DRAWN AND QUARTERED, AND
HANGED, DISEMBOWLED WHILE STILL
ALIVE, DRAWN AND QUARTERED, AND
THEN BEHEADED.
ALIVE, DRAWN AND QUARTERED, AND
THEN BEHEADED.
A FEW YEARS LATER, TROUBLE
THEN BEHEADED.
A FEW YEARS LATER, TROUBLE
ERUPTED AGAIN, WHEN A NEW
A FEW YEARS LATER, TROUBLE
ERUPTED AGAIN, WHEN A NEW
MONARCH, QUEEN ANNE, PLACED HER
ERUPTED AGAIN, WHEN A NEW
MONARCH, QUEEN ANNE, PLACED HER
OWN COUSIN, AN IMPERIOUS
MONARCH, QUEEN ANNE, PLACED HER
OWN COUSIN, AN IMPERIOUS
VISCOUNT NAMED LORD CORNBURY, IN
OWN COUSIN, AN IMPERIOUS
VISCOUNT NAMED LORD CORNBURY, IN
CHARGE OF THE VOLATILE COLONY.
VISCOUNT NAMED LORD CORNBURY, IN
CHARGE OF THE VOLATILE COLONY.
PETITIONING THE QUEEN FOR HIS
CHARGE OF THE VOLATILE COLONY.
PETITIONING THE QUEEN FOR HIS
DISMISSAL, CORNBURY'S ENEMIES
PETITIONING THE QUEEN FOR HIS
DISMISSAL, CORNBURY'S ENEMIES
DID EVERYTHING THEY COULD TO
DISMISSAL, CORNBURY'S ENEMIES
DID EVERYTHING THEY COULD TO
RUIN HIS REPUTATION, ACCUSING
DID EVERYTHING THEY COULD TO
RUIN HIS REPUTATION, ACCUSING
HIM OF EMBEZZLING PUBLIC FUNDS,
RUIN HIS REPUTATION, ACCUSING
HIM OF EMBEZZLING PUBLIC FUNDS,
PERSECUTING PRESBYTERIANS, AND,
HIM OF EMBEZZLING PUBLIC FUNDS,
PERSECUTING PRESBYTERIANS, AND,
IT WAS LATER SAID, OF HAVING
PERSECUTING PRESBYTERIANS, AND,
IT WAS LATER SAID, OF HAVING
A SPECIAL LIKING FOR WOMEN'S
IT WAS LATER SAID, OF HAVING
A SPECIAL LIKING FOR WOMEN'S
CLOTHING.
Nancy Groce: THE STORY THAT'S
TOLD IS THAT HE WANTED TO LOOK
TOLD IS THAT HE WANTED TO LOOK
AS MUCH LIKE HIS COUSIN, QUEEN
AS MUCH LIKE HIS COUSIN, QUEEN
ANNE, FOR WHOM HE WAS RULING THE
ANNE, FOR WHOM HE WAS RULING THE
COLONY, AS POSSIBLE, AND TO DO
COLONY, AS POSSIBLE, AND TO DO
THIS HE DRESSED UP IN WOMEN'S
THIS HE DRESSED UP IN WOMEN'S
CLOTHES, AND TO QUOTE SOME EARLY
CLOTHES, AND TO QUOTE SOME EARLY
SOURCES, "FLOUNCED AROUND THE
SOURCES, "FLOUNCED AROUND THE
BATTERY."
IN FACT, THERE'S A PORTRAIT OF
IN FACT, THERE'S A PORTRAIT OF
HIM AT THE NEW-YORK HISTORICAL
SOCIETY DRESSED IN KIND OF A
HIM AT THE NEW-YORK HISTORICAL
SOCIETY DRESSED IN KIND OF A
WASP-WAISTED BLUE NUMBER THAT'S
SOCIETY DRESSED IN KIND OF A
WASP-WAISTED BLUE NUMBER THAT'S
VERY NICE, INDEED.
WASP-WAISTED BLUE NUMBER THAT'S
VERY NICE, INDEED.
AND YOU WALK BY AND YOU THINK,
VERY NICE, INDEED.
AND YOU WALK BY AND YOU THINK,
"WHAT AN UGLY WOMAN," AND THEN
AND YOU WALK BY AND YOU THINK,
"WHAT AN UGLY WOMAN," AND THEN
YOU GO BACK AND YOU REALIZE, NO,
"WHAT AN UGLY WOMAN," AND THEN
YOU GO BACK AND YOU REALIZE, NO,
IT'S, IN FACT, LORD CORNBURY.
YOU GO BACK AND YOU REALIZE, NO,
IT'S, IN FACT, LORD CORNBURY.
Narrator: BUT FOR ALL THE
IT'S, IN FACT, LORD CORNBURY.
Narrator: BUT FOR ALL THE
PROBLEMS, MEMBERSHIP IN THE
Narrator: BUT FOR ALL THE
PROBLEMS, MEMBERSHIP IN THE
BRITISH EMPIRE BROUGHT ENORMOUS
PROBLEMS, MEMBERSHIP IN THE
BRITISH EMPIRE BROUGHT ENORMOUS
REWARDS, AS ENGLAND SOON
BRITISH EMPIRE BROUGHT ENORMOUS
REWARDS, AS ENGLAND SOON
SURPASSED HOLLAND AS THE
REWARDS, AS ENGLAND SOON
SURPASSED HOLLAND AS THE
GREATEST MARITIME EMPIRE ON
SURPASSED HOLLAND AS THE
GREATEST MARITIME EMPIRE ON
EARTH, AND CONNECTED THE COLONY
GREATEST MARITIME EMPIRE ON
EARTH, AND CONNECTED THE COLONY
TO A NETWORK OF TRADE THA
EARTH, AND CONNECTED THE COLONY
TO A NETWORK OF TRADE THA
STRETCHED AROUND THE GLOBE.
TO A NETWORK OF TRADE THA
STRETCHED AROUND THE GLOBE.
Wallace: THE MORE TRADE
STRETCHED AROUND THE GLOBE.
Wallace: THE MORE TRADE
ROUTES ARE DEVELOPED, THE MORE
Wallace: THE MORE TRADE
ROUTES ARE DEVELOPED, THE MORE
THIS BECOMES A NEXUS POINT OF
ROUTES ARE DEVELOPED, THE MORE
THIS BECOMES A NEXUS POINT OF
FLOW BETWEEN ENGLAND AND THE
THIS BECOMES A NEXUS POINT OF
FLOW BETWEEN ENGLAND AND THE
CARIBBEAN AND THE CONTINENT,
FLOW BETWEEN ENGLAND AND THE
CARIBBEAN AND THE CONTINENT,
THE MORE PEOPLE WHO ARE LOCAL
CARIBBEAN AND THE CONTINENT,
THE MORE PEOPLE WHO ARE LOCAL
DOMESTIC PRODUCERS, WHO UP TILL
THE MORE PEOPLE WHO ARE LOCAL
DOMESTIC PRODUCERS, WHO UP TILL
THEN HAD PRODUCED FOR A LOCAL
DOMESTIC PRODUCERS, WHO UP TILL
THEN HAD PRODUCED FOR A LOCAL
MARKET ONLY, BEGIN TO SAY,
THEN HAD PRODUCED FOR A LOCAL
MARKET ONLY, BEGIN TO SAY,
"WHOA, THERE'S SERIOUS
MARKET ONLY, BEGIN TO SAY,
"WHOA, THERE'S SERIOUS
POSSIBILITIES HERE."
"WHOA, THERE'S SERIOUS
POSSIBILITIES HERE."
THIS WAS A TRADING POST, THIS
POSSIBILITIES HERE."
THIS WAS A TRADING POST, THIS
WAS A PLACE THAT WAS ABOU
THIS WAS A TRADING POST, THIS
WAS A PLACE THAT WAS ABOU
SHIPPING FOOD DOWN TO THE WES
WAS A PLACE THAT WAS ABOU
SHIPPING FOOD DOWN TO THE WES
INDIES, BRINGING SUGAR AND
SHIPPING FOOD DOWN TO THE WES
INDIES, BRINGING SUGAR AND
SLAVES BACK FROM THE WES
INDIES, BRINGING SUGAR AND
SLAVES BACK FROM THE WES
INDIES.
SLAVES BACK FROM THE WES
INDIES.
BUT YOU CAN'T RUN A MERCANTILE
INDIES.
BUT YOU CAN'T RUN A MERCANTILE
OPERATION WITHOUT A
BUT YOU CAN'T RUN A MERCANTILE
OPERATION WITHOUT A
MANUFACTURING COMPONENT.
OPERATION WITHOUT A
MANUFACTURING COMPONENT.
SO IN FACT YOU NEED COOPERS,
MANUFACTURING COMPONENT.
SO IN FACT YOU NEED COOPERS,
YOU NEED BARREL MAKERS.
SO IN FACT YOU NEED COOPERS,
YOU NEED BARREL MAKERS.
YOUR GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE
YOU NEED BARREL MAKERS.
YOUR GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE
SHIPS YOU NEED SHIPYARDS.
YOUR GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE
SHIPS YOU NEED SHIPYARDS.
FOR SHIPS YOU NEED SAILS
SHIPS YOU NEED SHIPYARDS.
FOR SHIPS YOU NEED SAILS
YOU NEED SAIL MAKERS.
FOR SHIPS YOU NEED SAILS
YOU NEED SAIL MAKERS.
YOU NEED ROPE MAKERS, SO ROPE
YOU NEED SAIL MAKERS.
YOU NEED ROPE MAKERS, SO ROPE
WALKS ARE SORT OF FESTOONED ALL
YOU NEED ROPE MAKERS, SO ROPE
WALKS ARE SORT OF FESTOONED ALL
OVER NEW YORK CITY.
WALKS ARE SORT OF FESTOONED ALL
OVER NEW YORK CITY.
Narrator: YEAR AFTER YEAR,
OVER NEW YORK CITY.
Narrator: YEAR AFTER YEAR,
THE NUMBER OF SHIPS SAILING
Narrator: YEAR AFTER YEAR,
THE NUMBER OF SHIPS SAILING
OUT OF NEW YORK HARBOR SURGED
THE NUMBER OF SHIPS SAILING
OUT OF NEW YORK HARBOR SURGED
UPWARDS, FROM 35 A YEAR AT THE
OUT OF NEW YORK HARBOR SURGED
UPWARDS, FROM 35 A YEAR AT THE
END OF DUTCH RULE TO MORE THAN
UPWARDS, FROM 35 A YEAR AT THE
END OF DUTCH RULE TO MORE THAN
700 A CENTURY LATER, EXPORTING
END OF DUTCH RULE TO MORE THAN
700 A CENTURY LATER, EXPORTING
TIMBER AND GRAIN TO BRITAIN,
700 A CENTURY LATER, EXPORTING
TIMBER AND GRAIN TO BRITAIN,
CARRYING MANUFACTURED GOODS
TIMBER AND GRAIN TO BRITAIN,
CARRYING MANUFACTURED GOODS
FROM ENGLAND TO AFRICA, AND
CARRYING MANUFACTURED GOODS
FROM ENGLAND TO AFRICA, AND
IMPORTING RUM, MOLASSES, AND
FROM ENGLAND TO AFRICA, AND
IMPORTING RUM, MOLASSES, AND
SLAVES FROM AFRICA AND THE WES
IMPORTING RUM, MOLASSES, AND
SLAVES FROM AFRICA AND THE WES
INDIES.
SLAVES FROM AFRICA AND THE WES
INDIES.
IN 1699, THE OLD DUTCH WALL WAS
INDIES.
IN 1699, THE OLD DUTCH WALL WAS
PULLED DOWN, TO MAKE WAY FOR
IN 1699, THE OLD DUTCH WALL WAS
PULLED DOWN, TO MAKE WAY FOR
NEW HOUSES, AND A NEW LANE PAVED
PULLED DOWN, TO MAKE WAY FOR
NEW HOUSES, AND A NEW LANE PAVED
OVER IT, CALLED WALL STREET.
NEW HOUSES, AND A NEW LANE PAVED
OVER IT, CALLED WALL STREET.
BY 1740, NEW YORK HAD BECOME
OVER IT, CALLED WALL STREET.
BY 1740, NEW YORK HAD BECOME
THE THIRD LARGEST PORT IN THE
BY 1740, NEW YORK HAD BECOME
THE THIRD LARGEST PORT IN THE
BRITISH EMPIRE, SECOND ONLY TO
THE THIRD LARGEST PORT IN THE
BRITISH EMPIRE, SECOND ONLY TO
PHILADELPHIA AND LONDON ITSELF.
BRITISH EMPIRE, SECOND ONLY TO
PHILADELPHIA AND LONDON ITSELF.
IT WAS HOME NOW TO AN UNEASY
PHILADELPHIA AND LONDON ITSELF.
IT WAS HOME NOW TO AN UNEASY
ASSORTMENT OF OLD DUTCH FAMILIES
IT WAS HOME NOW TO AN UNEASY
ASSORTMENT OF OLD DUTCH FAMILIES
ASSORTMENT OF OLD DUTCH FAMILIES
PRIVATEERS AND COLONIAL
PRIVATEERS AND COLONIAL
ADMINISTRATORS, PROTESTANTS
PRIVATEERS AND COLONIAL
ADMINISTRATORS, PROTESTANTS
AND CATHOLICS, FREE BLACKS,
ADMINISTRATORS, PROTESTANTS
AND CATHOLICS, FREE BLACKS,
SLAVE OWNERS, AND SLAVES.
AND CATHOLICS, FREE BLACKS,
SLAVE OWNERS, AND SLAVES.
Jackson: WHILE WE'D LIKE TO
SLAVE OWNERS, AND SLAVES.
Jackson: WHILE WE'D LIKE TO
THINK THAT BY THE 18th CENTURY
Jackson: WHILE WE'D LIKE TO
THINK THAT BY THE 18th CENTURY
NEW YORK CITY WAS REALLY A MODEL
THINK THAT BY THE 18th CENTURY
NEW YORK CITY WAS REALLY A MODEL
OF TOLERANCE AND EVERYBODY COULD
NEW YORK CITY WAS REALLY A MODEL
OF TOLERANCE AND EVERYBODY COULD
GET ALONG.
OF TOLERANCE AND EVERYBODY COULD
GET ALONG.
IN FACT, THERE IS EVIDENCE THA
GET ALONG.
IN FACT, THERE IS EVIDENCE THA
THERE WAS A LOT OF RESENTMENTS:
IN FACT, THERE IS EVIDENCE THA
THERE WAS A LOT OF RESENTMENTS:
THERE WAS A LOT OF RESENTMENTS:
OTHER GROUPS COMING IN.
OTHER GROUPS COMING IN.
THE JEWS WERE HERE, BUT THEY
OTHER GROUPS COMING IN.
THE JEWS WERE HERE, BUT THEY
WEREN'T REALLY FULLY ACCEPTED.
THE JEWS WERE HERE, BUT THEY
WEREN'T REALLY FULLY ACCEPTED.
BLACKS, OF COURSE, AND AFRICAN-
WEREN'T REALLY FULLY ACCEPTED.
BLACKS, OF COURSE, AND AFRICAN-
AMERICANS WERE MUCH THE MOS
BLACKS, OF COURSE, AND AFRICAN-
AMERICANS WERE MUCH THE MOS
DISCRIMINATED AGAINST.
AMERICANS WERE MUCH THE MOS
DISCRIMINATED AGAINST.
SO IT WAS NOT A WONDERFUL LOVE
DISCRIMINATED AGAINST.
SO IT WAS NOT A WONDERFUL LOVE
FEST GOING ON IN NEW YORK IN
SO IT WAS NOT A WONDERFUL LOVE
FEST GOING ON IN NEW YORK IN
THE 1740s.
FEST GOING ON IN NEW YORK IN
THE 1740s.
IN FACT, THERE WERE A LOT OF
THE 1740s.
IN FACT, THERE WERE A LOT OF
FEARS.
IN FACT, THERE WERE A LOT OF
FEARS.
Narrator: IN THE WINTER OF
FEARS.
Narrator: IN THE WINTER OF
1741, THE ROYAL COLONY
Narrator: IN THE WINTER OF
1741, THE ROYAL COLONY
EXPLODED OVER AN ISSUE THA
1741, THE ROYAL COLONY
EXPLODED OVER AN ISSUE THA
HAD TROUBLED IT FROM THE VERY
EXPLODED OVER AN ISSUE THA
HAD TROUBLED IT FROM THE VERY
START.
HAD TROUBLED IT FROM THE VERY
START.
Reverend Calvin Butts: WELL,
START.
Reverend Calvin Butts: WELL,
OF COURSE, I THINK THAT WHA
Reverend Calvin Butts: WELL,
OF COURSE, I THINK THAT WHA
SETS THE AFRICA AMERICAN
OF COURSE, I THINK THAT WHA
SETS THE AFRICA AMERICAN
EXPERIENCE APART FROM THE OTHER
SETS THE AFRICA AMERICAN
EXPERIENCE APART FROM THE OTHER
IMMIGRANTS IS WE DID NOT COME
EXPERIENCE APART FROM THE OTHER
IMMIGRANTS IS WE DID NOT COME
THROUGH ELLIS ISLAND.
IMMIGRANTS IS WE DID NOT COME
THROUGH ELLIS ISLAND.
WE DID NOT COME ESCAPING
THROUGH ELLIS ISLAND.
WE DID NOT COME ESCAPING
ANYTHING.
WE DID NOT COME ESCAPING
ANYTHING.
WE WERE BROUGHT HERE AGAINS
ANYTHING.
WE WERE BROUGHT HERE AGAINS
OUR WILL TO WORK.
WE WERE BROUGHT HERE AGAINS
OUR WILL TO WORK.
AND WORK WE DID.
IN FACT WE BUILT THE WALL FOR
WHICH WALL STREET IS NAMED.
NOT ONLY LITERALLY BU
NOT ONLY LITERALLY BU
FIGURATIVELY IN TERMS OF I
WAS THE TRADE IN AFRICAN FLESH
FIGURATIVELY IN TERMS OF I
WAS THE TRADE IN AFRICAN FLESH
THAT PROVIDED THE FUNDAMENTAL
WAS THE TRADE IN AFRICAN FLESH
THAT PROVIDED THE FUNDAMENTAL
CAPITAL IN WHICH WALL STREE
THAT PROVIDED THE FUNDAMENTAL
CAPITAL IN WHICH WALL STREE
THE FINANCIAL WORLD IS BUILT.
CAPITAL IN WHICH WALL STREE
THE FINANCIAL WORLD IS BUILT.
SO, YES, OUR EXPERIENCE IS
THE FINANCIAL WORLD IS BUILT.
SO, YES, OUR EXPERIENCE IS
DIFFERENT.
SO, YES, OUR EXPERIENCE IS
DIFFERENT.
Wallace: SLAVERY IS THE KEY
DIFFERENT.
Wallace: SLAVERY IS THE KEY
WORD.
Wallace: SLAVERY IS THE KEY
WORD.
IT'S KEY NOT ONLY IN THE FAC
WORD.
IT'S KEY NOT ONLY IN THE FAC
THAT THE BLACKS ARE USED AS A
IT'S KEY NOT ONLY IN THE FAC
THAT THE BLACKS ARE USED AS A
PUBLIC WORKS INFRASTRUCTURE
THAT THE BLACKS ARE USED AS A
PUBLIC WORKS INFRASTRUCTURE
WORKFORCE I MEAN, THEY BUILD
PUBLIC WORKS INFRASTRUCTURE
WORKFORCE I MEAN, THEY BUILD
ROADS, THEY BUILD FORTS, THEY
WORKFORCE I MEAN, THEY BUILD
ROADS, THEY BUILD FORTS, THEY
BUILD WALLS AND THE LIKE
ROADS, THEY BUILD FORTS, THEY
BUILD WALLS AND THE LIKE
BUT MORE TO THE POINT THE CITY'S
BUILD WALLS AND THE LIKE
BUT MORE TO THE POINT THE CITY'S
RAISON D'ETRE AT THAT POINT IS
BUT MORE TO THE POINT THE CITY'S
RAISON D'ETRE AT THAT POINT IS
ABOUT THE CONNECTION TO THE
RAISON D'ETRE AT THAT POINT IS
ABOUT THE CONNECTION TO THE
CARIBBEAN SLAVE SOUTH AND THEN
ABOUT THE CONNECTION TO THE
CARIBBEAN SLAVE SOUTH AND THEN
LATER ON TO THE MAINLAND SLAVE
CARIBBEAN SLAVE SOUTH AND THEN
LATER ON TO THE MAINLAND SLAVE
SOUTH.
LATER ON TO THE MAINLAND SLAVE
SOUTH.
ON THE ONE HAND, WE'VE GOT THIS
SOUTH.
ON THE ONE HAND, WE'VE GOT THIS
KIND OF BUSINESS-ORIENTED, YOU
ON THE ONE HAND, WE'VE GOT THIS
KIND OF BUSINESS-ORIENTED, YOU
KNOW, COSMOPOLITAN CITY; ON THE
KIND OF BUSINESS-ORIENTED, YOU
KNOW, COSMOPOLITAN CITY; ON THE
OTHER HAND, THERE'S A PROFOUND
KNOW, COSMOPOLITAN CITY; ON THE
OTHER HAND, THERE'S A PROFOUND
CLEAVAGE AND IT'S BASED ON THE
OTHER HAND, THERE'S A PROFOUND
CLEAVAGE AND IT'S BASED ON THE
EXPLOITATION OF SLAVE LABOR.
CLEAVAGE AND IT'S BASED ON THE
EXPLOITATION OF SLAVE LABOR.
Narrator: SOME WHITE NEW
EXPLOITATION OF SLAVE LABOR.
Narrator: SOME WHITE NEW
YORKERS THOUGHT THE PRACTICE
Narrator: SOME WHITE NEW
YORKERS THOUGHT THE PRACTICE
BARBARIC.
YORKERS THOUGHT THE PRACTICE
BARBARIC.
"SLAVE HOLDING DEPRAVES THE
BARBARIC.
"SLAVE HOLDING DEPRAVES THE
MIND," ONE QUAKER MINISTER SAID,
"SLAVE HOLDING DEPRAVES THE
MIND," ONE QUAKER MINISTER SAID,
"WITH AS GREAT CERTAINTY AS COLD
MIND," ONE QUAKER MINISTER SAID,
"WITH AS GREAT CERTAINTY AS COLD
CONGEALS WATER."
"WITH AS GREAT CERTAINTY AS COLD
CONGEALS WATER."
BUT YEAR BY YEAR, AS NEW YORK
CONGEALS WATER."
BUT YEAR BY YEAR, AS NEW YORK
EXPANDED, THE DEMAND FOR SLAVES
BUT YEAR BY YEAR, AS NEW YORK
EXPANDED, THE DEMAND FOR SLAVES
GREW.
EXPANDED, THE DEMAND FOR SLAVES
GREW.
BY 1740, ONE IN SIX NEW YORKERS
GREW.
BY 1740, ONE IN SIX NEW YORKERS
WERE OWNED BY OTHER NEW
BY 1740, ONE IN SIX NEW YORKERS
WERE OWNED BY OTHER NEW
YORKERS, 2,000 MEN, WOMEN, AND
WERE OWNED BY OTHER NEW
YORKERS, 2,000 MEN, WOMEN, AND
CHILDREN IN ALL.
YORKERS, 2,000 MEN, WOMEN, AND
CHILDREN IN ALL.
EACH MORNING, AFRICAN AMERICANS
CHILDREN IN ALL.
EACH MORNING, AFRICAN AMERICANS
COULD BE SEEN STROLLING TO THE
EACH MORNING, AFRICAN AMERICANS
COULD BE SEEN STROLLING TO THE
SLAVE MARKET AT THE FOOT OF
COULD BE SEEN STROLLING TO THE
SLAVE MARKET AT THE FOOT OF
WALL STREET, WHERE THEY WAITED
SLAVE MARKET AT THE FOOT OF
WALL STREET, WHERE THEY WAITED
TO BE RENTED OUT FOR USE AS DAY
WALL STREET, WHERE THEY WAITED
TO BE RENTED OUT FOR USE AS DAY
LABORERS, EXCHANGING NEWS WITH
TO BE RENTED OUT FOR USE AS DAY
LABORERS, EXCHANGING NEWS WITH
FREE BLACKS, AND LOOKING FOR
LABORERS, EXCHANGING NEWS WITH
FREE BLACKS, AND LOOKING FOR
EVERY CHANCE THEY COULD TO BREAK
FREE BLACKS, AND LOOKING FOR
EVERY CHANCE THEY COULD TO BREAK
FREE.
EVERY CHANCE THEY COULD TO BREAK
FREE.
Gretchen Sorin: THERE HAD
FREE.
Gretchen Sorin: THERE HAD
BEEN A VARIETY OF SLAVE
Gretchen Sorin: THERE HAD
BEEN A VARIETY OF SLAVE
REBELLIONS IN THE COLONIES.
AND I THINK THAT NEW YORKERS
WERE VERY MUCH AWARE OF THESE
WERE VERY MUCH AWARE OF THESE
SLAVE REBELLIONS.
SLAVE REBELLIONS.
AS THE NUMBER OF SLAVES
AS THE NUMBER OF SLAVES
INCREASED, THEY WERE ALSO VERY
INCREASED, THEY WERE ALSO VERY
AFRAID THAT NEW YORKERS WERE
AFRAID THAT NEW YORKERS WERE
AT RISK.
THEY NOTICED SLAVES GATHERING
THEY NOTICED SLAVES GATHERING
TOGETHER, THEY HAD PU
PROHIBITIONS ON SLAVES MEETING
TOGETHER, THEY HAD PU
PROHIBITIONS ON SLAVES MEETING
ON STREET CORNERS.
PROHIBITIONS ON SLAVES MEETING
ON STREET CORNERS.
BUT THEY KNEW THAT SLAVES WERE
ON STREET CORNERS.
BUT THEY KNEW THAT SLAVES WERE
INTERESTED IN GAINING THEIR
BUT THEY KNEW THAT SLAVES WERE
INTERESTED IN GAINING THEIR
FREEDOM IN ANY WAY THAT THEY
INTERESTED IN GAINING THEIR
FREEDOM IN ANY WAY THAT THEY
COULD, AND THEY WERE VERY
FREEDOM IN ANY WAY THAT THEY
COULD, AND THEY WERE VERY
FEARFUL OF OPEN REVOLT.
COULD, AND THEY WERE VERY
FEARFUL OF OPEN REVOLT.
Narrator: MEMORIES OF A
FEARFUL OF OPEN REVOLT.
Narrator: MEMORIES OF A
BLOODY SLAVE UPRISING YEARS
Narrator: MEMORIES OF A
BLOODY SLAVE UPRISING YEARS
BEFORE WERE STILL VIVID IN THE
BLOODY SLAVE UPRISING YEARS
BEFORE WERE STILL VIVID IN THE
MINDS OF WHITE NEW YORKERS,
BEFORE WERE STILL VIVID IN THE
MINDS OF WHITE NEW YORKERS,
WHEN IN THE WINTER OF 1741,
MINDS OF WHITE NEW YORKERS,
WHEN IN THE WINTER OF 1741,
A SERIES OF MYSTERIOUS FIRES
WHEN IN THE WINTER OF 1741,
A SERIES OF MYSTERIOUS FIRES
BEGAN BREAKING OUT ALL OVER
A SERIES OF MYSTERIOUS FIRES
BEGAN BREAKING OUT ALL OVER
THE CITY, BURNING THE KING'S
BEGAN BREAKING OUT ALL OVER
THE CITY, BURNING THE KING'S
CHAPEL, THE ARMY BARRACKS,
THE CITY, BURNING THE KING'S
CHAPEL, THE ARMY BARRACKS,
AND THE HOMES AND BUSINESSES
CHAPEL, THE ARMY BARRACKS,
AND THE HOMES AND BUSINESSES
OF PROMINENT NEW YORKERS.
AND THE HOMES AND BUSINESSES
OF PROMINENT NEW YORKERS.
SUSPICION QUICKLY FELL ON
OF PROMINENT NEW YORKERS.
SUSPICION QUICKLY FELL ON
THE CITY'S BLACK POPULATION.
SUSPICION QUICKLY FELL ON
THE CITY'S BLACK POPULATION.
Reader: "THE RECORDER, TAKING
THE CITY'S BLACK POPULATION.
Reader: "THE RECORDER, TAKING
NOTICE OF THE SEVERAL FIRES
Reader: "THE RECORDER, TAKING
NOTICE OF THE SEVERAL FIRES
WHICH HAVE LATELY HAPPENED IN
NOTICE OF THE SEVERAL FIRES
WHICH HAVE LATELY HAPPENED IN
THIS CITY, MUST NECESSARILY
WHICH HAVE LATELY HAPPENED IN
THIS CITY, MUST NECESSARILY
CONCLUDE THAT THEY WERE
THIS CITY, MUST NECESSARILY
CONCLUDE THAT THEY WERE
OCCASIONED BY SOME VILLAINOUS
CONCLUDE THAT THEY WERE
OCCASIONED BY SOME VILLAINOUS
CONFEDERACY OF LATENT ENEMIES
OCCASIONED BY SOME VILLAINOUS
CONFEDERACY OF LATENT ENEMIES
AMONGST US."
CONFEDERACY OF LATENT ENEMIES
AMONGST US."
DANIEL HORSEMANDEN.
AMONGST US."
DANIEL HORSEMANDEN.
Narrator: IN MARCH, AS THE
DANIEL HORSEMANDEN.
Narrator: IN MARCH, AS THE
AUTHORITIES SEARCHED FRANTICALLY
Narrator: IN MARCH, AS THE
AUTHORITIES SEARCHED FRANTICALLY
FOR THE GUILTY PARTIES, AN
AUTHORITIES SEARCHED FRANTICALLY
FOR THE GUILTY PARTIES, AN
INDENTURED SERVANT NAMED MARY
FOR THE GUILTY PARTIES, AN
INDENTURED SERVANT NAMED MARY
BURTON, PROMPTED BY THE PROSPEC
INDENTURED SERVANT NAMED MARY
BURTON, PROMPTED BY THE PROSPEC
OF A HUNDRED-DOLLAR REWARD, CAME
BURTON, PROMPTED BY THE PROSPEC
OF A HUNDRED-DOLLAR REWARD, CAME
FORWARD TO TESTIFY AGAINST HER
OF A HUNDRED-DOLLAR REWARD, CAME
FORWARD TO TESTIFY AGAINST HER
EMPLOYER, AN IRISH CATHOLIC
FORWARD TO TESTIFY AGAINST HER
EMPLOYER, AN IRISH CATHOLIC
TAVERN KEEPER NAMED JOHN
EMPLOYER, AN IRISH CATHOLIC
TAVERN KEEPER NAMED JOHN
HUGHSON, WHOSE ESTABLISHMENT WAS
TAVERN KEEPER NAMED JOHN
HUGHSON, WHOSE ESTABLISHMENT WAS
A FAVORITE MEETING PLACE FOR
HUGHSON, WHOSE ESTABLISHMENT WAS
A FAVORITE MEETING PLACE FOR
SLAVES AND FREE BLACKS.
A FAVORITE MEETING PLACE FOR
SLAVES AND FREE BLACKS.
SHE TOLD WILD TALES OF A
SLAVES AND FREE BLACKS.
SHE TOLD WILD TALES OF A
"NEGRO PLOT" TO BURN THE CITY
SHE TOLD WILD TALES OF A
"NEGRO PLOT" TO BURN THE CITY
AND OVERTHROW THE GOVERNMENT,
"NEGRO PLOT" TO BURN THE CITY
AND OVERTHROW THE GOVERNMENT,
LEVELING ONE CHARGE AFTER
AND OVERTHROW THE GOVERNMENT,
LEVELING ONE CHARGE AFTER
ANOTHER AGAINST HUGHSON,
LEVELING ONE CHARGE AFTER
ANOTHER AGAINST HUGHSON,
HIS WIFE, AND A GROWING LIS
ANOTHER AGAINST HUGHSON,
HIS WIFE, AND A GROWING LIS
OF ALLEGED BLACK CONSPIRATORS.
HIS WIFE, AND A GROWING LIS
OF ALLEGED BLACK CONSPIRATORS.
Sorin: ONE GETS THE FEELING
OF ALLEGED BLACK CONSPIRATORS.
Sorin: ONE GETS THE FEELING
THAT MARY BURTON FORGOT WHA
Sorin: ONE GETS THE FEELING
THAT MARY BURTON FORGOT WHA
THE TRUTH WAS.
THAT MARY BURTON FORGOT WHA
THE TRUTH WAS.
HER STORIES KEPT GETTING MORE
THE TRUTH WAS.
HER STORIES KEPT GETTING MORE
AND MORE ELABORATE AS SHE
HER STORIES KEPT GETTING MORE
AND MORE ELABORATE AS SHE
IMPLICATED MORE AND MORE
AND MORE ELABORATE AS SHE
IMPLICATED MORE AND MORE
INDIVIDUALS IN THE SUBVERSION.
IMPLICATED MORE AND MORE
INDIVIDUALS IN THE SUBVERSION.
AND SHE WAS ABSOLUTELY
INDIVIDUALS IN THE SUBVERSION.
AND SHE WAS ABSOLUTELY
CONVINCING, BECAUSE THE
AND SHE WAS ABSOLUTELY
CONVINCING, BECAUSE THE
OFFICIALS, THE NEW YORK CITY
CONVINCING, BECAUSE THE
OFFICIALS, THE NEW YORK CITY
OFFICIALS, WANTED TO BE
OFFICIALS, THE NEW YORK CITY
OFFICIALS, WANTED TO BE
CONVINCED THAT THIS WAS A WIDER
OFFICIALS, WANTED TO BE
CONVINCED THAT THIS WAS A WIDER
CONSPIRACY.
CONVINCED THAT THIS WAS A WIDER
CONSPIRACY.
Wilder: THERE WERE LEVELS
CONSPIRACY.
Wilder: THERE WERE LEVELS
OF CONSPIRACY THAT PROBABLY
Wilder: THERE WERE LEVELS
OF CONSPIRACY THAT PROBABLY
ACTUALLY WERE INVENTED BY
OF CONSPIRACY THAT PROBABLY
ACTUALLY WERE INVENTED BY
THE PEOPLE INVESTIGATING THE
ACTUALLY WERE INVENTED BY
THE PEOPLE INVESTIGATING THE
CONSPIRACY.
THE PEOPLE INVESTIGATING THE
CONSPIRACY.
SO, FOR INSTANCE, THE BELIEF
CONSPIRACY.
SO, FOR INSTANCE, THE BELIEF
THAT CATHOLICS, AND PARTICULARLY
SO, FOR INSTANCE, THE BELIEF
THAT CATHOLICS, AND PARTICULARLY
IRISH CATHOLICS, WERE
THAT CATHOLICS, AND PARTICULARLY
IRISH CATHOLICS, WERE
RESPONSIBLE FOR CREATING THIS
IRISH CATHOLICS, WERE
RESPONSIBLE FOR CREATING THIS
DISCONTENT AMONG THE SLAVES,
RESPONSIBLE FOR CREATING THIS
DISCONTENT AMONG THE SLAVES,
WAS PROBABLY AN INVENTION OF
DISCONTENT AMONG THE SLAVES,
WAS PROBABLY AN INVENTION OF
PROTESTANTS LOOKING TO PROTEC
WAS PROBABLY AN INVENTION OF
PROTESTANTS LOOKING TO PROTEC
THEIR SELF-ESTEEM AS MASTERS,
PROTESTANTS LOOKING TO PROTEC
THEIR SELF-ESTEEM AS MASTERS,
AND LOOKING TO REINFORCE THEIR
THEIR SELF-ESTEEM AS MASTERS,
AND LOOKING TO REINFORCE THEIR
RACIAL IDEAS THAT AFRICANS WERE
AND LOOKING TO REINFORCE THEIR
RACIAL IDEAS THAT AFRICANS WERE
INCAPABLE OF PLOTTING AGAINS
RACIAL IDEAS THAT AFRICANS WERE
INCAPABLE OF PLOTTING AGAINS
THEM ON THEIR OWN.
INCAPABLE OF PLOTTING AGAINS
THEM ON THEIR OWN.
Narrator: SOME BLACKS HAD
THEM ON THEIR OWN.
Narrator: SOME BLACKS HAD
ALMOST CERTAINLY BEEN INVOLVED,
Narrator: SOME BLACKS HAD
ALMOST CERTAINLY BEEN INVOLVED,
BUT AS THE HYSTERIA IN MANHATTAN
ALMOST CERTAINLY BEEN INVOLVED,
BUT AS THE HYSTERIA IN MANHATTAN
REACHED FEVER PITCH, COLONIAL
BUT AS THE HYSTERIA IN MANHATTAN
REACHED FEVER PITCH, COLONIAL
JUDGES ORDERED A MASSIVE ROUNDUP
REACHED FEVER PITCH, COLONIAL
JUDGES ORDERED A MASSIVE ROUNDUP
OF BLACK NEW YORKERS, AND WITH
JUDGES ORDERED A MASSIVE ROUNDUP
OF BLACK NEW YORKERS, AND WITH
ALMOST NO EVIDENCE PUT THEM ON
OF BLACK NEW YORKERS, AND WITH
ALMOST NO EVIDENCE PUT THEM ON
TRIAL FOR THEIR LIVES.
ALMOST NO EVIDENCE PUT THEM ON
TRIAL FOR THEIR LIVES.
IN THE WEEKS TO COME, THE REIGN
TRIAL FOR THEIR LIVES.
IN THE WEEKS TO COME, THE REIGN
OF TERROR VISITED ON BLACKS
IN THE WEEKS TO COME, THE REIGN
OF TERROR VISITED ON BLACKS
AND ON ANYONE SUSPECTED OF
OF TERROR VISITED ON BLACKS
AND ON ANYONE SUSPECTED OF
CONSPIRING WITH THEM, WOULD BE
AND ON ANYONE SUSPECTED OF
CONSPIRING WITH THEM, WOULD BE
WORSE THAN THE SALEM WITCH
CONSPIRING WITH THEM, WOULD BE
WORSE THAN THE SALEM WITCH
TRIALS HALF A CENTURY BEFORE.
WORSE THAN THE SALEM WITCH
TRIALS HALF A CENTURY BEFORE.
Wallace: THE REAL STORY OF
TRIALS HALF A CENTURY BEFORE.
Wallace: THE REAL STORY OF
1741 WAS IN FACT NOT WHAT THE
Wallace: THE REAL STORY OF
1741 WAS IN FACT NOT WHAT THE
SLAVES DID, BUT IN FACT WHAT WAS
1741 WAS IN FACT NOT WHAT THE
SLAVES DID, BUT IN FACT WHAT WAS
DONE TO THE SLAVES.
SLAVES DID, BUT IN FACT WHAT WAS
DONE TO THE SLAVES.
THE LEVEL OF FEROCITY WITH WHICH
DONE TO THE SLAVES.
THE LEVEL OF FEROCITY WITH WHICH
THE INSURRECTION WAS REPRESSED
THE LEVEL OF FEROCITY WITH WHICH
THE INSURRECTION WAS REPRESSED
AND THEN THE PUNISHMENTS THA
THE INSURRECTION WAS REPRESSED
AND THEN THE PUNISHMENTS THA
WERE METED OUT, DESPITE THE FAC
AND THEN THE PUNISHMENTS THA
WERE METED OUT, DESPITE THE FAC
THAT THESE WERE VALUABLE PIECES
WERE METED OUT, DESPITE THE FAC
THAT THESE WERE VALUABLE PIECES
OF PROPERTY PEOPLE WERE BURNED
THAT THESE WERE VALUABLE PIECES
OF PROPERTY PEOPLE WERE BURNED
AT THE STAKE, PEOPLE WERE
OF PROPERTY PEOPLE WERE BURNED
AT THE STAKE, PEOPLE WERE
ROASTED OVER A SLOW FIRE FOR
AT THE STAKE, PEOPLE WERE
ROASTED OVER A SLOW FIRE FOR
EIGHT HOURS THAT THE TORMENT MAY
ROASTED OVER A SLOW FIRE FOR
EIGHT HOURS THAT THE TORMENT MAY
BE DRAGGED OUT.
EIGHT HOURS THAT THE TORMENT MAY
BE DRAGGED OUT.
MEDIEVAL TORTURES WHICH IN FAC
BE DRAGGED OUT.
MEDIEVAL TORTURES WHICH IN FAC
HAD BEEN UTTERLY BANNED FOR
MEDIEVAL TORTURES WHICH IN FAC
HAD BEEN UTTERLY BANNED FOR
CONVENTIONAL AND WHITE PURPOSES
HAD BEEN UTTERLY BANNED FOR
CONVENTIONAL AND WHITE PURPOSES
WERE IN FACT RESURRECTED TO
CONVENTIONAL AND WHITE PURPOSES
WERE IN FACT RESURRECTED TO
STRIKE TERROR INTO THE HEARTS
WERE IN FACT RESURRECTED TO
STRIKE TERROR INTO THE HEARTS
OF THE POPULATION.
STRIKE TERROR INTO THE HEARTS
OF THE POPULATION.
Narrator: BEFORE IT WAS OVER,
OF THE POPULATION.
Narrator: BEFORE IT WAS OVER,
16 BLACKS AND FOUR WHITES HAD
Narrator: BEFORE IT WAS OVER,
16 BLACKS AND FOUR WHITES HAD
BEEN HANGED IN NEW YORK, 13
16 BLACKS AND FOUR WHITES HAD
BEEN HANGED IN NEW YORK, 13
SLAVES HAD BEEN BURNED AT THE
BEEN HANGED IN NEW YORK, 13
SLAVES HAD BEEN BURNED AT THE
STAKE, AND 70 MORE DEPORTED.
SLAVES HAD BEEN BURNED AT THE
STAKE, AND 70 MORE DEPORTED.
IT WOULD TAKE NEARLY A CENTURY
STAKE, AND 70 MORE DEPORTED.
IT WOULD TAKE NEARLY A CENTURY
MORE FOR BLACK NEW YORKERS TO
IT WOULD TAKE NEARLY A CENTURY
MORE FOR BLACK NEW YORKERS TO
WIN THEIR FREEDOM.
MORE FOR BLACK NEW YORKERS TO
WIN THEIR FREEDOM.
BUT IT WOULD NOT BE LONG BEFORE
WIN THEIR FREEDOM.
BUT IT WOULD NOT BE LONG BEFORE
BUT IT WOULD NOT BE LONG BEFORE
AGAIN NOT BY AFRICAN AMERICANS
AGAIN NOT BY AFRICAN AMERICANS
THIS TIME, BUT BY THE CITY'S
AGAIN NOT BY AFRICAN AMERICANS
THIS TIME, BUT BY THE CITY'S
RESTLESS MERCHANT MIDDLE CLASS
THIS TIME, BUT BY THE CITY'S
RESTLESS MERCHANT MIDDLE CLASS
AND AN ALLIANCE OF ARTISANS AND
RESTLESS MERCHANT MIDDLE CLASS
AND AN ALLIANCE OF ARTISANS AND
SAILORS.
AND AN ALLIANCE OF ARTISANS AND
SAILORS.
WHEN THAT HAPPENED, THE PROUD
SAILORS.
WHEN THAT HAPPENED, THE PROUD
ROYAL COLONY WOULD BEGIN A LONG
WHEN THAT HAPPENED, THE PROUD
ROYAL COLONY WOULD BEGIN A LONG
JOURNEY OUT OF EMPIRE, OUT OF
ROYAL COLONY WOULD BEGIN A LONG
JOURNEY OUT OF EMPIRE, OUT OF
THE PAST, AND INTO THE FUTURE.
JOURNEY OUT OF EMPIRE, OUT OF
THE PAST, AND INTO THE FUTURE.
Wallace: TRADE WAS BIG, BU
THE PAST, AND INTO THE FUTURE.
Wallace: TRADE WAS BIG, BU
WAR WAS BIGGER IN CERTAIN
Wallace: TRADE WAS BIG, BU
WAR WAS BIGGER IN CERTAIN
PERIODS.
WAR WAS BIGGER IN CERTAIN
PERIODS.
IN 1756, WILLIAM SMITH WRITES
PERIODS.
IN 1756, WILLIAM SMITH WRITES
IN HIS DIARY, "WAR IS DECLARED
IN 1756, WILLIAM SMITH WRITES
IN HIS DIARY, "WAR IS DECLARED
IN ENGLAND, UNIVERSAL JOY AMONG
IN HIS DIARY, "WAR IS DECLARED
IN ENGLAND, UNIVERSAL JOY AMONG
THE MERCHANTS."
IN ENGLAND, UNIVERSAL JOY AMONG
THE MERCHANTS."
AND WHY?
THE MERCHANTS."
AND WHY?
BECAUSE IN FACT NEW YORK CITY IS
AND WHY?
BECAUSE IN FACT NEW YORK CITY IS
THE CENTRAL BASE OF OPERATIONS
BECAUSE IN FACT NEW YORK CITY IS
THE CENTRAL BASE OF OPERATIONS
BY THE BRITISH AGAINST THEIR
THE CENTRAL BASE OF OPERATIONS
BY THE BRITISH AGAINST THEIR
CLASSIC ENEMY, THE FRENCH, IN
BY THE BRITISH AGAINST THEIR
CLASSIC ENEMY, THE FRENCH, IN
NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN.
CLASSIC ENEMY, THE FRENCH, IN
NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
THIS MEANS THAT IN 1758 THERE
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
THIS MEANS THAT IN 1758 THERE
ARE 25,000 BRITISH TROOPS AND
THIS MEANS THAT IN 1758 THERE
ARE 25,000 BRITISH TROOPS AND
14,000 MARINES IN NORTH AMERICA,
ARE 25,000 BRITISH TROOPS AND
14,000 MARINES IN NORTH AMERICA,
OVERWHELMINGLY BASED IN NEW YORK
14,000 MARINES IN NORTH AMERICA,
OVERWHELMINGLY BASED IN NEW YORK
CITY.
OVERWHELMINGLY BASED IN NEW YORK
CITY.
THIS MEANS ALL THESE PEOPLE NEED
CITY.
THIS MEANS ALL THESE PEOPLE NEED
FOOD.
THIS MEANS ALL THESE PEOPLE NEED
FOOD.
THEY NEED CLOTHING AND UNIFORMS.
FOOD.
THEY NEED CLOTHING AND UNIFORMS.
THEY NEED SHIP REPAIRS.
THEY NEED CLOTHING AND UNIFORMS.
THEY NEED SHIP REPAIRS.
THEY NEED SEX AND R. AND R.
THEY NEED SHIP REPAIRS.
THEY NEED SEX AND R. AND R.
SO THE MERCHANTS ARE HAPPY, THE
THEY NEED SEX AND R. AND R.
SO THE MERCHANTS ARE HAPPY, THE
WHORES ARE HAPPY, THE INNKEEPERS
SO THE MERCHANTS ARE HAPPY, THE
WHORES ARE HAPPY, THE INNKEEPERS
ARE HAPPY.
WHORES ARE HAPPY, THE INNKEEPERS
ARE HAPPY.
THERE IS MONEY POURING INTO THE
ARE HAPPY.
THERE IS MONEY POURING INTO THE
ECONOMY.
THERE IS MONEY POURING INTO THE
ECONOMY.
BENJAMIN WITH GREAT ENVY WRITES,
ECONOMY.
BENJAMIN WITH GREAT ENVY WRITES,
"GOD, THESE MERCHANTS ARE
BENJAMIN WITH GREAT ENVY WRITES,
"GOD, THESE MERCHANTS ARE
CLEANING UP."
"GOD, THESE MERCHANTS ARE
CLEANING UP."
SO THIS IS IN FACT A MOMENT OF
CLEANING UP."
SO THIS IS IN FACT A MOMENT OF
MAXIMUM SATISFACTION WITH THE
SO THIS IS IN FACT A MOMENT OF
MAXIMUM SATISFACTION WITH THE
EMPIRE BY THE BIGGEST AND MOS
MAXIMUM SATISFACTION WITH THE
EMPIRE BY THE BIGGEST AND MOS
POWERFUL MERCHANTS IN NEW YORK
EMPIRE BY THE BIGGEST AND MOS
POWERFUL MERCHANTS IN NEW YORK
CITY, BECAUSE THE BENEFITS OF
POWERFUL MERCHANTS IN NEW YORK
CITY, BECAUSE THE BENEFITS OF
BEING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE
CITY, BECAUSE THE BENEFITS OF
BEING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE
BRITISH NAVY HAVE NEVER BEEN
BEING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE
BRITISH NAVY HAVE NEVER BEEN
MORE APPARENT.
BRITISH NAVY HAVE NEVER BEEN
MORE APPARENT.
THE TROUBLE WITH WAR IS PEACE,
MORE APPARENT.
THE TROUBLE WITH WAR IS PEACE,
FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE
THE TROUBLE WITH WAR IS PEACE,
FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE
WAR-IS-GOOD-FOR-BUSINESS SCHOOL.
FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE
WAR-IS-GOOD-FOR-BUSINESS SCHOOL.
AND IN 1763 THE BRITISH FLEE
WAR-IS-GOOD-FOR-BUSINESS SCHOOL.
AND IN 1763 THE BRITISH FLEE
SAILS AWAY, THE DEFENSE
AND IN 1763 THE BRITISH FLEE
SAILS AWAY, THE DEFENSE
CONTRACTS PETER OUT, AND THE
SAILS AWAY, THE DEFENSE
CONTRACTS PETER OUT, AND THE
CITY IN FACT FALLS INTO A
CONTRACTS PETER OUT, AND THE
CITY IN FACT FALLS INTO A
DEPRESSION.
CITY IN FACT FALLS INTO A
DEPRESSION.
1763 IS HARD TIMES.
DEPRESSION.
1763 IS HARD TIMES.
ALL THAT MONEY THAT WAS POURING
1763 IS HARD TIMES.
ALL THAT MONEY THAT WAS POURING
IN IS NOT POURING IN.
ALL THAT MONEY THAT WAS POURING
IN IS NOT POURING IN.
WORSE, THE BRITISH NOW SAY,
IN IS NOT POURING IN.
WORSE, THE BRITISH NOW SAY,
OKAY, YOU OWE US.
WORSE, THE BRITISH NOW SAY,
OKAY, YOU OWE US.
AND WE ARE NOW IN A WHOLE NEW
OKAY, YOU OWE US.
AND WE ARE NOW IN A WHOLE NEW
UNIVERSE.
AND WE ARE NOW IN A WHOLE NEW
UNIVERSE.
TAXES AND EXTRACTION OF
UNIVERSE.
TAXES AND EXTRACTION OF
RESOURCES AT THE MOMENT OF
TAXES AND EXTRACTION OF
RESOURCES AT THE MOMENT OF
MAXIMUM WEAKNESS IN THE ECONOMY,
RESOURCES AT THE MOMENT OF
MAXIMUM WEAKNESS IN THE ECONOMY,
THIS IS THE BACKGROUND WITHIN
MAXIMUM WEAKNESS IN THE ECONOMY,
THIS IS THE BACKGROUND WITHIN
WHICH THERE IS GOING TO BE THE
THIS IS THE BACKGROUND WITHIN
WHICH THERE IS GOING TO BE THE
BEGINNING OF THE ROAD TO
WHICH THERE IS GOING TO BE THE
BEGINNING OF THE ROAD TO
REVOLUTION.
BEGINNING OF THE ROAD TO
REVOLUTION.
Reader: "IF THE INTEREST OF
REVOLUTION.
Reader: "IF THE INTEREST OF
THE MOTHER COUNTRY AND HER
Reader: "IF THE INTEREST OF
THE MOTHER COUNTRY AND HER
COLONIES CANNOT BE MADE TO
THE MOTHER COUNTRY AND HER
COLONIES CANNOT BE MADE TO
COINCIDE, THEN THE CONNECTION
COLONIES CANNOT BE MADE TO
COINCIDE, THEN THE CONNECTION
BETWEEN THEM OUGH
COINCIDE, THEN THE CONNECTION
BETWEEN THEM OUGH
TO CEASE."
BETWEEN THEM OUGH
TO CEASE."
NEW YORK GAZETTE, 1765.
TO CEASE."
NEW YORK GAZETTE, 1765.
Narrator: IT BEGAN IN THE
NEW YORK GAZETTE, 1765.
Narrator: IT BEGAN IN THE
SPRING OF 1765, WHEN ENGLAND
Narrator: IT BEGAN IN THE
SPRING OF 1765, WHEN ENGLAND
PASSED THE STAMP ACT.
SPRING OF 1765, WHEN ENGLAND
PASSED THE STAMP ACT.
A TAX ON 43 KINDS OF BUSINESS
PASSED THE STAMP ACT.
A TAX ON 43 KINDS OF BUSINESS
TRANSACTION, FROM LEGAL
A TAX ON 43 KINDS OF BUSINESS
TRANSACTION, FROM LEGAL
CONTRACTS TO LIQUOR LICENSES,
TRANSACTION, FROM LEGAL
CONTRACTS TO LIQUOR LICENSES,
IT THREATENED THE VERY LIFEBLOOD
CONTRACTS TO LIQUOR LICENSES,
IT THREATENED THE VERY LIFEBLOOD
OF NEW YORK'S VIBRANT MERCHAN
IT THREATENED THE VERY LIFEBLOOD
OF NEW YORK'S VIBRANT MERCHAN
CULTURE.
OF NEW YORK'S VIBRANT MERCHAN
CULTURE.
Berkin: THERE WASN'T A PERSON
CULTURE.
Berkin: THERE WASN'T A PERSON
IN AMERICA WHO WASN'T MAD AT THE
Berkin: THERE WASN'T A PERSON
IN AMERICA WHO WASN'T MAD AT THE
STAMP ACT BECAUSE IT ATTACKED
IN AMERICA WHO WASN'T MAD AT THE
STAMP ACT BECAUSE IT ATTACKED
LAWYERS, IT ATTACKED SAILORS WHO
STAMP ACT BECAUSE IT ATTACKED
LAWYERS, IT ATTACKED SAILORS WHO
WOULD HAVE TO PAY A TAX EVERY
LAWYERS, IT ATTACKED SAILORS WHO
WOULD HAVE TO PAY A TAX EVERY
TIME THEY BOUGHT PLAYING CARDS,
WOULD HAVE TO PAY A TAX EVERY
TIME THEY BOUGHT PLAYING CARDS,
IT ATTACKED BRIDES-TO-BE WHO
TIME THEY BOUGHT PLAYING CARDS,
IT ATTACKED BRIDES-TO-BE WHO
WOULD HAVE TO PAY WHEN THEIR
IT ATTACKED BRIDES-TO-BE WHO
WOULD HAVE TO PAY WHEN THEIR
MARRIAGE LICENSE WAS TAKEN OUT,
WOULD HAVE TO PAY WHEN THEIR
MARRIAGE LICENSE WAS TAKEN OUT,
IT ATTACKED NEWSPAPER OWNERS.
MARRIAGE LICENSE WAS TAKEN OUT,
IT ATTACKED NEWSPAPER OWNERS.
SO THERE'S NO QUESTION THA
IT ATTACKED NEWSPAPER OWNERS.
SO THERE'S NO QUESTION THA
NEW YORK CITY WOULD HAVE BEEN A
SO THERE'S NO QUESTION THA
NEW YORK CITY WOULD HAVE BEEN A
BIZARRE PLACE INDEED IF THERE
NEW YORK CITY WOULD HAVE BEEN A
BIZARRE PLACE INDEED IF THERE
WEREN'T AS MUCH HOSTILITY TO THE
BIZARRE PLACE INDEED IF THERE
WEREN'T AS MUCH HOSTILITY TO THE
STAMP ACT HERE AS THERE WERE IN
WEREN'T AS MUCH HOSTILITY TO THE
STAMP ACT HERE AS THERE WERE IN
BOSTON OR IN PHILADELPHIA OR FOR
STAMP ACT HERE AS THERE WERE IN
BOSTON OR IN PHILADELPHIA OR FOR
THAT MATTER IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
BOSTON OR IN PHILADELPHIA OR FOR
THAT MATTER IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
Narrator: ON NOVEMBER 1,
THAT MATTER IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
Narrator: ON NOVEMBER 1,
1765, THE DAY THE ACT WAS TO
Narrator: ON NOVEMBER 1,
1765, THE DAY THE ACT WAS TO
TAKE EFFECT, AN ANGRY MOB
1765, THE DAY THE ACT WAS TO
TAKE EFFECT, AN ANGRY MOB
GATHERED ON NEW YORK COMMONS,
TAKE EFFECT, AN ANGRY MOB
GATHERED ON NEW YORK COMMONS,
THEN MARCHED DOWN TO THE BOWLING
GATHERED ON NEW YORK COMMONS,
THEN MARCHED DOWN TO THE BOWLING
GREEN, WHERE THEY HANGED AND
THEN MARCHED DOWN TO THE BOWLING
GREEN, WHERE THEY HANGED AND
BURNT AN EFFIGY OF THE ROYAL
GREEN, WHERE THEY HANGED AND
BURNT AN EFFIGY OF THE ROYAL
GOVERNOR, THEN SET HIS CARRIAGE
BURNT AN EFFIGY OF THE ROYAL
GOVERNOR, THEN SET HIS CARRIAGE
ON FIRE.
GOVERNOR, THEN SET HIS CARRIAGE
ON FIRE.
THE STAMP ACT WAS QUICKLY
ON FIRE.
THE STAMP ACT WAS QUICKLY
REPEALED, AND GRATEFUL NEW
THE STAMP ACT WAS QUICKLY
REPEALED, AND GRATEFUL NEW
YORKERS SOON ERECTED A HUGE
REPEALED, AND GRATEFUL NEW
YORKERS SOON ERECTED A HUGE
BRONZE STATUE OF KING GEORGE
YORKERS SOON ERECTED A HUGE
BRONZE STATUE OF KING GEORGE
III, TO AFFIRM THEIR LOYALTY
BRONZE STATUE OF KING GEORGE
III, TO AFFIRM THEIR LOYALTY
TO THE BRITISH CROWN.
III, TO AFFIRM THEIR LOYALTY
TO THE BRITISH CROWN.
BUT THEIR GRATITUDE DID NO
TO THE BRITISH CROWN.
BUT THEIR GRATITUDE DID NO
LAST LONG, AS ONE INTOLERABLE
BUT THEIR GRATITUDE DID NO
LAST LONG, AS ONE INTOLERABLE
ACT FOLLOWED ANOTHER UNTIL
LAST LONG, AS ONE INTOLERABLE
ACT FOLLOWED ANOTHER UNTIL
THE STAGE HAD BEEN SET FOR
ACT FOLLOWED ANOTHER UNTIL
THE STAGE HAD BEEN SET FOR
COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM THE
THE STAGE HAD BEEN SET FOR
COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM THE
MOTHER COUNTRY.
COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM THE
MOTHER COUNTRY.
Quinn: PEOPLE HAVE ALWAYS
MOTHER COUNTRY.
Quinn: PEOPLE HAVE ALWAYS
COME TO CITIES TO TAKE ON A
Quinn: PEOPLE HAVE ALWAYS
COME TO CITIES TO TAKE ON A
NEW IDENTITIES SINCE THE
COME TO CITIES TO TAKE ON A
NEW IDENTITIES SINCE THE
MIDDLE AGES.
NEW IDENTITIES SINCE THE
MIDDLE AGES.
"BREATHING THE CITY AIR THA
MIDDLE AGES.
"BREATHING THE CITY AIR THA
MAKES YOU FREE," THEY SAID
"BREATHING THE CITY AIR THA
MAKES YOU FREE," THEY SAID
IN THE MIDDLE AGES.
MAKES YOU FREE," THEY SAID
IN THE MIDDLE AGES.
THAT'S NEVER BEEN MORE TRUE
IN THE MIDDLE AGES.
THAT'S NEVER BEEN MORE TRUE
ABOUT A PLACE LIKE NEW YORK.
THAT'S NEVER BEEN MORE TRUE
ABOUT A PLACE LIKE NEW YORK.
PEOPLE COME HERE FROM ALL OVER
ABOUT A PLACE LIKE NEW YORK.
PEOPLE COME HERE FROM ALL OVER
THE WORLD, NOT JUST FROM THE
PEOPLE COME HERE FROM ALL OVER
THE WORLD, NOT JUST FROM THE
INTERIOR OF THE UNITED STATES,
THE WORLD, NOT JUST FROM THE
INTERIOR OF THE UNITED STATES,
FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO MAKE
INTERIOR OF THE UNITED STATES,
FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO MAKE
THEMSELVES UP.
FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO MAKE
THEMSELVES UP.
IF YOU WANT TO BE WHO YOU ARE,
THEMSELVES UP.
IF YOU WANT TO BE WHO YOU ARE,
YOU STAY WHERE YOU ARE.
IF YOU WANT TO BE WHO YOU ARE,
YOU STAY WHERE YOU ARE.
IF YOU WANT TO BE SOMEBODY ELSE,
YOU STAY WHERE YOU ARE.
IF YOU WANT TO BE SOMEBODY ELSE,
IF YOU WANT TO BE PART OF
IF YOU WANT TO BE SOMEBODY ELSE,
IF YOU WANT TO BE PART OF
SOMETHING NEW, YOU COME TO
IF YOU WANT TO BE PART OF
SOMETHING NEW, YOU COME TO
NEW YORK.
SOMETHING NEW, YOU COME TO
NEW YORK.
THAT'S BEEN TRUE, I THINK, FOR
NEW YORK.
THAT'S BEEN TRUE, I THINK, FOR
THE LIFE OF THE CITY.
THAT'S BEEN TRUE, I THINK, FOR
THE LIFE OF THE CITY.
Narrator: IN JUNE 1773, AN
THE LIFE OF THE CITY.
Narrator: IN JUNE 1773, AN
ILLEGITIMATE 16-YEAR-OLD BOY
Narrator: IN JUNE 1773, AN
ILLEGITIMATE 16-YEAR-OLD BOY
FROM THE WEST INDIAN ISLAND OF
ILLEGITIMATE 16-YEAR-OLD BOY
FROM THE WEST INDIAN ISLAND OF
NEVIS LANDED IN THE DIVIDED
FROM THE WEST INDIAN ISLAND OF
NEVIS LANDED IN THE DIVIDED
COLONY.
NEVIS LANDED IN THE DIVIDED
COLONY.
"LIKE A SEED BLOWN BY HAPPY
COLONY.
"LIKE A SEED BLOWN BY HAPPY
CHANCE ONTO PERFECT GROUND,"
"LIKE A SEED BLOWN BY HAPPY
CHANCE ONTO PERFECT GROUND,"
ONE MAN LATER SAID, THE YOUNG
CHANCE ONTO PERFECT GROUND,"
ONE MAN LATER SAID, THE YOUNG
ALEXANDER HAMILTON ARRIVED
ONE MAN LATER SAID, THE YOUNG
ALEXANDER HAMILTON ARRIVED
IN NEW YORK ON THE EVE OF AN
ALEXANDER HAMILTON ARRIVED
IN NEW YORK ON THE EVE OF AN
EXTRAORDINARY TRANSFORMATION.
IN NEW YORK ON THE EVE OF AN
EXTRAORDINARY TRANSFORMATION.
IN THE YEARS TO COME, HE WOULD
EXTRAORDINARY TRANSFORMATION.
IN THE YEARS TO COME, HE WOULD
DO EVERYTHING IN HIS POWER
IN THE YEARS TO COME, HE WOULD
DO EVERYTHING IN HIS POWER
TO HURRY THE CITY ON TOWARDS
DO EVERYTHING IN HIS POWER
TO HURRY THE CITY ON TOWARDS
ITS ULTIMATE DESTINY.
TO HURRY THE CITY ON TOWARDS
ITS ULTIMATE DESTINY.
Berkin: HE IS AFTER ALL A
ITS ULTIMATE DESTINY.
Berkin: HE IS AFTER ALL A
BASTARD FROM THE WEST INDIES.
Berkin: HE IS AFTER ALL A
BASTARD FROM THE WEST INDIES.
HE IS THE QUINTESSENTIAL
BASTARD FROM THE WEST INDIES.
HE IS THE QUINTESSENTIAL
UPSTART.
HE IS THE QUINTESSENTIAL
UPSTART.
HE'S NOT BORN IN AMERICA, HE'S
UPSTART.
HE'S NOT BORN IN AMERICA, HE'S
GOT NO LONG HISTORY.
HE'S NOT BORN IN AMERICA, HE'S
GOT NO LONG HISTORY.
HE'S A NEW YORKER, VERY MUCH A
GOT NO LONG HISTORY.
HE'S A NEW YORKER, VERY MUCH A
NEW YORKER.
HE'S A NEW YORKER, VERY MUCH A
NEW YORKER.
AND HIS BELIEF THAT ANYBODY WHO
NEW YORKER.
AND HIS BELIEF THAT ANYBODY WHO
HAD INTELLIGENCE AND ABILITY HAD
AND HIS BELIEF THAT ANYBODY WHO
HAD INTELLIGENCE AND ABILITY HAD
A RIGHT TO RISE IS CERTAINLY
HAD INTELLIGENCE AND ABILITY HAD
A RIGHT TO RISE IS CERTAINLY
THE NEW YORK IMMIGRANT STORY.
A RIGHT TO RISE IS CERTAINLY
THE NEW YORK IMMIGRANT STORY.
Narrator: HAMILTON THREW
THE NEW YORK IMMIGRANT STORY.
Narrator: HAMILTON THREW
HIMSELF ALMOST IMMEDIATELY
Narrator: HAMILTON THREW
HIMSELF ALMOST IMMEDIATELY
INTO THE WHIRLWIND OF DEBATE
HIMSELF ALMOST IMMEDIATELY
INTO THE WHIRLWIND OF DEBATE
SWEEPING THROUGH THE COLONY.
INTO THE WHIRLWIND OF DEBATE
SWEEPING THROUGH THE COLONY.
IN 1774, WHILE STILL A SOPHOMORE
SWEEPING THROUGH THE COLONY.
IN 1774, WHILE STILL A SOPHOMORE
AT KING'S COLLEGE, HE PUBLISHED
IN 1774, WHILE STILL A SOPHOMORE
AT KING'S COLLEGE, HE PUBLISHED
AN INCENDIARY PAMPHLET URGING
AT KING'S COLLEGE, HE PUBLISHED
AN INCENDIARY PAMPHLET URGING
AN INCENDIARY PAMPHLET URGING
PARLIAMENT AND LAY CLAIM TO
PARLIAMENT AND LAY CLAIM TO
THEIR NATURAL RIGHTS AS FREE
PARLIAMENT AND LAY CLAIM TO
THEIR NATURAL RIGHTS AS FREE
MEN.
THEIR NATURAL RIGHTS AS FREE
MEN.
HE WAS SOON MESMERIZING CROWDS
MEN.
HE WAS SOON MESMERIZING CROWDS
ON THE NEW YORK COMMONS WITH
HE WAS SOON MESMERIZING CROWDS
ON THE NEW YORK COMMONS WITH
HIS FIERY POLITICAL ORATORY.
ON THE NEW YORK COMMONS WITH
HIS FIERY POLITICAL ORATORY.
Carr: I THINK THE IMAGE OF
HIS FIERY POLITICAL ORATORY.
Carr: I THINK THE IMAGE OF
ALEXANDER HAMILTON AT THE AGE OF
Carr: I THINK THE IMAGE OF
ALEXANDER HAMILTON AT THE AGE OF
17 BEING ABLE TO INCITE ENTIRE
ALEXANDER HAMILTON AT THE AGE OF
17 BEING ABLE TO INCITE ENTIRE
MOBS OF NEW YORKERS TO REBEL
17 BEING ABLE TO INCITE ENTIRE
MOBS OF NEW YORKERS TO REBEL
AGAINST THE BRITISH CROWN,
MOBS OF NEW YORKERS TO REBEL
AGAINST THE BRITISH CROWN,
TO ME, THERE IS SOMETHING SO
AGAINST THE BRITISH CROWN,
TO ME, THERE IS SOMETHING SO
TYPICALLY NEW YORK ABOUT THAT.
TO ME, THERE IS SOMETHING SO
TYPICALLY NEW YORK ABOUT THAT.
I MEAN, HERE YOU HAVE THIS GUY
TYPICALLY NEW YORK ABOUT THAT.
I MEAN, HERE YOU HAVE THIS GUY
WHO COMES TO PROBABLY THE ONLY
I MEAN, HERE YOU HAVE THIS GUY
WHO COMES TO PROBABLY THE ONLY
PLACE HE COULD'VE COME TO IN
WHO COMES TO PROBABLY THE ONLY
PLACE HE COULD'VE COME TO IN
THE UNITED STATES AND REALLY
PLACE HE COULD'VE COME TO IN
THE UNITED STATES AND REALLY
MADE A NAME FOR HIMSELF.
THE UNITED STATES AND REALLY
MADE A NAME FOR HIMSELF.
AND IMMEDIATELY THROUGH HIS OWN
MADE A NAME FOR HIMSELF.
AND IMMEDIATELY THROUGH HIS OWN
BRILLIANCE, BUT ALSO BECAUSE THE
AND IMMEDIATELY THROUGH HIS OWN
BRILLIANCE, BUT ALSO BECAUSE THE
CITY IS SO ACCEPTING, BECOMES
BRILLIANCE, BUT ALSO BECAUSE THE
CITY IS SO ACCEPTING, BECOMES
THIS IMPORTANT POLITICAL FIGURE
CITY IS SO ACCEPTING, BECOMES
THIS IMPORTANT POLITICAL FIGURE
WHILE HE'S STILL A TEENAGER.
THIS IMPORTANT POLITICAL FIGURE
WHILE HE'S STILL A TEENAGER.
Berkin: HAMILTON WANTED THA
WHILE HE'S STILL A TEENAGER.
Berkin: HAMILTON WANTED THA
WAR BADLY, NO MATTER WHAT THE
Berkin: HAMILTON WANTED THA
WAR BADLY, NO MATTER WHAT THE
ISSUES WERE, BECAUSE VERY EARLY
WAR BADLY, NO MATTER WHAT THE
ISSUES WERE, BECAUSE VERY EARLY
ON HE SAID, "IT IS IN WAR THA
ISSUES WERE, BECAUSE VERY EARLY
ON HE SAID, "IT IS IN WAR THA
A MAN MAKES HIS REPUTATION.
ON HE SAID, "IT IS IN WAR THA
A MAN MAKES HIS REPUTATION.
AND IT IS IN MOMENTS OF FLUX
A MAN MAKES HIS REPUTATION.
AND IT IS IN MOMENTS OF FLUX
AND CHANGE THAT A MAN CAN RISE."
AND IT IS IN MOMENTS OF FLUX
AND CHANGE THAT A MAN CAN RISE."
SO UNLIKE SOME OF THE
AND CHANGE THAT A MAN CAN RISE."
SO UNLIKE SOME OF THE
ESTABLISHED POLITICAL LEADERS OF
SO UNLIKE SOME OF THE
ESTABLISHED POLITICAL LEADERS OF
NEW YORK, HE'S CERTAINLY SOMEONE
ESTABLISHED POLITICAL LEADERS OF
NEW YORK, HE'S CERTAINLY SOMEONE
WHO WANTS TO SEE THE REVOLUTION
NEW YORK, HE'S CERTAINLY SOMEONE
WHO WANTS TO SEE THE REVOLUTION
COME ON NO MATTER WHAT.
WHO WANTS TO SEE THE REVOLUTION
COME ON NO MATTER WHAT.
Narrator: TO THE SHOCK OF
COME ON NO MATTER WHAT.
Narrator: TO THE SHOCK OF
MOST LOYAL NEW YORKERS,
Narrator: TO THE SHOCK OF
MOST LOYAL NEW YORKERS,
HAMILTON'S WISH CAME TRUE,
MOST LOYAL NEW YORKERS,
HAMILTON'S WISH CAME TRUE,
SOONER THAN EVEN HE COULD HAVE
HAMILTON'S WISH CAME TRUE,
SOONER THAN EVEN HE COULD HAVE
IMAGINED.
SOONER THAN EVEN HE COULD HAVE
IMAGINED.
ON SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 1775, A
IMAGINED.
ON SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 1775, A
FRANTIC MESSENGER CAME GALLOPING
ON SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 1775, A
FRANTIC MESSENGER CAME GALLOPING
INTO TOWN DOWN THE POST ROAD
FRANTIC MESSENGER CAME GALLOPING
INTO TOWN DOWN THE POST ROAD
FROM BOSTON.
INTO TOWN DOWN THE POST ROAD
FROM BOSTON.
BLOOD HAD BEEN SHED AT LEXINGTON
FROM BOSTON.
BLOOD HAD BEEN SHED AT LEXINGTON
AND CONCORD; THE AMERICAN
BLOOD HAD BEEN SHED AT LEXINGTON
AND CONCORD; THE AMERICAN
REVOLUTION HAD STARTED.
AND CONCORD; THE AMERICAN
REVOLUTION HAD STARTED.
IN NEW YORK, JUBILANT PATRIOTS
REVOLUTION HAD STARTED.
IN NEW YORK, JUBILANT PATRIOTS
IMMEDIATELY SEIZED CONTROL OF
IN NEW YORK, JUBILANT PATRIOTS
IMMEDIATELY SEIZED CONTROL OF
THE CUSTOMS HOUSE AND CITY HALL.
IMMEDIATELY SEIZED CONTROL OF
THE CUSTOMS HOUSE AND CITY HALL.
ALEXANDER HAMILTON THREW HIMSELF
THE CUSTOMS HOUSE AND CITY HALL.
ALEXANDER HAMILTON THREW HIMSELF
INTO THE REVOLUTIONARY FERVOR,
ALEXANDER HAMILTON THREW HIMSELF
INTO THE REVOLUTIONARY FERVOR,
EVENTUALLY RISING TO BECOME ONE
INTO THE REVOLUTIONARY FERVOR,
EVENTUALLY RISING TO BECOME ONE
OF GEORGE WASHINGTON'S CLOSES
EVENTUALLY RISING TO BECOME ONE
OF GEORGE WASHINGTON'S CLOSES
AIDES.
OF GEORGE WASHINGTON'S CLOSES
AIDES.
BUT A CLOUD OF GLOOM SOON FELL
AIDES.
BUT A CLOUD OF GLOOM SOON FELL
OVER THE ISLAND CITY, AS EVEN
BUT A CLOUD OF GLOOM SOON FELL
OVER THE ISLAND CITY, AS EVEN
THE MOST ARDENT OF PATRIOTS
OVER THE ISLAND CITY, AS EVEN
THE MOST ARDENT OF PATRIOTS
COULD SEE THAT MANHATTAN WOULD
THE MOST ARDENT OF PATRIOTS
COULD SEE THAT MANHATTAN WOULD
BE ALL BUT DEFENSELESS BEFORE
COULD SEE THAT MANHATTAN WOULD
BE ALL BUT DEFENSELESS BEFORE
THE GUNS OF THE BRITISH NAVY.
BE ALL BUT DEFENSELESS BEFORE
THE GUNS OF THE BRITISH NAVY.
WITHIN DAYS, A MASSIVE
THE GUNS OF THE BRITISH NAVY.
WITHIN DAYS, A MASSIVE
EVACUATION OF NEW YORK HAD
WITHIN DAYS, A MASSIVE
EVACUATION OF NEW YORK HAD
BEGUN.
EVACUATION OF NEW YORK HAD
BEGUN.
IN THE NEXT NINE MONTHS, 80%
BEGUN.
IN THE NEXT NINE MONTHS, 80%
OF THE CITY'S POPULATION FLED
IN THE NEXT NINE MONTHS, 80%
OF THE CITY'S POPULATION FLED
MANHATTAN.
OF THE CITY'S POPULATION FLED
MANHATTAN.
Reader: "APRIL 29, 1775.
MANHATTAN.
Reader: "APRIL 29, 1775.
THE PAST WEEK HAS BEEN ONE
Reader: "APRIL 29, 1775.
THE PAST WEEK HAS BEEN ONE
OF COMMOTION AND CONFUSION.
THE PAST WEEK HAS BEEN ONE
OF COMMOTION AND CONFUSION.
FEAR AND PANIC SEIZED MANY
OF COMMOTION AND CONFUSION.
FEAR AND PANIC SEIZED MANY
OF THE PEOPLE, WHO PREPARED
FEAR AND PANIC SEIZED MANY
OF THE PEOPLE, WHO PREPARED
TO MOVE INTO THE COUNTRY.
OF THE PEOPLE, WHO PREPARED
TO MOVE INTO THE COUNTRY.
AUGUST 28.
TO MOVE INTO THE COUNTRY.
AUGUST 28.
MOVING OUT OF THE CITY
AUGUST 28.
MOVING OUT OF THE CITY
CONTINUES, AND SOME OF THE
MOVING OUT OF THE CITY
CONTINUES, AND SOME OF THE
STREETS LOOK PLAGUE-STRICKEN,
CONTINUES, AND SOME OF THE
STREETS LOOK PLAGUE-STRICKEN,
SO MANY HOUSES ARE CLOSED."
STREETS LOOK PLAGUE-STRICKEN,
SO MANY HOUSES ARE CLOSED."
Jackson: WHAT AMERICANS
SO MANY HOUSES ARE CLOSED."
Jackson: WHAT AMERICANS
REALLY DON'T REALIZE IS THE
Jackson: WHAT AMERICANS
REALLY DON'T REALIZE IS THE
PIVOTAL ROLE THAT NEW YORK HAD
REALLY DON'T REALIZE IS THE
PIVOTAL ROLE THAT NEW YORK HAD
IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
PIVOTAL ROLE THAT NEW YORK HAD
IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
CERTAINLY THE BRITISH REALIZED
IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
CERTAINLY THE BRITISH REALIZED
IT FROM THE VERY BEGINNING.
CERTAINLY THE BRITISH REALIZED
IT FROM THE VERY BEGINNING.
AND THEY LOOKED AT THE MAP
IT FROM THE VERY BEGINNING.
AND THEY LOOKED AT THE MAP
AND THEY SAW THAT NEW YORK IS
AND THEY LOOKED AT THE MAP
AND THEY SAW THAT NEW YORK IS
ALMOST EQUIDISTANT BETWEEN THE
AND THEY SAW THAT NEW YORK IS
ALMOST EQUIDISTANT BETWEEN THE
TWO MOST IMPORTANT COLONIES IN
ALMOST EQUIDISTANT BETWEEN THE
TWO MOST IMPORTANT COLONIES IN
THE NEW WORLD, MASSACHUSETTS
TWO MOST IMPORTANT COLONIES IN
THE NEW WORLD, MASSACHUSETTS
AND VIRGINIA.
THE NEW WORLD, MASSACHUSETTS
AND VIRGINIA.
AND INDEED THE BRITISH STRATEGY
AND VIRGINIA.
AND INDEED THE BRITISH STRATEGY
WAS TAKE NEW YORK CITY, HAVE
AND INDEED THE BRITISH STRATEGY
WAS TAKE NEW YORK CITY, HAVE
ANOTHER FORCE COME DOWN THE
WAS TAKE NEW YORK CITY, HAVE
ANOTHER FORCE COME DOWN THE
HUDSON RIVER, SPLIT THE COLONIES
ANOTHER FORCE COME DOWN THE
HUDSON RIVER, SPLIT THE COLONIES
FROM THE GET-GO, AND HOPEFULLY
HUDSON RIVER, SPLIT THE COLONIES
FROM THE GET-GO, AND HOPEFULLY
BRING THIS REBELLION TO A QUICK
FROM THE GET-GO, AND HOPEFULLY
BRING THIS REBELLION TO A QUICK
AND HAPPY CONCLUSION FROM THE
BRING THIS REBELLION TO A QUICK
AND HAPPY CONCLUSION FROM THE
POINT OF VIEW OF THE BRITISH
AND HAPPY CONCLUSION FROM THE
POINT OF VIEW OF THE BRITISH
PARLIAMENT.
POINT OF VIEW OF THE BRITISH
PARLIAMENT.
Narrator: IN THE SPRING OF
PARLIAMENT.
Narrator: IN THE SPRING OF
1776, GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON,
Narrator: IN THE SPRING OF
1776, GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON,
THE NEWLY APPOINTED COMMANDER IN
1776, GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON,
THE NEWLY APPOINTED COMMANDER IN
CHIEF OF THE CONTINENTAL ARMY,
THE NEWLY APPOINTED COMMANDER IN
CHIEF OF THE CONTINENTAL ARMY,
RUSHED HIS UNTRAINED TROOPS TO
CHIEF OF THE CONTINENTAL ARMY,
RUSHED HIS UNTRAINED TROOPS TO
MANHATTAN, CERTAIN THAT THE
RUSHED HIS UNTRAINED TROOPS TO
MANHATTAN, CERTAIN THAT THE
BRITISH WOULD STRIKE THERE
MANHATTAN, CERTAIN THAT THE
BRITISH WOULD STRIKE THERE
FIRST.
BRITISH WOULD STRIKE THERE
FIRST.
Reader: "SHOULD THEY GET NEW
FIRST.
Reader: "SHOULD THEY GET NEW
YORK AND COMMAND OF THE HUDSON,
Reader: "SHOULD THEY GET NEW
YORK AND COMMAND OF THE HUDSON,
THEY CAN STOP THE INTERCOURSE
YORK AND COMMAND OF THE HUDSON,
THEY CAN STOP THE INTERCOURSE
BETWEEN NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN
THEY CAN STOP THE INTERCOURSE
BETWEEN NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN
COLONIES, UPON WHICH DEPENDS
BETWEEN NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN
COLONIES, UPON WHICH DEPENDS
THE SAFETY OF AMERICA."
COLONIES, UPON WHICH DEPENDS
THE SAFETY OF AMERICA."
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
THE SAFETY OF AMERICA."
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Reader: "I FEEL FOR YOU, MY
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Reader: "I FEEL FOR YOU, MY
NEW YORK FRIENDS, FOR I EXPEC
Reader: "I FEEL FOR YOU, MY
NEW YORK FRIENDS, FOR I EXPEC
THAT YOUR CITY WILL BE LAID TO
NEW YORK FRIENDS, FOR I EXPEC
THAT YOUR CITY WILL BE LAID TO
ASHES."
THAT YOUR CITY WILL BE LAID TO
ASHES."
THE AMERICAN MERCURY.
ASHES."
THE AMERICAN MERCURY.
Reader: "I WAS UPSTAIRS, AND
THE AMERICAN MERCURY.
Reader: "I WAS UPSTAIRS, AND
SPIED, AS I PEEPED OUT THE BAY,
Reader: "I WAS UPSTAIRS, AND
SPIED, AS I PEEPED OUT THE BAY,
SOMETHING RESEMBLING A WOOD OF
SPIED, AS I PEEPED OUT THE BAY,
SOMETHING RESEMBLING A WOOD OF
PINE TREES TRIMMED.
SOMETHING RESEMBLING A WOOD OF
PINE TREES TRIMMED.
I COULD NOT BELIEVE MY EYES.
PINE TREES TRIMMED.
I COULD NOT BELIEVE MY EYES.
I THOUGHT ALL LONDON WAS
I COULD NOT BELIEVE MY EYES.
I THOUGHT ALL LONDON WAS
AFLOAT."
I THOUGHT ALL LONDON WAS
AFLOAT."
PRIVATE DANIEL McCURTIN.
AFLOAT."
PRIVATE DANIEL McCURTIN.
Narrator: ON THE MORNING OF
PRIVATE DANIEL McCURTIN.
Narrator: ON THE MORNING OF
JUNE 29, 1776, NEW YORKERS AWOKE
Narrator: ON THE MORNING OF
JUNE 29, 1776, NEW YORKERS AWOKE
TO AN UNFORGETTABLE SIGHT.
JUNE 29, 1776, NEW YORKERS AWOKE
TO AN UNFORGETTABLE SIGHT.
DURING THE NIGHT, MORE THAN 100
TO AN UNFORGETTABLE SIGHT.
DURING THE NIGHT, MORE THAN 100
BRITISH WARSHIPS HAD SAILED INTO
DURING THE NIGHT, MORE THAN 100
BRITISH WARSHIPS HAD SAILED INTO
NEW YORK HARBOR.
BRITISH WARSHIPS HAD SAILED INTO
NEW YORK HARBOR.
IN THE WEEKS TO COME, NEARLY 500
NEW YORK HARBOR.
IN THE WEEKS TO COME, NEARLY 500
IN THE WEEKS TO COME, NEARLY 500
THAN 32,000 BRITISH AND HESSIAN
THAN 32,000 BRITISH AND HESSIAN
SOLDERS AND 10,000 SAILORS,
THAN 32,000 BRITISH AND HESSIAN
SOLDERS AND 10,000 SAILORS,
WOULD DROP ANCHOR IN THE LOWER
SOLDERS AND 10,000 SAILORS,
WOULD DROP ANCHOR IN THE LOWER
BAY.
WOULD DROP ANCHOR IN THE LOWER
BAY.
IT WAS THE LARGEST LAND-SEA
BAY.
IT WAS THE LARGEST LAND-SEA
EXPEDITIONARY FORCE MOUNTED BY
IT WAS THE LARGEST LAND-SEA
EXPEDITIONARY FORCE MOUNTED BY
GREAT BRITAIN UNTIL THE NORMANDY
EXPEDITIONARY FORCE MOUNTED BY
GREAT BRITAIN UNTIL THE NORMANDY
INVASION DURING WORLD WAR II.
GREAT BRITAIN UNTIL THE NORMANDY
INVASION DURING WORLD WAR II.
IT TOOK SIX WEEKS FOR THE GIAN
INVASION DURING WORLD WAR II.
IT TOOK SIX WEEKS FOR THE GIAN
FORCE TO DISEMBARK AND TAKE UP
IT TOOK SIX WEEKS FOR THE GIAN
FORCE TO DISEMBARK AND TAKE UP
POSITIONS ON STATEN ISLAND.
FORCE TO DISEMBARK AND TAKE UP
POSITIONS ON STATEN ISLAND.
Berkin: YOU COULD IMAGINE A
POSITIONS ON STATEN ISLAND.
Berkin: YOU COULD IMAGINE A
FARMER ON STATEN ISLAND WAKING
Berkin: YOU COULD IMAGINE A
FARMER ON STATEN ISLAND WAKING
UP ONE MORNING AND SEEING A
FARMER ON STATEN ISLAND WAKING
UP ONE MORNING AND SEEING A
HARBOR FULL OF WARSHIPS, SAILING
UP ONE MORNING AND SEEING A
HARBOR FULL OF WARSHIPS, SAILING
IN TO REALIZE THAT, OOPS,
HARBOR FULL OF WARSHIPS, SAILING
IN TO REALIZE THAT, OOPS,
PERHAPS ENGLAND IS TOO MIGHTY
IN TO REALIZE THAT, OOPS,
PERHAPS ENGLAND IS TOO MIGHTY
TO HAVE RISEN UP IN REBELLION
PERHAPS ENGLAND IS TOO MIGHTY
TO HAVE RISEN UP IN REBELLION
AGAINST HER.
TO HAVE RISEN UP IN REBELLION
AGAINST HER.
Narrator: ACROSS THE HARBOR,
AGAINST HER.
Narrator: ACROSS THE HARBOR,
NEW YORK CITY BRACED FOR WAR.
Narrator: ACROSS THE HARBOR,
NEW YORK CITY BRACED FOR WAR.
ON JULY 9, 1776, THE DECLARATION
NEW YORK CITY BRACED FOR WAR.
ON JULY 9, 1776, THE DECLARATION
OF INDEPENDENCE WAS READ ALOUD
ON JULY 9, 1776, THE DECLARATION
OF INDEPENDENCE WAS READ ALOUD
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MANHATTAN,
OF INDEPENDENCE WAS READ ALOUD
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MANHATTAN,
ON THE CITY COMMONS.
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MANHATTAN,
ON THE CITY COMMONS.
AFTERWARDS, A CHEERING THRONG OF
ON THE CITY COMMONS.
AFTERWARDS, A CHEERING THRONG OF
SOLDIERS AND CIVILIANS MARCHED
AFTERWARDS, A CHEERING THRONG OF
SOLDIERS AND CIVILIANS MARCHED
DOWN TO THE BOWLING GREEN AND
SOLDIERS AND CIVILIANS MARCHED
DOWN TO THE BOWLING GREEN AND
PULLED THE STATUE OF KING GEORGE
DOWN TO THE BOWLING GREEN AND
PULLED THE STATUE OF KING GEORGE
FROM ITS PEDESTAL.
PULLED THE STATUE OF KING GEORGE
FROM ITS PEDESTAL.
THE TWO TONS OF BRITISH LEAD
FROM ITS PEDESTAL.
THE TWO TONS OF BRITISH LEAD
WERE MELTED DOWN AND TURNED
THE TWO TONS OF BRITISH LEAD
WERE MELTED DOWN AND TURNED
INTO 42,088 AMERICAN BULLETS.
WERE MELTED DOWN AND TURNED
INTO 42,088 AMERICAN BULLETS.
Jackson: GEORGE WASHINGTON,
INTO 42,088 AMERICAN BULLETS.
Jackson: GEORGE WASHINGTON,
WHO WAS STILL LEARNING ABOU
Jackson: GEORGE WASHINGTON,
WHO WAS STILL LEARNING ABOU
BEING A GENERAL IN THE SUMMER
WHO WAS STILL LEARNING ABOU
BEING A GENERAL IN THE SUMMER
OF 1776, HAD A REAL CHALLENGE
BEING A GENERAL IN THE SUMMER
OF 1776, HAD A REAL CHALLENGE
IN FRONT OF HIM.
OF 1776, HAD A REAL CHALLENGE
IN FRONT OF HIM.
HE KNEW THE IMPORTANCE OF
IN FRONT OF HIM.
HE KNEW THE IMPORTANCE OF
NEW YORK CITY STRATEGICALLY.
HE KNEW THE IMPORTANCE OF
NEW YORK CITY STRATEGICALLY.
HE KNEW THE BRITISH WANTED TO
NEW YORK CITY STRATEGICALLY.
HE KNEW THE BRITISH WANTED TO
TAKE IT.
HE KNEW THE BRITISH WANTED TO
TAKE IT.
HIS PROBLEM THOUGH IS, IN ORDER
TAKE IT.
HIS PROBLEM THOUGH IS, IN ORDER
TO DEFEND MANHATTAN, THE KIND OF
HIS PROBLEM THOUGH IS, IN ORDER
TO DEFEND MANHATTAN, THE KIND OF
BLUFFS OF BROOKLYN OVERLOOK IT.
TO DEFEND MANHATTAN, THE KIND OF
BLUFFS OF BROOKLYN OVERLOOK IT.
IF THE BRITISH TOOK THE BLUFFS,
BLUFFS OF BROOKLYN OVERLOOK IT.
IF THE BRITISH TOOK THE BLUFFS,
THEN THEIR GUNS AND EVERYTHING
IF THE BRITISH TOOK THE BLUFFS,
THEN THEIR GUNS AND EVERYTHING
WOULD BE LOOKING DOWN ON HIS
THEN THEIR GUNS AND EVERYTHING
WOULD BE LOOKING DOWN ON HIS
CITY.
WOULD BE LOOKING DOWN ON HIS
CITY.
SO HE NEEDED TO DEFEND BROOKLYN.
CITY.
SO HE NEEDED TO DEFEND BROOKLYN.
THE DANGER OF DEFENDING BROOKLYN
SO HE NEEDED TO DEFEND BROOKLYN.
THE DANGER OF DEFENDING BROOKLYN
IS THAT BROOKLYN IS SEPARATED
THE DANGER OF DEFENDING BROOKLYN
IS THAT BROOKLYN IS SEPARATED
REALLY FROM THE MAINLAND OF THE
IS THAT BROOKLYN IS SEPARATED
REALLY FROM THE MAINLAND OF THE
UNITED STATES, AND YOU'RE TAKING
REALLY FROM THE MAINLAND OF THE
UNITED STATES, AND YOU'RE TAKING
ON THE FOREMOST MARITIME POWER
UNITED STATES, AND YOU'RE TAKING
ON THE FOREMOST MARITIME POWER
ON EARTH.
ON THE FOREMOST MARITIME POWER
ON EARTH.
SO GEORGE WASHINGTON TOOK A
ON EARTH.
SO GEORGE WASHINGTON TOOK A
GAMBLE, MOVED HIS MAIN FORCES
SO GEORGE WASHINGTON TOOK A
GAMBLE, MOVED HIS MAIN FORCES
TO THE BROOKLYN SIDE OF THE
GAMBLE, MOVED HIS MAIN FORCES
TO THE BROOKLYN SIDE OF THE
EAST RIVER AND THE UPPER BAY,
TO THE BROOKLYN SIDE OF THE
EAST RIVER AND THE UPPER BAY,
AND THERE CONFRONTED THE BRITISH
EAST RIVER AND THE UPPER BAY,
AND THERE CONFRONTED THE BRITISH
ARMY.
AND THERE CONFRONTED THE BRITISH
ARMY.
Narrator: ON AUGUST 26, 1776,
ARMY.
Narrator: ON AUGUST 26, 1776,
THE BATTLE FOR NEW YORK BEGAN,
Narrator: ON AUGUST 26, 1776,
THE BATTLE FOR NEW YORK BEGAN,
WHEN 20,000 BRITISH SOLDIERS
THE BATTLE FOR NEW YORK BEGAN,
WHEN 20,000 BRITISH SOLDIERS
WERE FERRIED FROM STATEN ISLAND
WHEN 20,000 BRITISH SOLDIERS
WERE FERRIED FROM STATEN ISLAND
AND BEGAN MOVING TOWARDS
WERE FERRIED FROM STATEN ISLAND
AND BEGAN MOVING TOWARDS
WASHINGTON'S MUCH SMALLER FORCE,
AND BEGAN MOVING TOWARDS
WASHINGTON'S MUCH SMALLER FORCE,
DUG IN SOUTH OF BROOKLYN
WASHINGTON'S MUCH SMALLER FORCE,
DUG IN SOUTH OF BROOKLYN
HEIGHTS.
DUG IN SOUTH OF BROOKLYN
HEIGHTS.
FOR THE AMERICANS, IT WAS
HEIGHTS.
FOR THE AMERICANS, IT WAS
A DISASTER FROM THE START.
FOR THE AMERICANS, IT WAS
A DISASTER FROM THE START.
IN JUST TWO DAYS, WASHINGTON
A DISASTER FROM THE START.
IN JUST TWO DAYS, WASHINGTON
LOST ALMOST 2,000 MEN
IN JUST TWO DAYS, WASHINGTON
LOST ALMOST 2,000 MEN
A QUARTER OF HIS ARMY.
LOST ALMOST 2,000 MEN
A QUARTER OF HIS ARMY.
ON THE RAIN-SOAKED NIGHT OF
A QUARTER OF HIS ARMY.
ON THE RAIN-SOAKED NIGHT OF
AUGUST 29, 1776, WITH HIS
ON THE RAIN-SOAKED NIGHT OF
AUGUST 29, 1776, WITH HIS
SHATTERED FORCES PINNED AGAINS
AUGUST 29, 1776, WITH HIS
SHATTERED FORCES PINNED AGAINS
THE EAST RIVER, THE AMERICAN
SHATTERED FORCES PINNED AGAINS
THE EAST RIVER, THE AMERICAN
COMMANDER GAMBLED EVERYTHING
THE EAST RIVER, THE AMERICAN
COMMANDER GAMBLED EVERYTHING
ON AN EXTRAORDINARY MILITARY
COMMANDER GAMBLED EVERYTHING
ON AN EXTRAORDINARY MILITARY
MANEUVER.
ON AN EXTRAORDINARY MILITARY
MANEUVER.
COMMANDEERING EVERY SKIFF AND
MANEUVER.
COMMANDEERING EVERY SKIFF AND
FISHING BOAT HE COULD LAY HIS
COMMANDEERING EVERY SKIFF AND
FISHING BOAT HE COULD LAY HIS
HANDS ON, WASHINGTON TRIED TO
FISHING BOAT HE COULD LAY HIS
HANDS ON, WASHINGTON TRIED TO
FERRY HIS EXHAUSTED MEN ACROSS
HANDS ON, WASHINGTON TRIED TO
FERRY HIS EXHAUSTED MEN ACROSS
THE EAST RIVER TO MANHATTAN IN
FERRY HIS EXHAUSTED MEN ACROSS
THE EAST RIVER TO MANHATTAN IN
TOTAL DARKNESS, WITHOUT A SOUND,
THE EAST RIVER TO MANHATTAN IN
TOTAL DARKNESS, WITHOUT A SOUND,
IN LESS THAN SEVEN HOURS.
TOTAL DARKNESS, WITHOUT A SOUND,
IN LESS THAN SEVEN HOURS.
David McCullough: IT WAS DARK
IN LESS THAN SEVEN HOURS.
David McCullough: IT WAS DARK
AND IT WAS FOGGY WHEN THEY
David McCullough: IT WAS DARK
AND IT WAS FOGGY WHEN THEY
EVACUATED 10-, 12,000 OF OUR
AND IT WAS FOGGY WHEN THEY
EVACUATED 10-, 12,000 OF OUR
TROOPS, WASHINGTON'S ARMY,
EVACUATED 10-, 12,000 OF OUR
TROOPS, WASHINGTON'S ARMY,
ACROSS THE EAST RIVER.
TROOPS, WASHINGTON'S ARMY,
ACROSS THE EAST RIVER.
WASHINGTON'S ARMY WAS SAVED THA
ACROSS THE EAST RIVER.
WASHINGTON'S ARMY WAS SAVED THA
NIGHT.
WASHINGTON'S ARMY WAS SAVED THA
NIGHT.
IMAGINE 10-, 12,000 SOLDIERS
NIGHT.
IMAGINE 10-, 12,000 SOLDIERS
MAKING THEIR WAY DOWN TO THE
IMAGINE 10-, 12,000 SOLDIERS
MAKING THEIR WAY DOWN TO THE
RIVER'S EDGE IN THE DARK TO BE
MAKING THEIR WAY DOWN TO THE
RIVER'S EDGE IN THE DARK TO BE
ROWED ACROSS IN THE FOG ON THOSE
RIVER'S EDGE IN THE DARK TO BE
ROWED ACROSS IN THE FOG ON THOSE
BIG FLAT-BOTTOMED BOATS, KNOWING
ROWED ACROSS IN THE FOG ON THOSE
BIG FLAT-BOTTOMED BOATS, KNOWING
THAT THEY COULD BE CAUGHT A
BIG FLAT-BOTTOMED BOATS, KNOWING
THAT THEY COULD BE CAUGHT A
ANY MOMENT, KNOWING THEY WERE
THAT THEY COULD BE CAUGHT A
ANY MOMENT, KNOWING THEY WERE
IN RETREAT, KNOWING THAT THE
ANY MOMENT, KNOWING THEY WERE
IN RETREAT, KNOWING THAT THE
BRITISH ARMY WAS SO CLOSE ON
IN RETREAT, KNOWING THAT THE
BRITISH ARMY WAS SO CLOSE ON
THEIR HEELS, AND DOING IT ALL
BRITISH ARMY WAS SO CLOSE ON
THEIR HEELS, AND DOING IT ALL
WITH PERFECT DISCIPLINE.
AND SURVIVING TO FIGHT ANOTHER
DAY.
DAY.
AND IT CHANGED THE COURSE OF
AND IT CHANGED THE COURSE OF
HISTORY, THAT NIGHT, RIGHT THERE
HISTORY, THAT NIGHT, RIGHT THERE
ON THE EAST RIVER.
Narrator: CERTAIN HE COULD
Narrator: CERTAIN HE COULD
NO LONGER DEFEND THE CITY,
WASHINGTON RETREATED UP THE
NO LONGER DEFEND THE CITY,
WASHINGTON RETREATED UP THE
LENGTH OF MANHATTAN, FIGHTING
WASHINGTON RETREATED UP THE
LENGTH OF MANHATTAN, FIGHTING
BLOODY REARGUARD ACTIONS ALONG
LENGTH OF MANHATTAN, FIGHTING
BLOODY REARGUARD ACTIONS ALONG
A COUNTRY LANE THAT WOULD
BLOODY REARGUARD ACTIONS ALONG
A COUNTRY LANE THAT WOULD
ONE DAY BE UPPER BROADWAY.
A COUNTRY LANE THAT WOULD
ONE DAY BE UPPER BROADWAY.
FROM HIS FIELD HEADQUARTERS
ONE DAY BE UPPER BROADWAY.
FROM HIS FIELD HEADQUARTERS
IN UPPER MANHATTAN, HE COULD
FROM HIS FIELD HEADQUARTERS
IN UPPER MANHATTAN, HE COULD
JUST SEE THE BRITISH FLAG FLYING
IN UPPER MANHATTAN, HE COULD
JUST SEE THE BRITISH FLAG FLYING
OVER CITY HE COULD NOT SAVE.
JUST SEE THE BRITISH FLAG FLYING
OVER CITY HE COULD NOT SAVE.
IN NOVEMBER, WITH THE BRITISH
OVER CITY HE COULD NOT SAVE.
IN NOVEMBER, WITH THE BRITISH
ARMY IN HOT PURSUIT, WASHINGTON
IN NOVEMBER, WITH THE BRITISH
ARMY IN HOT PURSUIT, WASHINGTON
ABANDONED MANHATTAN COMPLETELY.
ARMY IN HOT PURSUIT, WASHINGTON
ABANDONED MANHATTAN COMPLETELY.
Jackson: ESSENTIALLY, THE
ABANDONED MANHATTAN COMPLETELY.
Jackson: ESSENTIALLY, THE
GOAL WAS PROTECT THE ARMY, DON'
Jackson: ESSENTIALLY, THE
GOAL WAS PROTECT THE ARMY, DON'
PROTECT THE PLACE VERY NEARLY
GOAL WAS PROTECT THE ARMY, DON'
PROTECT THE PLACE VERY NEARLY
AS THE VIETNAMESE FOUGHT THE
PROTECT THE PLACE VERY NEARLY
AS THE VIETNAMESE FOUGHT THE
UNITED STATES IN THE VIETNAM
AS THE VIETNAMESE FOUGHT THE
UNITED STATES IN THE VIETNAM
WAR.
UNITED STATES IN THE VIETNAM
WAR.
YOU'RE A LITTLE COUNTRY FIGHTING
WAR.
YOU'RE A LITTLE COUNTRY FIGHTING
THE LEADING MILITARY COUNTRY IN
YOU'RE A LITTLE COUNTRY FIGHTING
THE LEADING MILITARY COUNTRY IN
THE WORLD, THE MOST IMPORTAN
THE LEADING MILITARY COUNTRY IN
THE WORLD, THE MOST IMPORTAN
THING TO DO IS KEEP THE WAR
THE WORLD, THE MOST IMPORTAN
THING TO DO IS KEEP THE WAR
GOING ON AND SOONER OR LATER
THING TO DO IS KEEP THE WAR
GOING ON AND SOONER OR LATER
THIS GREAT POWER WILL TIRE OF
GOING ON AND SOONER OR LATER
THIS GREAT POWER WILL TIRE OF
THE EFFORT AND LEAVE.
THIS GREAT POWER WILL TIRE OF
THE EFFORT AND LEAVE.
AND THAT'S IN FACT WHAT THE
THE EFFORT AND LEAVE.
AND THAT'S IN FACT WHAT THE
BRITISH DID, AND I THINK THA
AND THAT'S IN FACT WHAT THE
BRITISH DID, AND I THINK THA
LESSON WAS LEARNED IN NEW YORK
BRITISH DID, AND I THINK THA
LESSON WAS LEARNED IN NEW YORK
IN 1776.
LESSON WAS LEARNED IN NEW YORK
IN 1776.
Narrator: FOR SEVEN LONG
IN 1776.
Narrator: FOR SEVEN LONG
YEARS, THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
Narrator: FOR SEVEN LONG
YEARS, THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
RAGED.
YEARS, THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
RAGED.
NEW YORK WAS NO LONGER A CITY,
RAGED.
NEW YORK WAS NO LONGER A CITY,
BUT A BRITISH GARRISON THE
NEW YORK WAS NO LONGER A CITY,
BUT A BRITISH GARRISON THE
LARGEST MILITARY BASE ON EARTH,
BUT A BRITISH GARRISON THE
LARGEST MILITARY BASE ON EARTH,
HOME TO A HANDFUL OF PATRIOTS
LARGEST MILITARY BASE ON EARTH,
HOME TO A HANDFUL OF PATRIOTS
AND MORE THAN 10,000 BRITISH
HOME TO A HANDFUL OF PATRIOTS
AND MORE THAN 10,000 BRITISH
TROOPS AND OFFICERS.
AND MORE THAN 10,000 BRITISH
TROOPS AND OFFICERS.
SPURRED ON BY BRITISH OFFERS
TROOPS AND OFFICERS.
SPURRED ON BY BRITISH OFFERS
OF EMANCIPATION, THOUSANDS OF
SPURRED ON BY BRITISH OFFERS
OF EMANCIPATION, THOUSANDS OF
SLAVES FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
OF EMANCIPATION, THOUSANDS OF
SLAVES FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
POURED INTO NEW YORK.
SLAVES FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
POURED INTO NEW YORK.
TO FREE THEMSELVES IN THE WAR
POURED INTO NEW YORK.
TO FREE THEMSELVES IN THE WAR
FOR AMERICAN FREEDOM, BLACKS
TO FREE THEMSELVES IN THE WAR
FOR AMERICAN FREEDOM, BLACKS
HAD TO JOIN THE OTHER SIDE.
FOR AMERICAN FREEDOM, BLACKS
HAD TO JOIN THE OTHER SIDE.
THOUGH THE STREETS OF MANHATTAN
HAD TO JOIN THE OTHER SIDE.
THOUGH THE STREETS OF MANHATTAN
NEVER SAW FIGHTING AGAIN, THE
THOUGH THE STREETS OF MANHATTAN
NEVER SAW FIGHTING AGAIN, THE
DESTRUCTION NEW YORKERS HAD
NEVER SAW FIGHTING AGAIN, THE
DESTRUCTION NEW YORKERS HAD
FOR SO LONG FEARED CAME ANYWAY.
DESTRUCTION NEW YORKERS HAD
FOR SO LONG FEARED CAME ANYWAY.
ON SEPTEMBER 21, 1776, FOUR DAYS
FOR SO LONG FEARED CAME ANYWAY.
ON SEPTEMBER 21, 1776, FOUR DAYS
AFTER THE BRITISH OCCUPATION
ON SEPTEMBER 21, 1776, FOUR DAYS
AFTER THE BRITISH OCCUPATION
BEGAN, A FIRE BROKE OUT NEAR
AFTER THE BRITISH OCCUPATION
BEGAN, A FIRE BROKE OUT NEAR
WHITEHALL STREET.
BEGAN, A FIRE BROKE OUT NEAR
WHITEHALL STREET.
WITH THE FIRE BRIGADE GONE OFF
WHITEHALL STREET.
WITH THE FIRE BRIGADE GONE OFF
TO WAR, THE BLAZE MOVED NORTH
WITH THE FIRE BRIGADE GONE OFF
TO WAR, THE BLAZE MOVED NORTH
UNCHECKED, ENGULFING BUILDING
TO WAR, THE BLAZE MOVED NORTH
UNCHECKED, ENGULFING BUILDING
AFTER BUILDING, INCLUDING THE
UNCHECKED, ENGULFING BUILDING
AFTER BUILDING, INCLUDING THE
PROUD SPIRE OF TRINITY CHURCH,
AFTER BUILDING, INCLUDING THE
PROUD SPIRE OF TRINITY CHURCH,
THE TALLEST STRUCTURE IN TOWN.
PROUD SPIRE OF TRINITY CHURCH,
THE TALLEST STRUCTURE IN TOWN.
THE 140-FOOT-HIGH WOODEN
THE TALLEST STRUCTURE IN TOWN.
THE 140-FOOT-HIGH WOODEN
STEEPLE, ONE MAN SAID, SOON
THE 140-FOOT-HIGH WOODEN
STEEPLE, ONE MAN SAID, SOON
"RESEMBLED A VAST PYRAMID OF
STEEPLE, ONE MAN SAID, SOON
"RESEMBLED A VAST PYRAMID OF
FIRE."
"RESEMBLED A VAST PYRAMID OF
FIRE."
BEFORE IT WAS OVER, 500
FIRE."
BEFORE IT WAS OVER, 500
BUILDINGS HAD BEEN DESTROYED,
BEFORE IT WAS OVER, 500
BUILDINGS HAD BEEN DESTROYED,
AND THE ENTIRE WESTERN HALF OF
BUILDINGS HAD BEEN DESTROYED,
AND THE ENTIRE WESTERN HALF OF
NEW YORK CITY LAY IN RUIN.
AND THE ENTIRE WESTERN HALF OF
NEW YORK CITY LAY IN RUIN.
Berkin: THE BRITISH TOOK
NEW YORK CITY LAY IN RUIN.
Berkin: THE BRITISH TOOK
OVER, LOYALISTS FROM EVERYWHERE
Berkin: THE BRITISH TOOK
OVER, LOYALISTS FROM EVERYWHERE
FLOODED INTO NEW YORK CITY.
OVER, LOYALISTS FROM EVERYWHERE
FLOODED INTO NEW YORK CITY.
NEW YORK WAS, IN ESSENCE, A
FLOODED INTO NEW YORK CITY.
NEW YORK WAS, IN ESSENCE, A
BRITISH STRONGHOLD THROUGHOU
NEW YORK WAS, IN ESSENCE, A
BRITISH STRONGHOLD THROUGHOU
THE ENTIRE WAR.
BRITISH STRONGHOLD THROUGHOU
THE ENTIRE WAR.
IT PLAYED IN THAT SENSE NO ROLE
THE ENTIRE WAR.
IT PLAYED IN THAT SENSE NO ROLE
IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
IT PLAYED IN THAT SENSE NO ROLE
IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
THE CITY COULDN'T CLAIM TO HAVE
IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
THE CITY COULDN'T CLAIM TO HAVE
BEEN CRITICAL EXCEPT, IN SO FAR
THE CITY COULDN'T CLAIM TO HAVE
BEEN CRITICAL EXCEPT, IN SO FAR
AS, AS LONG AS THE BRITISH HELD
BEEN CRITICAL EXCEPT, IN SO FAR
AS, AS LONG AS THE BRITISH HELD
IT, THIS WAS A MAJOR HEADACHE
AS, AS LONG AS THE BRITISH HELD
IT, THIS WAS A MAJOR HEADACHE
FOR WASHINGTON.
IT, THIS WAS A MAJOR HEADACHE
FOR WASHINGTON.
AND AT THE VERY LAST MINUTE YOU
FOR WASHINGTON.
AND AT THE VERY LAST MINUTE YOU
KNOW HOW IMPORTANT NEW YORK CITY
AND AT THE VERY LAST MINUTE YOU
KNOW HOW IMPORTANT NEW YORK CITY
WAS BECAUSE WHEN THE FRENCH
KNOW HOW IMPORTANT NEW YORK CITY
WAS BECAUSE WHEN THE FRENCH
FINALLY AGREED TO USE THEIR
WAS BECAUSE WHEN THE FRENCH
FINALLY AGREED TO USE THEIR
FLEET TO HELP WASHINGTON OUT,
FINALLY AGREED TO USE THEIR
FLEET TO HELP WASHINGTON OUT,
WASHINGTON RUBBED HIS HANDS
FLEET TO HELP WASHINGTON OUT,
WASHINGTON RUBBED HIS HANDS
TOGETHER AND SAID, "LET'S GE
WASHINGTON RUBBED HIS HANDS
TOGETHER AND SAID, "LET'S GE
NEW YORK."
TOGETHER AND SAID, "LET'S GE
NEW YORK."
Narrator: LITTLE BY LITTLE,
NEW YORK."
Narrator: LITTLE BY LITTLE,
THE TIDE OF BATTLE TURNED.
Narrator: LITTLE BY LITTLE,
THE TIDE OF BATTLE TURNED.
IN 1778, THE FRENCH ENTERED
THE TIDE OF BATTLE TURNED.
IN 1778, THE FRENCH ENTERED
THE WAR ON THE AMERICAN SIDE,
IN 1778, THE FRENCH ENTERED
THE WAR ON THE AMERICAN SIDE,
AND DUTCH BUSINESSMEN LOANED
THE WAR ON THE AMERICAN SIDE,
AND DUTCH BUSINESSMEN LOANED
FIVE MILLION GUILDERS TO HELP
AND DUTCH BUSINESSMEN LOANED
FIVE MILLION GUILDERS TO HELP
THE PATRIOT CAUSE.
FIVE MILLION GUILDERS TO HELP
THE PATRIOT CAUSE.
THE PATRIOT CAUSE.
COMPLETELY.
COMPLETELY.
ON NOVEMBER 25, 1783, GEORGE
COMPLETELY.
ON NOVEMBER 25, 1783, GEORGE
WASHINGTON LED HIS ARMY
ON NOVEMBER 25, 1783, GEORGE
WASHINGTON LED HIS ARMY
TRIUMPHANTLY BACK INTO NEW YORK
WASHINGTON LED HIS ARMY
TRIUMPHANTLY BACK INTO NEW YORK
CITY.
TRIUMPHANTLY BACK INTO NEW YORK
CITY.
THE BRITISH SURRENDERED TO THE
CITY.
THE BRITISH SURRENDERED TO THE
AMERICANS INSIDE THE OLD FORT A
THE BRITISH SURRENDERED TO THE
AMERICANS INSIDE THE OLD FORT A
THE FOOT OF MANHATTAN, WHERE
AMERICANS INSIDE THE OLD FORT A
THE FOOT OF MANHATTAN, WHERE
PETER STUYVESANT HAD SURRENDERED
THE FOOT OF MANHATTAN, WHERE
PETER STUYVESANT HAD SURRENDERED
THE DUTCH COLONY TO THE BRITISH
PETER STUYVESANT HAD SURRENDERED
THE DUTCH COLONY TO THE BRITISH
119 YEARS BEFORE.
THE DUTCH COLONY TO THE BRITISH
119 YEARS BEFORE.
THE UNION JACK WAS LOWERED.
119 YEARS BEFORE.
THE UNION JACK WAS LOWERED.
THE STARS AND STRIPES WERE
THE UNION JACK WAS LOWERED.
THE STARS AND STRIPES WERE
RAISED.
THE STARS AND STRIPES WERE
RAISED.
CROWDS CHEERED AND CANNON
RAISED.
CROWDS CHEERED AND CANNON
BOOMED.
CROWDS CHEERED AND CANNON
BOOMED.
NEW YORK WAS AN AMERICAN CITY
BOOMED.
NEW YORK WAS AN AMERICAN CITY
AT LAST, THOUGH NO ONE YET KNEW
NEW YORK WAS AN AMERICAN CITY
AT LAST, THOUGH NO ONE YET KNEW
PRECISELY WHAT THAT WOULD MEAN.
AT LAST, THOUGH NO ONE YET KNEW
PRECISELY WHAT THAT WOULD MEAN.
Narrator: WHEN NEW YORK'S
PRECISELY WHAT THAT WOULD MEAN.
Narrator: WHEN NEW YORK'S
EXILED CITIZENS RETURNED AFTER
Narrator: WHEN NEW YORK'S
EXILED CITIZENS RETURNED AFTER
SEVEN YEARS OF WAR, THEY WERE
EXILED CITIZENS RETURNED AFTER
SEVEN YEARS OF WAR, THEY WERE
SHOCKED BY WHAT THEY FOUND.
SEVEN YEARS OF WAR, THEY WERE
SHOCKED BY WHAT THEY FOUND.
THE CITY LAY IN RUINS.
SHOCKED BY WHAT THEY FOUND.
THE CITY LAY IN RUINS.
THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES LOYAL TO
THE CITY LAY IN RUINS.
THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES LOYAL TO
THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES LOYAL TO
FOREVER, AND THE HULKS OF
FOREVER, AND THE HULKS OF
ABANDONED, HALF-RUINED MANSIONS
FOREVER, AND THE HULKS OF
ABANDONED, HALF-RUINED MANSIONS
WERE VISIBLE EVERYWHERE.
ABANDONED, HALF-RUINED MANSIONS
WERE VISIBLE EVERYWHERE.
NO OTHER AMERICAN CITY HAD
WERE VISIBLE EVERYWHERE.
NO OTHER AMERICAN CITY HAD
EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE IT.
Jackson: THE AMERICAN
REVOLUTION HAD A PROFOUND
REVOLUTION HAD A PROFOUND
INFLUENCE ON THE CITY OF NEW
INFLUENCE ON THE CITY OF NEW
YORK.
YORK.
FIRST OF ALL, THE CITY BURNED.
FIRST OF ALL, THE CITY BURNED.
ONE REASON WE DON'T THINK OF
ONE REASON WE DON'T THINK OF
NEW YORK AS SO HISTORIC IS
NEW YORK AS SO HISTORIC IS
BECAUSE SO LITTLE SURVIVES
BECAUSE SO LITTLE SURVIVES
FROM THE 17th OR 18th CENTURY.
AND IN A WAY, THAT'S THE KICKOFF
AND IN A WAY, THAT'S THE KICKOFF
POINT FOR THE RISE OF NEW YORK
CITY TO BE, IN A WAY, THE GREA
POINT FOR THE RISE OF NEW YORK
CITY TO BE, IN A WAY, THE GREA
METROPOLIS OF THE WORLD.
CITY TO BE, IN A WAY, THE GREA
METROPOLIS OF THE WORLD.
IT WAS THERE IN THE END OF THE
METROPOLIS OF THE WORLD.
IT WAS THERE IN THE END OF THE
AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
IT WAS THERE IN THE END OF THE
AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
IT WAS SMALL, IT WAS
AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
IT WAS SMALL, IT WAS
DEPOPULATED, MUCH OF ITS
IT WAS SMALL, IT WAS
DEPOPULATED, MUCH OF ITS
LEADERSHIP HAD LEFT, VERY LITTLE
DEPOPULATED, MUCH OF ITS
LEADERSHIP HAD LEFT, VERY LITTLE
WAS GOING ON.
LEADERSHIP HAD LEFT, VERY LITTLE
WAS GOING ON.
AND SOMEHOW, IN THE NEXT HALF
WAS GOING ON.
AND SOMEHOW, IN THE NEXT HALF
CENTURY OR LESS THIS SMALL
AND SOMEHOW, IN THE NEXT HALF
CENTURY OR LESS THIS SMALL
TRADING POST BECOMES THE MOS
CENTURY OR LESS THIS SMALL
TRADING POST BECOMES THE MOS
IMPORTANT CITY IN THE WESTERN
TRADING POST BECOMES THE MOS
IMPORTANT CITY IN THE WESTERN
HEMISPHERE.
IMPORTANT CITY IN THE WESTERN
HEMISPHERE.
Narrator: TO AN ASTONISHING
HEMISPHERE.
Narrator: TO AN ASTONISHING
DEGREE, THE KEY TO NEW YORK
Narrator: TO AN ASTONISHING
DEGREE, THE KEY TO NEW YORK
CITY'S RISE AND WITH IT THE
DEGREE, THE KEY TO NEW YORK
CITY'S RISE AND WITH IT THE
RISE OF AMERICA ITSELF TO URBAN
CITY'S RISE AND WITH IT THE
RISE OF AMERICA ITSELF TO URBAN
GREATNESS WOULD LIE IN THE
RISE OF AMERICA ITSELF TO URBAN
GREATNESS WOULD LIE IN THE
HANDS OF ONE MAN: THE BRILLIANT,
GREATNESS WOULD LIE IN THE
HANDS OF ONE MAN: THE BRILLIANT,
COMBATIVE IMMIGRANT FROM THE
HANDS OF ONE MAN: THE BRILLIANT,
COMBATIVE IMMIGRANT FROM THE
WEST INDIES, ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
Berkin: NO ONE IN HIS OWN ERA
DISPUTED HIS GENIUS.
DISPUTED HIS GENIUS.
THERE WERE PEOPLE WHO DIDN'
THERE WERE PEOPLE WHO DIDN'
LIKE HIM.
LIKE HIM.
THERE WERE PEOPLE WHO WISHED HIM
THERE WERE PEOPLE WHO WISHED HIM
DEAD, AND ONE WHO KILLED HIM.
BUT NO ONE DISPUTED HIS GENIUS.
BUT NO ONE DISPUTED HIS GENIUS.
AND THE BRIGHTEST OF THEM
UNDERSTOOD EXACTLY THAT THIS WAS
AND THE BRIGHTEST OF THEM
UNDERSTOOD EXACTLY THAT THIS WAS
A MAN TO BE FEARED, NOT BECAUSE
UNDERSTOOD EXACTLY THAT THIS WAS
A MAN TO BE FEARED, NOT BECAUSE
OF HIS PERSONAL POWER, BU
A MAN TO BE FEARED, NOT BECAUSE
OF HIS PERSONAL POWER, BU
BECAUSE OF THE VISION THAT HE
OF HIS PERSONAL POWER, BU
BECAUSE OF THE VISION THAT HE
HAD FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE
BECAUSE OF THE VISION THAT HE
HAD FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE
COUNTRY.
HAD FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE
COUNTRY.
Narrator: WITHIN DAYS OF THE
COUNTRY.
Narrator: WITHIN DAYS OF THE
BRITISH SURRENDER, HAMILTON HAD
Narrator: WITHIN DAYS OF THE
BRITISH SURRENDER, HAMILTON HAD
JOINED THE FLOOD OF NEW YORKERS
BRITISH SURRENDER, HAMILTON HAD
JOINED THE FLOOD OF NEW YORKERS
RETURNING TO THE CITY, BRINGING
JOINED THE FLOOD OF NEW YORKERS
RETURNING TO THE CITY, BRINGING
WITH HIM HIS WIFE AND INFAN
RETURNING TO THE CITY, BRINGING
WITH HIM HIS WIFE AND INFAN
SON.
WITH HIM HIS WIFE AND INFAN
SON.
THEY SETTLED IN A HOUSE A
SON.
THEY SETTLED IN A HOUSE A
57 WALL STREET, JUST DOWN THE
THEY SETTLED IN A HOUSE A
57 WALL STREET, JUST DOWN THE
STREET FROM HIS ARCHENEMY AND
57 WALL STREET, JUST DOWN THE
STREET FROM HIS ARCHENEMY AND
POLITICAL RIVAL, AARON BURR.
STREET FROM HIS ARCHENEMY AND
POLITICAL RIVAL, AARON BURR.
WITHIN A MATTER OF MONTHS, HE
POLITICAL RIVAL, AARON BURR.
WITHIN A MATTER OF MONTHS, HE
HAD OPENED HIS OWN LAW FIRM,
WITHIN A MATTER OF MONTHS, HE
HAD OPENED HIS OWN LAW FIRM,
HELPED SET UP A SOCIETY FOR THE
HAD OPENED HIS OWN LAW FIRM,
HELPED SET UP A SOCIETY FOR THE
EMANCIPATION OF SLAVES, THEN
HELPED SET UP A SOCIETY FOR THE
EMANCIPATION OF SLAVES, THEN
ORGANIZED THE CITY'S FIRST BANK,
EMANCIPATION OF SLAVES, THEN
ORGANIZED THE CITY'S FIRST BANK,
THE BANK OF NEW YORK, WHICH
ORGANIZED THE CITY'S FIRST BANK,
THE BANK OF NEW YORK, WHICH
OPENED FOR BUSINESS A FEW BLOCKS
THE BANK OF NEW YORK, WHICH
OPENED FOR BUSINESS A FEW BLOCKS
AWAY.
OPENED FOR BUSINESS A FEW BLOCKS
AWAY.
IN 1785, NEW NEIGHBORS ARRIVED.
AWAY.
IN 1785, NEW NEIGHBORS ARRIVED.
THE BRAND-NEW CONTINENTAL
IN 1785, NEW NEIGHBORS ARRIVED.
THE BRAND-NEW CONTINENTAL
CONGRESS, UNABLE TO DECIDE ON A
THE BRAND-NEW CONTINENTAL
CONGRESS, UNABLE TO DECIDE ON A
PERMANENT HOME, SET UP TEMPORARY
CONGRESS, UNABLE TO DECIDE ON A
PERMANENT HOME, SET UP TEMPORARY
HEADQUARTERS IN NEW YORK CITY
PERMANENT HOME, SET UP TEMPORARY
HEADQUARTERS IN NEW YORK CITY
ON WALL STREET, RIGHT NEXT DOOR
HEADQUARTERS IN NEW YORK CITY
ON WALL STREET, RIGHT NEXT DOOR
TO THE HAMILTONS.
ON WALL STREET, RIGHT NEXT DOOR
TO THE HAMILTONS.
IN THE YEARS TO COME, HAMILTON
TO THE HAMILTONS.
IN THE YEARS TO COME, HAMILTON
WOULD DO EVERYTHING IN HIS POWER
IN THE YEARS TO COME, HAMILTON
WOULD DO EVERYTHING IN HIS POWER
TO KEEP THE CAPITAL IN
WOULD DO EVERYTHING IN HIS POWER
TO KEEP THE CAPITAL IN
MANHATTAN, CONVINCED THE FUTURE
TO KEEP THE CAPITAL IN
MANHATTAN, CONVINCED THE FUTURE
OF AMERICA LAY NOT IN THE
MANHATTAN, CONVINCED THE FUTURE
OF AMERICA LAY NOT IN THE
COUNTRYSIDE BUT IN THE CITY.
OF AMERICA LAY NOT IN THE
COUNTRYSIDE BUT IN THE CITY.
Berkin: HE MADE WHAT IS
COUNTRYSIDE BUT IN THE CITY.
Berkin: HE MADE WHAT IS
ESSENTIALLY THE ULTIMATE URBAN
Berkin: HE MADE WHAT IS
ESSENTIALLY THE ULTIMATE URBAN
ARGUMENT, THAT CITY AIR BREATHES
ESSENTIALLY THE ULTIMATE URBAN
ARGUMENT, THAT CITY AIR BREATHES
FREE.
ARGUMENT, THAT CITY AIR BREATHES
FREE.
IT WAS HIS ARGUMENT THAT PEOPLE
FREE.
IT WAS HIS ARGUMENT THAT PEOPLE
ARE FREER, THERE'S A GREATER
IT WAS HIS ARGUMENT THAT PEOPLE
ARE FREER, THERE'S A GREATER
EXCHANGE OF IDEAS, THERE'S MORE
ARE FREER, THERE'S A GREATER
EXCHANGE OF IDEAS, THERE'S MORE
OPPORTUNITY FOR MEN TO ACQUIRE
EXCHANGE OF IDEAS, THERE'S MORE
OPPORTUNITY FOR MEN TO ACQUIRE
WEALTH IN A COMMERCIAL URBAN
OPPORTUNITY FOR MEN TO ACQUIRE
WEALTH IN A COMMERCIAL URBAN
UNIVERSE.
WEALTH IN A COMMERCIAL URBAN
UNIVERSE.
Jackson: MOST PEOPLE DON'
UNIVERSE.
Jackson: MOST PEOPLE DON'
REALIZE, NEW YORK WAS REALLY
Jackson: MOST PEOPLE DON'
REALIZE, NEW YORK WAS REALLY
THE FIRST CAPITAL OF THE UNITED
REALIZE, NEW YORK WAS REALLY
THE FIRST CAPITAL OF THE UNITED
STATES.
THE FIRST CAPITAL OF THE UNITED
STATES.
INDEED, IF THE UNITED STATES
STATES.
INDEED, IF THE UNITED STATES
WERE LIKE EVERY OTHER MAJOR
INDEED, IF THE UNITED STATES
WERE LIKE EVERY OTHER MAJOR
COUNTRY IN THE WORLD, IT WOULD
WERE LIKE EVERY OTHER MAJOR
COUNTRY IN THE WORLD, IT WOULD
HAVE BEEN THE CAPITAL.
COUNTRY IN THE WORLD, IT WOULD
HAVE BEEN THE CAPITAL.
Gordon: NEW YORK WAS A VERY
HAVE BEEN THE CAPITAL.
Gordon: NEW YORK WAS A VERY
LOGICAL PLACE FOR A NATIONAL
Gordon: NEW YORK WAS A VERY
LOGICAL PLACE FOR A NATIONAL
CAPITAL.
LOGICAL PLACE FOR A NATIONAL
CAPITAL.
IT WAS EASY TO GET TO; IT WAS
CAPITAL.
IT WAS EASY TO GET TO; IT WAS
RELATIVELY CENTRALLY LOCATED.
HISTORIANS SHOULD NEVER PLAY THE
GAME OF WHAT IF, BUT IT'S HARD
GAME OF WHAT IF, BUT IT'S HARD
NOT TO WONDER WHAT NEW YORK CITY
NOT TO WONDER WHAT NEW YORK CITY
WOULD HAVE BEEN LIKE HAD I
WOULD HAVE BEEN LIKE HAD I
BECOME THE POLITICAL CAPITAL AS
BECOME THE POLITICAL CAPITAL AS
WELL AS THE COMMERCIAL,
WELL AS THE COMMERCIAL,
FINANCIAL, AND CREATIVE CAPITAL
FINANCIAL, AND CREATIVE CAPITAL
OF THE COUNTRY.
Narrator: AT NOON ON APRIL
Narrator: AT NOON ON APRIL
30, 1789, GEORGE WASHINGTON
WAS SWORN IN AS THE FIRS
30, 1789, GEORGE WASHINGTON
WAS SWORN IN AS THE FIRS
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
WAS SWORN IN AS THE FIRS
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
IN NEW YORK CITY, FROM THE
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
IN NEW YORK CITY, FROM THE
BALCONY OF THE OLD CITY HALL
IN NEW YORK CITY, FROM THE
BALCONY OF THE OLD CITY HALL
WHICH NEW YORKERS HAD
BALCONY OF THE OLD CITY HALL
WHICH NEW YORKERS HAD
OPTIMISTICALLY RENAMED FEDERAL
WHICH NEW YORKERS HAD
OPTIMISTICALLY RENAMED FEDERAL
HALL.
OPTIMISTICALLY RENAMED FEDERAL
HALL.
THE NEW PRESIDENT QUICKLY
HALL.
THE NEW PRESIDENT QUICKLY
BROUGHT IN THOMAS JEFFERSON TO
THE NEW PRESIDENT QUICKLY
BROUGHT IN THOMAS JEFFERSON TO
BE SECRETARY OF STATE, THOUGH
BROUGHT IN THOMAS JEFFERSON TO
BE SECRETARY OF STATE, THOUGH
THE VIRGINIAN LOATHED NEW YORK,
BE SECRETARY OF STATE, THOUGH
THE VIRGINIAN LOATHED NEW YORK,
WHICH HE CALLED A SEWER, FILLED
THE VIRGINIAN LOATHED NEW YORK,
WHICH HE CALLED A SEWER, FILLED
WITH "ALL THE DEPRAVITIES OF
WHICH HE CALLED A SEWER, FILLED
WITH "ALL THE DEPRAVITIES OF
HUMAN NATURE."
WITH "ALL THE DEPRAVITIES OF
HUMAN NATURE."
ALEXANDER HAMILTON JUST 33
HUMAN NATURE."
ALEXANDER HAMILTON JUST 33
WAS NAMED THE NATION'S FIRS
ALEXANDER HAMILTON JUST 33
WAS NAMED THE NATION'S FIRS
SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY,
WAS NAMED THE NATION'S FIRS
SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY,
AND THOUGH THE APPOINTMEN
SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY,
AND THOUGH THE APPOINTMEN
CAME THROUGH ON A SATURDAY,
AND THOUGH THE APPOINTMEN
CAME THROUGH ON A SATURDAY,
HE WENT RIGHT TO WORK.
CAME THROUGH ON A SATURDAY,
HE WENT RIGHT TO WORK.
FROM HIS NEW OFFICE IN THE
HE WENT RIGHT TO WORK.
FROM HIS NEW OFFICE IN THE
TREASURY DEPARTMENT ON
FROM HIS NEW OFFICE IN THE
TREASURY DEPARTMENT ON
BROADWAY, A FEW STEPS FROM NEWLY
TREASURY DEPARTMENT ON
BROADWAY, A FEW STEPS FROM NEWLY
REBUILT TRINITY CHURCH, HAMILTON
BROADWAY, A FEW STEPS FROM NEWLY
REBUILT TRINITY CHURCH, HAMILTON
BEGAN MAPPING OUT THE BLUEPRIN
REBUILT TRINITY CHURCH, HAMILTON
BEGAN MAPPING OUT THE BLUEPRIN
FOR A NEW KIND OF NATION ONE
BEGAN MAPPING OUT THE BLUEPRIN
FOR A NEW KIND OF NATION ONE
BASED NOT ON PLANTATIONS AND
FOR A NEW KIND OF NATION ONE
BASED NOT ON PLANTATIONS AND
SLAVE LABOR, BUT ON COMMERCE,
BASED NOT ON PLANTATIONS AND
SLAVE LABOR, BUT ON COMMERCE,
MANUFACTURING, AND IMMIGRAN
SLAVE LABOR, BUT ON COMMERCE,
MANUFACTURING, AND IMMIGRAN
TOIL.
MANUFACTURING, AND IMMIGRAN
TOIL.
TO A STARTLING DEGREE, HE WAS
TOIL.
TO A STARTLING DEGREE, HE WAS
MAPPING OUT THE FUTURE OF NEW
TO A STARTLING DEGREE, HE WAS
MAPPING OUT THE FUTURE OF NEW
YORK.
MAPPING OUT THE FUTURE OF NEW
YORK.
Berkin: LOOK AT WHAT HE
YORK.
Berkin: LOOK AT WHAT HE
UNDERSTOOD.
Berkin: LOOK AT WHAT HE
UNDERSTOOD.
IN A COUNTRY THAT WAS 90%
UNDERSTOOD.
IN A COUNTRY THAT WAS 90%
AGRARIAN, HERE'S A MAN WHO
IN A COUNTRY THAT WAS 90%
AGRARIAN, HERE'S A MAN WHO
UNDERSTOOD THAT THE FUTURE OF
AGRARIAN, HERE'S A MAN WHO
UNDERSTOOD THAT THE FUTURE OF
THE COUNTRY WAS IN
UNDERSTOOD THAT THE FUTURE OF
THE COUNTRY WAS IN
MANUFACTURING.
THE COUNTRY WAS IN
MANUFACTURING.
HERE'S A MAN WHO UNDERSTOOD WHA
MANUFACTURING.
HERE'S A MAN WHO UNDERSTOOD WHA
BANKING COULD DO TO DEVELOP THE
HERE'S A MAN WHO UNDERSTOOD WHA
BANKING COULD DO TO DEVELOP THE
ECONOMY OF THE COUNTRY, HOW YOU
BANKING COULD DO TO DEVELOP THE
ECONOMY OF THE COUNTRY, HOW YOU
COULD USE TAX MONEY FROM THE
ECONOMY OF THE COUNTRY, HOW YOU
COULD USE TAX MONEY FROM THE
MANY, PUT IT IN THE HANDS OF
COULD USE TAX MONEY FROM THE
MANY, PUT IT IN THE HANDS OF
THE FEW AND PRODUCE AS A RESUL
MANY, PUT IT IN THE HANDS OF
THE FEW AND PRODUCE AS A RESUL
A MANUFACTURING REVOLUTION, THE
THE FEW AND PRODUCE AS A RESUL
A MANUFACTURING REVOLUTION, THE
BEGINNINGS OF INDUSTRIALIZATION,
A MANUFACTURING REVOLUTION, THE
BEGINNINGS OF INDUSTRIALIZATION,
IN A COUNTRY THAT WAS WHAT?
BEGINNINGS OF INDUSTRIALIZATION,
IN A COUNTRY THAT WAS WHAT?
TWO DECADES OLD.
IN A COUNTRY THAT WAS WHAT?
TWO DECADES OLD.
Narrator: SOUTHERN PLANTERS
TWO DECADES OLD.
Narrator: SOUTHERN PLANTERS
IMMEDIATELY ROSE UP IN
Narrator: SOUTHERN PLANTERS
IMMEDIATELY ROSE UP IN
OPPOSITION TO HAMILTON'S
IMMEDIATELY ROSE UP IN
OPPOSITION TO HAMILTON'S
PROGRAM.
OPPOSITION TO HAMILTON'S
PROGRAM.
"THE MOBS OF GREAT CITIES,"
PROGRAM.
"THE MOBS OF GREAT CITIES,"
JEFFERSON WARNED, "ADD JUS
"THE MOBS OF GREAT CITIES,"
JEFFERSON WARNED, "ADD JUS
SO MUCH TO THE SUPPORT OF PURE
JEFFERSON WARNED, "ADD JUS
SO MUCH TO THE SUPPORT OF PURE
GOVERNMENT, AS SORES DO TO THE
SO MUCH TO THE SUPPORT OF PURE
GOVERNMENT, AS SORES DO TO THE
STRENGTH OF THE HUMAN BODY."
GOVERNMENT, AS SORES DO TO THE
STRENGTH OF THE HUMAN BODY."
CERTAIN THE NATION'S FUTURE
STRENGTH OF THE HUMAN BODY."
CERTAIN THE NATION'S FUTURE
LAY NOT IN THE CITY BUT IN THE
CERTAIN THE NATION'S FUTURE
LAY NOT IN THE CITY BUT IN THE
COUNTRYSIDE, JEFFERSON INSISTED
LAY NOT IN THE CITY BUT IN THE
COUNTRYSIDE, JEFFERSON INSISTED
THE CAPITAL BE MOVED OUT OF
COUNTRYSIDE, JEFFERSON INSISTED
THE CAPITAL BE MOVED OUT OF
NEW YORK TO A RURAL SETTING,
THE CAPITAL BE MOVED OUT OF
NEW YORK TO A RURAL SETTING,
JUST ACROSS THE POTOMAC FROM
NEW YORK TO A RURAL SETTING,
JUST ACROSS THE POTOMAC FROM
HIS NATIVE VIRGINIA.
JUST ACROSS THE POTOMAC FROM
HIS NATIVE VIRGINIA.
IT WAS THE BEGINNING OF A
HIS NATIVE VIRGINIA.
IT WAS THE BEGINNING OF A
FATEFUL SPLIT IN AMERICAN LIFE,
IT WAS THE BEGINNING OF A
FATEFUL SPLIT IN AMERICAN LIFE,
ONE THAT WOULD PIT SOUTH AGAINS
FATEFUL SPLIT IN AMERICAN LIFE,
ONE THAT WOULD PIT SOUTH AGAINS
NORTH, COUNTRY AGAINST CITY, AND
ONE THAT WOULD PIT SOUTH AGAINS
NORTH, COUNTRY AGAINST CITY, AND
LEAD ULTIMATELY TO CIVIL WAR.
NORTH, COUNTRY AGAINST CITY, AND
LEAD ULTIMATELY TO CIVIL WAR.
Gordon: JEFFERSON HAD THIS
LEAD ULTIMATELY TO CIVIL WAR.
Gordon: JEFFERSON HAD THIS
VISION OF THE COUNTRY BEING AN
Gordon: JEFFERSON HAD THIS
VISION OF THE COUNTRY BEING AN
AGRARIAN COUNTRY FULL OF YEOMAN
VISION OF THE COUNTRY BEING AN
AGRARIAN COUNTRY FULL OF YEOMAN
FARMERS.
AGRARIAN COUNTRY FULL OF YEOMAN
FARMERS.
IT WAS A VISION THAT NEVER
FARMERS.
IT WAS A VISION THAT NEVER
EXISTED EVEN IN HIS TIME
IT WAS A VISION THAT NEVER
EXISTED EVEN IN HIS TIME
CERTAINLY NOT AS HE WOULD HAVE
EXISTED EVEN IN HIS TIME
CERTAINLY NOT AS HE WOULD HAVE
LIKED TO HAVE SEEN IT.
CERTAINLY NOT AS HE WOULD HAVE
LIKED TO HAVE SEEN IT.
BUT HE LOVED THAT VISION AND
LIKED TO HAVE SEEN IT.
BUT HE LOVED THAT VISION AND
HE HATED ALL THINGS COMMERCIAL.
BUT HE LOVED THAT VISION AND
HE HATED ALL THINGS COMMERCIAL.
HAMILTON LOVED COMMERCE, HE
HE HATED ALL THINGS COMMERCIAL.
HAMILTON LOVED COMMERCE, HE
UNDERSTOOD MONEY BANKING AND
HAMILTON LOVED COMMERCE, HE
UNDERSTOOD MONEY BANKING AND
MONEY AND THE FLOW OF POWER
UNDERSTOOD MONEY BANKING AND
MONEY AND THE FLOW OF POWER
THROUGH THE ECONOMY UNLIKE
MONEY AND THE FLOW OF POWER
THROUGH THE ECONOMY UNLIKE
JEFFERSON WHO NEVER UNDERSTOOD
THROUGH THE ECONOMY UNLIKE
JEFFERSON WHO NEVER UNDERSTOOD
MONEY AT ALL, AND WHICH MAY
JEFFERSON WHO NEVER UNDERSTOOD
MONEY AT ALL, AND WHICH MAY
ACCOUNT FOR WHY HE WAS BORN
MONEY AT ALL, AND WHICH MAY
ACCOUNT FOR WHY HE WAS BORN
ONE OF THE RICHEST PEOPLE IN
ACCOUNT FOR WHY HE WAS BORN
ONE OF THE RICHEST PEOPLE IN
THE COLONIES AND DIED DEEPLY,
ONE OF THE RICHEST PEOPLE IN
THE COLONIES AND DIED DEEPLY,
DEEPLY IN DEBT.
THE COLONIES AND DIED DEEPLY,
DEEPLY IN DEBT.
Berkin: ALREADY THIS SPLI
DEEPLY IN DEBT.
Berkin: ALREADY THIS SPLI
BETWEEN A COMMERCIAL,
Berkin: ALREADY THIS SPLI
BETWEEN A COMMERCIAL,
MANUFACTURING SOCIETY AND AN
BETWEEN A COMMERCIAL,
MANUFACTURING SOCIETY AND AN
AGRARIAN, STAPLE-CROP BASED
MANUFACTURING SOCIETY AND AN
AGRARIAN, STAPLE-CROP BASED
SOCIETY BETWEEN DYNAMIC
AGRARIAN, STAPLE-CROP BASED
SOCIETY BETWEEN DYNAMIC
CAPITAL AND CAPITAL THAT WAS
SOCIETY BETWEEN DYNAMIC
CAPITAL AND CAPITAL THAT WAS
INVESTED IN PROPERTY AND SLAVES
CAPITAL AND CAPITAL THAT WAS
INVESTED IN PROPERTY AND SLAVES
AND NOT AS MANIPULABLE THESE
INVESTED IN PROPERTY AND SLAVES
AND NOT AS MANIPULABLE THESE
SPLITS WERE ALREADY EVOLVING
AND NOT AS MANIPULABLE THESE
SPLITS WERE ALREADY EVOLVING
GIVEN HAMILTON'S PROGRAMS FOR
SPLITS WERE ALREADY EVOLVING
GIVEN HAMILTON'S PROGRAMS FOR
THE NEW NATION.
GIVEN HAMILTON'S PROGRAMS FOR
THE NEW NATION.
Narrator: IN THE SPRING
THE NEW NATION.
Narrator: IN THE SPRING
OF 1790, THE DEBATE OVER THE
Narrator: IN THE SPRING
OF 1790, THE DEBATE OVER THE
CAPITAL CAME TO A FATEFUL
OF 1790, THE DEBATE OVER THE
CAPITAL CAME TO A FATEFUL
CLIMAX OVER ANOTHER VOLATILE
CAPITAL CAME TO A FATEFUL
CLIMAX OVER ANOTHER VOLATILE
ISSUE CRUCIAL TO THE SUCCESS
CLIMAX OVER ANOTHER VOLATILE
ISSUE CRUCIAL TO THE SUCCESS
OF HAMILTON'S ECONOMIC PROGRAMS.
Moynihan: THERE WAS AT THA
TIME A MAJOR ISSUE DIVIDING THE
TIME A MAJOR ISSUE DIVIDING THE
NEW NATION.
AND THAT IS THE DEBT INCURRED
AND THAT IS THE DEBT INCURRED
DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
BY THE RESPECTIVE COLONIES A
DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
BY THE RESPECTIVE COLONIES A
THAT TIME.
BY THE RESPECTIVE COLONIES A
THAT TIME.
SOME HAD NOT INCURRED MUCH,
THAT TIME.
SOME HAD NOT INCURRED MUCH,
OTHERS SUCH AS VIRGINIA HAD
SOME HAD NOT INCURRED MUCH,
OTHERS SUCH AS VIRGINIA HAD
PAID THEIRS OFF.
OTHERS SUCH AS VIRGINIA HAD
PAID THEIRS OFF.
NEW YORK HAD THE MOST.
PAID THEIRS OFF.
NEW YORK HAD THE MOST.
WELL, NEW YORK SHOULD HAVE HAD
NEW YORK HAD THE MOST.
WELL, NEW YORK SHOULD HAVE HAD
THE MOST, IT'S WHERE THE MOS
WELL, NEW YORK SHOULD HAVE HAD
THE MOST, IT'S WHERE THE MOS
IMPORTANT FIGHTING TOOK PLACE.
THE MOST, IT'S WHERE THE MOS
IMPORTANT FIGHTING TOOK PLACE.
HAMILTON HAD ONE IDEA FOR THE
IMPORTANT FIGHTING TOOK PLACE.
HAMILTON HAD ONE IDEA FOR THE
NEW NATION, WHICH IS TAKE UP ALL
HAMILTON HAD ONE IDEA FOR THE
NEW NATION, WHICH IS TAKE UP ALL
THAT DEBT AND HAVE THE FEDERAL
NEW NATION, WHICH IS TAKE UP ALL
THAT DEBT AND HAVE THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT SAY, "WE'LL PAY FOR
THAT DEBT AND HAVE THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT SAY, "WE'LL PAY FOR
IT.
GOVERNMENT SAY, "WE'LL PAY FOR
IT.
YOU INCURRED THIS DEB
IT.
YOU INCURRED THIS DEB
HONORABLY, YOU IN THE
YOU INCURRED THIS DEB
HONORABLY, YOU IN THE
AFTERMATH WE HAVE A NATIONAL
HONORABLY, YOU IN THE
AFTERMATH WE HAVE A NATIONAL
GOVERNMENT, THE NATIONAL
AFTERMATH WE HAVE A NATIONAL
GOVERNMENT, THE NATIONAL
GOVERNMENT WILL PAY THAT DEB
GOVERNMENT, THE NATIONAL
GOVERNMENT WILL PAY THAT DEB
FOR YOU.
GOVERNMENT WILL PAY THAT DEB
FOR YOU.
DON'T YOU WORRY."
FOR YOU.
DON'T YOU WORRY."
Narrator: ONCE AGAIN,
DON'T YOU WORRY."
Narrator: ONCE AGAIN,
SOUTHERNERS WERE ADAMANTLY
Narrator: ONCE AGAIN,
SOUTHERNERS WERE ADAMANTLY
OPPOSED TO HAMILTON'S VISION
SOUTHERNERS WERE ADAMANTLY
OPPOSED TO HAMILTON'S VISION
RELUCTANT TO PAY OFF NORTHERN
OPPOSED TO HAMILTON'S VISION
RELUCTANT TO PAY OFF NORTHERN
DEBTS AND FEARFUL OF INCREASING
RELUCTANT TO PAY OFF NORTHERN
DEBTS AND FEARFUL OF INCREASING
NORTHERN POWER.
DEBTS AND FEARFUL OF INCREASING
NORTHERN POWER.
IT WAS NOW AN OPEN QUESTION, ONE
NORTHERN POWER.
IT WAS NOW AN OPEN QUESTION, ONE
CONGRESSMAN WARNED, "WHETHER
IT WAS NOW AN OPEN QUESTION, ONE
CONGRESSMAN WARNED, "WHETHER
THIS GOVERNMENT IS TO EXIST FOR
CONGRESSMAN WARNED, "WHETHER
THIS GOVERNMENT IS TO EXIST FOR
THE AGES OR BE DISPERSED AMONG
THIS GOVERNMENT IS TO EXIST FOR
THE AGES OR BE DISPERSED AMONG
CONTENDING WINDS."
THE AGES OR BE DISPERSED AMONG
CONTENDING WINDS."
ON THE EVENING OF JUNE 20, 1790,
CONTENDING WINDS."
ON THE EVENING OF JUNE 20, 1790,
WITH THE GOVERNMENT HOVERING
ON THE EVENING OF JUNE 20, 1790,
WITH THE GOVERNMENT HOVERING
ON THE BRINK OF BANKRUPTCY,
WITH THE GOVERNMENT HOVERING
ON THE BRINK OF BANKRUPTCY,
HAMILTON WENT TO JEFFERSON'S
ON THE BRINK OF BANKRUPTCY,
HAMILTON WENT TO JEFFERSON'S
HOUSE ON MAIDEN LANE, HOPING TO
HAMILTON WENT TO JEFFERSON'S
HOUSE ON MAIDEN LANE, HOPING TO
FIND SOME WAY OUT OF THE CRISIS.
HOUSE ON MAIDEN LANE, HOPING TO
FIND SOME WAY OUT OF THE CRISIS.
Moynihan: HE SAID TO
FIND SOME WAY OUT OF THE CRISIS.
Moynihan: HE SAID TO
JEFFERSON ON THAT FATEFUL
Moynihan: HE SAID TO
JEFFERSON ON THAT FATEFUL
MEETING, "WE HAVE TO ASSUME
JEFFERSON ON THAT FATEFUL
MEETING, "WE HAVE TO ASSUME
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR DEBT."
MEETING, "WE HAVE TO ASSUME
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR DEBT."
AND JEFFERSON MADE A FATEFUL
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR DEBT."
AND JEFFERSON MADE A FATEFUL
OFFER, HE SAID, "ALL RIGHT,
AND JEFFERSON MADE A FATEFUL
OFFER, HE SAID, "ALL RIGHT,
WE'LL DO IT IF YOU MOVE THE
OFFER, HE SAID, "ALL RIGHT,
WE'LL DO IT IF YOU MOVE THE
CAPITAL OF THIS NEW NATION FROM
WE'LL DO IT IF YOU MOVE THE
CAPITAL OF THIS NEW NATION FROM
ITS NATURAL SITE IN MANHATTAN
CAPITAL OF THIS NEW NATION FROM
ITS NATURAL SITE IN MANHATTAN
TO A SWAMP ON THE BANKS OF THE
ITS NATURAL SITE IN MANHATTAN
TO A SWAMP ON THE BANKS OF THE
POTOMAC WHICH TURNS MALARIAL IN
TO A SWAMP ON THE BANKS OF THE
POTOMAC WHICH TURNS MALARIAL IN
APRIL, SUCH THAT ANY CONGRESSMEN
POTOMAC WHICH TURNS MALARIAL IN
APRIL, SUCH THAT ANY CONGRESSMEN
THAT STAYS AROUND TILL MAY WILL
APRIL, SUCH THAT ANY CONGRESSMEN
THAT STAYS AROUND TILL MAY WILL
NEVER GET BACK.
THAT STAYS AROUND TILL MAY WILL
NEVER GET BACK.
AND WHAT COULD HAMILTON DO?
NEVER GET BACK.
AND WHAT COULD HAMILTON DO?
HE ACCEPTED IT.
AND WHAT COULD HAMILTON DO?
HE ACCEPTED IT.
Berkin: HE WAS SMART ENOUGH
HE ACCEPTED IT.
Berkin: HE WAS SMART ENOUGH
TO KNOW THAT WHEREVER THE
Berkin: HE WAS SMART ENOUGH
TO KNOW THAT WHEREVER THE
GOVERNMENT WAS LOCATED, IF I
TO KNOW THAT WHEREVER THE
GOVERNMENT WAS LOCATED, IF I
WAS PURSUING THE KIND OF
GOVERNMENT WAS LOCATED, IF I
WAS PURSUING THE KIND OF
AGGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENTAL
WAS PURSUING THE KIND OF
AGGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENTAL
PROGRAMS THAT HE WANTED IT TO
AGGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENTAL
PROGRAMS THAT HE WANTED IT TO
PURSUE, THAT HE WAS GOING TO WIN
PROGRAMS THAT HE WANTED IT TO
PURSUE, THAT HE WAS GOING TO WIN
IN THE LONG RUN.
PURSUE, THAT HE WAS GOING TO WIN
IN THE LONG RUN.
IT WAS MORE IMPORTANT WHAT THE
IN THE LONG RUN.
IT WAS MORE IMPORTANT WHAT THE
GOVERNMENT DID THAN WHERE THE
IT WAS MORE IMPORTANT WHAT THE
GOVERNMENT DID THAN WHERE THE
GOVERNMENT DID IT, WAS
GOVERNMENT DID THAN WHERE THE
GOVERNMENT DID IT, WAS
HAMILTON'S VIEW.
GOVERNMENT DID IT, WAS
HAMILTON'S VIEW.
Moynihan: AND EVER SINCE, ONE
HAMILTON'S VIEW.
Moynihan: AND EVER SINCE, ONE
OF THE DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS
Moynihan: AND EVER SINCE, ONE
OF THE DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS
OF THE UNITED STATES HAS BEEN
OF THE DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS
OF THE UNITED STATES HAS BEEN
THAT THE POLITICAL CAPITAL WAS
OF THE UNITED STATES HAS BEEN
THAT THE POLITICAL CAPITAL WAS
IN ONE PLACE AND THE CULTURAL,
THAT THE POLITICAL CAPITAL WAS
IN ONE PLACE AND THE CULTURAL,
ECONOMIC, INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL
IN ONE PLACE AND THE CULTURAL,
ECONOMIC, INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL
WAS IN ANOTHER PLACE, BECAUSE
ECONOMIC, INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL
WAS IN ANOTHER PLACE, BECAUSE
THAT NEVER LEFT NEW YORK.
WAS IN ANOTHER PLACE, BECAUSE
THAT NEVER LEFT NEW YORK.
Narrator: SOME NEW YORKERS
THAT NEVER LEFT NEW YORK.
Narrator: SOME NEW YORKERS
WERE DEVASTATED BY THE LOSS OF
Narrator: SOME NEW YORKERS
WERE DEVASTATED BY THE LOSS OF
THE CAPITAL.
WERE DEVASTATED BY THE LOSS OF
THE CAPITAL.
BUT HAMILTON HIMSELF WAS
THE CAPITAL.
BUT HAMILTON HIMSELF WAS
PHILOSOPHICAL.
BUT HAMILTON HIMSELF WAS
PHILOSOPHICAL.
ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, HE HAD THE
PHILOSOPHICAL.
ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, HE HAD THE
TREASURY DEPARTMENT ISSUE $80
ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, HE HAD THE
TREASURY DEPARTMENT ISSUE $80
MILLION IN GOVERNMENT BONDS TO
TREASURY DEPARTMENT ISSUE $80
MILLION IN GOVERNMENT BONDS TO
PAY OFF THE HUGE NEW DEBT THE
MILLION IN GOVERNMENT BONDS TO
PAY OFF THE HUGE NEW DEBT THE
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAD ASSUMED,
PAY OFF THE HUGE NEW DEBT THE
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAD ASSUMED,
AND MONEY WAS SOON FLOODING
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAD ASSUMED,
AND MONEY WAS SOON FLOODING
INTO NEW YORK, AS THE TRADE
AND MONEY WAS SOON FLOODING
INTO NEW YORK, AS THE TRADE
IN GOVERNMENT BONDS SOARED.
INTO NEW YORK, AS THE TRADE
IN GOVERNMENT BONDS SOARED.
ON MAY 17, 1792, TWO DOZEN
IN GOVERNMENT BONDS SOARED.
ON MAY 17, 1792, TWO DOZEN
STOCKBROKERS GATHERED UNDER A
ON MAY 17, 1792, TWO DOZEN
STOCKBROKERS GATHERED UNDER A
BUTTONWOOD TREE ON WALL STREE
STOCKBROKERS GATHERED UNDER A
BUTTONWOOD TREE ON WALL STREE
TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO HANDLE
BUTTONWOOD TREE ON WALL STREE
TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO HANDLE
THE ENORMOUS VOLUME OF BUSINESS
TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO HANDLE
THE ENORMOUS VOLUME OF BUSINESS
HAMILTON HAD GENERATED.
THE ENORMOUS VOLUME OF BUSINESS
HAMILTON HAD GENERATED.
IT WAS THE BEGINNING OF THE
HAMILTON HAD GENERATED.
IT WAS THE BEGINNING OF THE
NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE.
Quinn: I THINK ONE OF THE
REAL TURNING POINTS IN THE
REAL TURNING POINTS IN THE
HISTORY OF NEW YORK IS THA
HISTORY OF NEW YORK IS THA
IT DOESN'T BECOME THE FEDERAL
IT DOESN'T BECOME THE FEDERAL
CAPITAL.
CAPITAL.
IF IT HAD EVER BECOME THE
IF IT HAD EVER BECOME THE
FEDERAL CAPITAL, IT WOULD HAVE
FEDERAL CAPITAL, IT WOULD HAVE
BEEN AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT CITY.
IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A KIND OF
IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A KIND OF
LONDON, VERY CONCERNED WITH ITS
PAST, IT WOULD HAVE HAD MILITARY
LONDON, VERY CONCERNED WITH ITS
PAST, IT WOULD HAVE HAD MILITARY
MONUMENTS.
PAST, IT WOULD HAVE HAD MILITARY
MONUMENTS.
IT DOESN'T HAVE THAT.
MONUMENTS.
IT DOESN'T HAVE THAT.
IT JUST REMAINED A PLACE TO DO
IT DOESN'T HAVE THAT.
IT JUST REMAINED A PLACE TO DO
COMMERCE, TO COME HERE, PEOPLE
IT JUST REMAINED A PLACE TO DO
COMMERCE, TO COME HERE, PEOPLE
CAME ALL THE TIME TO MAKE MONEY.
COMMERCE, TO COME HERE, PEOPLE
CAME ALL THE TIME TO MAKE MONEY.
Gordon: IF IT HAD BECOME THE
CAME ALL THE TIME TO MAKE MONEY.
Gordon: IF IT HAD BECOME THE
CAPITAL, OF COURSE, THE CITY
Gordon: IF IT HAD BECOME THE
CAPITAL, OF COURSE, THE CITY
WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE OUT-
CAPITAL, OF COURSE, THE CITY
WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE OUT-
LOOKING.
WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE OUT-
LOOKING.
IT WOULD HAVE HAD TO ENCOMPASS
LOOKING.
IT WOULD HAVE HAD TO ENCOMPASS
THE ENTIRE COUNTRY.
IT WOULD HAVE HAD TO ENCOMPASS
THE ENTIRE COUNTRY.
WHEREAS BEING FREED OF BEING A
THE ENTIRE COUNTRY.
WHEREAS BEING FREED OF BEING A
POLITICAL CAPITAL, IT WAS ABLE
WHEREAS BEING FREED OF BEING A
POLITICAL CAPITAL, IT WAS ABLE
TO LOOK AFTER ONLY ITS OWN
POLITICAL CAPITAL, IT WAS ABLE
TO LOOK AFTER ONLY ITS OWN
INTERESTS AND TO PURSUE THOSE
TO LOOK AFTER ONLY ITS OWN
INTERESTS AND TO PURSUE THOSE
INTERESTS WITH GREAT VIGOR.
INTERESTS AND TO PURSUE THOSE
INTERESTS WITH GREAT VIGOR.
Ton Bender: I REALLY HAVE
INTERESTS WITH GREAT VIGOR.
Ton Bender: I REALLY HAVE
THIS SENSE THAT NEW YORKERS
Ton Bender: I REALLY HAVE
THIS SENSE THAT NEW YORKERS
SAID, "WELL, IF YOU DON'T WAN
THIS SENSE THAT NEW YORKERS
SAID, "WELL, IF YOU DON'T WAN
US TO BE YOUR CAPITAL, THAT'S
SAID, "WELL, IF YOU DON'T WAN
US TO BE YOUR CAPITAL, THAT'S
FINE.
US TO BE YOUR CAPITAL, THAT'S
FINE.
WE'LL JUST GO IT ALONE.
FINE.
WE'LL JUST GO IT ALONE.
WE DON'T REALLY NEED THE RES
WE'LL JUST GO IT ALONE.
WE DON'T REALLY NEED THE RES
OF YOU.
WE DON'T REALLY NEED THE RES
OF YOU.
WE WILL SIMPLY MAKE ALL OF YOU
OF YOU.
WE WILL SIMPLY MAKE ALL OF YOU
A SUBURB.
AND WE WILL BECOME THE
COMMERCIAL EMPORIUM OF THE NEW
COMMERCIAL EMPORIUM OF THE NEW
WORLD."
Narrator: IT WAS THE
Narrator: IT WAS THE
BEGINNING OF THE GREATEST RUN
ANY CITY HAS EVER HAD.
BEGINNING OF THE GREATEST RUN
ANY CITY HAS EVER HAD.
ALMOST SINGLED-HANDEDLY,
ANY CITY HAS EVER HAD.
ALMOST SINGLED-HANDEDLY,
ALEXANDER HAMILTON HAD KICKED
ALMOST SINGLED-HANDEDLY,
ALEXANDER HAMILTON HAD KICKED
INTO LIFE THE MOST POWERFUL
ALEXANDER HAMILTON HAD KICKED
INTO LIFE THE MOST POWERFUL
ECONOMIC ENGINE ON EARTH.
INTO LIFE THE MOST POWERFUL
ECONOMIC ENGINE ON EARTH.
ALONG THE WAY, HE HAD HELPED
ECONOMIC ENGINE ON EARTH.
ALONG THE WAY, HE HAD HELPED
INVENT THE FUTURE, NOT ONLY
ALONG THE WAY, HE HAD HELPED
INVENT THE FUTURE, NOT ONLY
FOR HIMSELF, BUT FOR THE CITY
INVENT THE FUTURE, NOT ONLY
FOR HIMSELF, BUT FOR THE CITY
AND COUNTRY THAT HAD ALLOWED HIM
FOR HIMSELF, BUT FOR THE CITY
AND COUNTRY THAT HAD ALLOWED HIM
TO RISE.
AND COUNTRY THAT HAD ALLOWED HIM
TO RISE.
Berkin: I THINK HE BELIEVED
TO RISE.
Berkin: I THINK HE BELIEVED
THAT MERITOCRACY WHICH IS THE
Berkin: I THINK HE BELIEVED
THAT MERITOCRACY WHICH IS THE
WAY IN WHICH AMERICANS JOIN
THAT MERITOCRACY WHICH IS THE
WAY IN WHICH AMERICANS JOIN
CAPITALISM AND DEMOCRACY THA
WAY IN WHICH AMERICANS JOIN
CAPITALISM AND DEMOCRACY THA
IS THE WAY IN WHICH THERE CAN BE
CAPITALISM AND DEMOCRACY THA
IS THE WAY IN WHICH THERE CAN BE
GREAT WEALTH BUT THERE CAN BE
IS THE WAY IN WHICH THERE CAN BE
GREAT WEALTH BUT THERE CAN BE
NO BARRIERS TO ANYONE OF TALENT,
GREAT WEALTH BUT THERE CAN BE
NO BARRIERS TO ANYONE OF TALENT,
HARD WORK, DETERMINATION, AND
NO BARRIERS TO ANYONE OF TALENT,
HARD WORK, DETERMINATION, AND
ABILITY ACHIEVING THEM I THINK
HARD WORK, DETERMINATION, AND
ABILITY ACHIEVING THEM I THINK
THAT THAT COMBINES THE TWO.
ABILITY ACHIEVING THEM I THINK
THAT THAT COMBINES THE TWO.
HE WAS NO FRIEND TO REAL
THAT THAT COMBINES THE TWO.
HE WAS NO FRIEND TO REAL
DEMOCRACY, HE WAS NOT AT ALL
HE WAS NO FRIEND TO REAL
DEMOCRACY, HE WAS NOT AT ALL
INTERESTED IN THE MASSES OF
DEMOCRACY, HE WAS NOT AT ALL
INTERESTED IN THE MASSES OF
PEOPLE HAVING POLITICAL VOICES.
INTERESTED IN THE MASSES OF
PEOPLE HAVING POLITICAL VOICES.
BUT I THINK HE WAS VERY MUCH
PEOPLE HAVING POLITICAL VOICES.
BUT I THINK HE WAS VERY MUCH
INTERESTED IN CREATING A DYNAMIC
BUT I THINK HE WAS VERY MUCH
INTERESTED IN CREATING A DYNAMIC
SOCIETY IN WHICH ANYONE OF
INTERESTED IN CREATING A DYNAMIC
SOCIETY IN WHICH ANYONE OF
ABILITY COULD RISE.
SOCIETY IN WHICH ANYONE OF
ABILITY COULD RISE.
THAT'S REALLY AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
ABILITY COULD RISE.
THAT'S REALLY AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
IN ACTION.
THAT'S REALLY AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
IN ACTION.
Narrator: IN 1799, HAMILTON'S
IN ACTION.
Narrator: IN 1799, HAMILTON'S
EFFORTS TO END SLAVERY IN
Narrator: IN 1799, HAMILTON'S
EFFORTS TO END SLAVERY IN
NEW YORK STATE FINALLY BORE
EFFORTS TO END SLAVERY IN
NEW YORK STATE FINALLY BORE
PARTIAL FRUIT WHEN THE GRADUAL
NEW YORK STATE FINALLY BORE
PARTIAL FRUIT WHEN THE GRADUAL
EMANCIPATION ACT WAS PASSED.
PARTIAL FRUIT WHEN THE GRADUAL
EMANCIPATION ACT WAS PASSED.
ONE YEAR LATER, HAMILTON LEF
EMANCIPATION ACT WAS PASSED.
ONE YEAR LATER, HAMILTON LEF
GOVERNMENT AND RETIRED TO
ONE YEAR LATER, HAMILTON LEF
GOVERNMENT AND RETIRED TO
A HANDSOME ESTATE IN UPPER
GOVERNMENT AND RETIRED TO
A HANDSOME ESTATE IN UPPER
MANHATTAN AND WATCHED HIS CITY
A HANDSOME ESTATE IN UPPER
MANHATTAN AND WATCHED HIS CITY
GROW.
MANHATTAN AND WATCHED HIS CITY
GROW.
BY 1804, NEW YORK'S POPULATION
GROW.
BY 1804, NEW YORK'S POPULATION
HAD MORE THAN DOUBLED, IN LESS
BY 1804, NEW YORK'S POPULATION
HAD MORE THAN DOUBLED, IN LESS
THAN A DECADE CLIMBING TO
HAD MORE THAN DOUBLED, IN LESS
THAN A DECADE CLIMBING TO
80,000.
THAN A DECADE CLIMBING TO
80,000.
THAT YEAR, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN
80,000.
THAT YEAR, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN
ITS HISTORY, NEW YORK SURPASSED
THAT YEAR, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN
ITS HISTORY, NEW YORK SURPASSED
PHILADELPHIA THOUGH HAMILTON
ITS HISTORY, NEW YORK SURPASSED
PHILADELPHIA THOUGH HAMILTON
HIMSELF WOULD NOT BE AROUND TO
PHILADELPHIA THOUGH HAMILTON
HIMSELF WOULD NOT BE AROUND TO
SAVOR THE TRIUMPH.
HIMSELF WOULD NOT BE AROUND TO
SAVOR THE TRIUMPH.
Berkin: HE WAS CHALLENGED
SAVOR THE TRIUMPH.
Berkin: HE WAS CHALLENGED
TO A DUEL BY AARON BURR, WHOSE
Berkin: HE WAS CHALLENGED
TO A DUEL BY AARON BURR, WHOSE
POLITICAL CAREER IN NEW YORK
TO A DUEL BY AARON BURR, WHOSE
POLITICAL CAREER IN NEW YORK
HAMILTON HAD ALMOST SINGLE-
POLITICAL CAREER IN NEW YORK
HAMILTON HAD ALMOST SINGLE-
HANDEDLY DESTROYED.
HAMILTON HAD ALMOST SINGLE-
HANDEDLY DESTROYED.
NOW, THEY COULDN'T DUEL IN NEW
HANDEDLY DESTROYED.
NOW, THEY COULDN'T DUEL IN NEW
YORK BECAUSE HAMILTON HAD BEEN
NOW, THEY COULDN'T DUEL IN NEW
YORK BECAUSE HAMILTON HAD BEEN
INSTRUMENTAL IN GETTING A LAW
YORK BECAUSE HAMILTON HAD BEEN
INSTRUMENTAL IN GETTING A LAW
PASSED FORBIDDING DUELING IN
INSTRUMENTAL IN GETTING A LAW
PASSED FORBIDDING DUELING IN
NEW YORK.
PASSED FORBIDDING DUELING IN
NEW YORK.
HIS OWN SON HAD BEEN KILLED IN A
NEW YORK.
HIS OWN SON HAD BEEN KILLED IN A
DUEL.
HIS OWN SON HAD BEEN KILLED IN A
DUEL.
SO THEY ADJOURN TO WEEHAWKEN,
DUEL.
SO THEY ADJOURN TO WEEHAWKEN,
NEW JERSEY, AND DO BATTLE IN
SO THEY ADJOURN TO WEEHAWKEN,
NEW JERSEY, AND DO BATTLE IN
THE EARLY MORNING IN 1804.
NEW JERSEY, AND DO BATTLE IN
THE EARLY MORNING IN 1804.
OF COURSE, WHEN THEY GOT THERE,
THE EARLY MORNING IN 1804.
OF COURSE, WHEN THEY GOT THERE,
FOR WHATEVER REASON IT IS TRUE,
OF COURSE, WHEN THEY GOT THERE,
FOR WHATEVER REASON IT IS TRUE,
HAMILTON'S SHOT WENT INTO THE
FOR WHATEVER REASON IT IS TRUE,
HAMILTON'S SHOT WENT INTO THE
AIR AND BURR'S SHOT WENT INTO
HAMILTON'S SHOT WENT INTO THE
AIR AND BURR'S SHOT WENT INTO
HAMILTON.
AIR AND BURR'S SHOT WENT INTO
HAMILTON.
AND HE DIED WHAT MUST HAVE BEEN
HAMILTON.
AND HE DIED WHAT MUST HAVE BEEN
A QUITE PAINFUL, LINGERING DEATH
AND HE DIED WHAT MUST HAVE BEEN
A QUITE PAINFUL, LINGERING DEATH
OVERNIGHT, AND WAS ASTOUNDINGLY
A QUITE PAINFUL, LINGERING DEATH
OVERNIGHT, AND WAS ASTOUNDINGLY
MOURNED A MAN WHO IN MANY WAYS
OVERNIGHT, AND WAS ASTOUNDINGLY
MOURNED A MAN WHO IN MANY WAYS
HAD NEVER BEEN A POPULAR IDOL,
MOURNED A MAN WHO IN MANY WAYS
HAD NEVER BEEN A POPULAR IDOL,
AND HAD MADE BITTER, BITTER
HAD NEVER BEEN A POPULAR IDOL,
AND HAD MADE BITTER, BITTER
ENEMIES.
AND HAD MADE BITTER, BITTER
ENEMIES.
IT WAS RECOGNIZED THAT THE
ENEMIES.
IT WAS RECOGNIZED THAT THE
COUNTRY HAD LOST AN
IT WAS RECOGNIZED THAT THE
COUNTRY HAD LOST AN
EXTRAORDINARY FIGURE.
COUNTRY HAD LOST AN
EXTRAORDINARY FIGURE.
Narrator: ON JULY 13, 1804,
EXTRAORDINARY FIGURE.
Narrator: ON JULY 13, 1804,
AFTER ONE OF THE LARGEST FUNERAL
Narrator: ON JULY 13, 1804,
AFTER ONE OF THE LARGEST FUNERAL
PROCESSIONS IN THE CITY'S
AFTER ONE OF THE LARGEST FUNERAL
PROCESSIONS IN THE CITY'S
HISTORY, ALEXANDER HAMILTON WAS
PROCESSIONS IN THE CITY'S
HISTORY, ALEXANDER HAMILTON WAS
BURIED WITH FULL MILITARY HONORS
HISTORY, ALEXANDER HAMILTON WAS
BURIED WITH FULL MILITARY HONORS
IN THE GRAVEYARD OF TRINITY
BURIED WITH FULL MILITARY HONORS
IN THE GRAVEYARD OF TRINITY
CHURCH JUST ACROSS BROADWAY
IN THE GRAVEYARD OF TRINITY
CHURCH JUST ACROSS BROADWAY
FROM WALL STREET, IN THE HEAR
CHURCH JUST ACROSS BROADWAY
FROM WALL STREET, IN THE HEAR
OF THE CITY WHOSE FUTURE HE
FROM WALL STREET, IN THE HEAR
OF THE CITY WHOSE FUTURE HE
HAD DONE SO MUCH TO SECURE.
OF THE CITY WHOSE FUTURE HE
HAD DONE SO MUCH TO SECURE.
HE WAS JUST 47 YEARS OLD.
HAD DONE SO MUCH TO SECURE.
HE WAS JUST 47 YEARS OLD.
NEW YORK WAS ON ITS WAY.
HE WAS JUST 47 YEARS OLD.
NEW YORK WAS ON ITS WAY.
IN THE CENTURY TO COME, THE
NEW YORK WAS ON ITS WAY.
IN THE CENTURY TO COME, THE
WORLD THAT WOULD RISE UP AROUND
IN THE CENTURY TO COME, THE
WORLD THAT WOULD RISE UP AROUND
HAMILTON'S FINAL RESTING PLACE
WORLD THAT WOULD RISE UP AROUND
HAMILTON'S FINAL RESTING PLACE
WOULD BE A STUNNING MONUMEN
HAMILTON'S FINAL RESTING PLACE
WOULD BE A STUNNING MONUMEN
TO THE MAGNITUDE OF HIS
WOULD BE A STUNNING MONUMEN
TO THE MAGNITUDE OF HIS
ACHIEVEMENT.
TO THE MAGNITUDE OF HIS
ACHIEVEMENT.
Moynihan: THE FIRST THING
ACHIEVEMENT.
Moynihan: THE FIRST THING
ABOUT COMMERCIAL CULTURE IS
Moynihan: THE FIRST THING
ABOUT COMMERCIAL CULTURE IS
THAT IT WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY
ABOUT COMMERCIAL CULTURE IS
THAT IT WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY
CHANGING.
THAT IT WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY
CHANGING.
IT WILL EMBODY WHAT SCHUMPETER
CHANGING.
IT WILL EMBODY WHAT SCHUMPETER
CALLED THE "CREATIVE DESTRUCTION
IT WILL EMBODY WHAT SCHUMPETER
CALLED THE "CREATIVE DESTRUCTION
OF CAPITALISM."
CALLED THE "CREATIVE DESTRUCTION
OF CAPITALISM."
Wallace: THIS PLACE IS ABOU
OF CAPITALISM."
Wallace: THIS PLACE IS ABOU
ENDLESS RECOMPOSITION.
Wallace: THIS PLACE IS ABOU
ENDLESS RECOMPOSITION.
THERE IS VERY LITTLE COMPUNCTION
ENDLESS RECOMPOSITION.
THERE IS VERY LITTLE COMPUNCTION
ABOUT TEARING THINGS DOWN
THERE IS VERY LITTLE COMPUNCTION
ABOUT TEARING THINGS DOWN
AND PUTTING UP SOMETHING NEW
ABOUT TEARING THINGS DOWN
AND PUTTING UP SOMETHING NEW
IN THEIR PLACE.
AND PUTTING UP SOMETHING NEW
IN THEIR PLACE.
AGAIN, THERE'S PLUS SIDES TO
IN THEIR PLACE.
AGAIN, THERE'S PLUS SIDES TO
THIS.
AGAIN, THERE'S PLUS SIDES TO
THIS.
MARX, IN FACT, SAID THIS WAS
THIS.
MARX, IN FACT, SAID THIS WAS
ONE OF ITS PLUS SIDES.
MARX, IN FACT, SAID THIS WAS
ONE OF ITS PLUS SIDES.
HE HAILED CAPITALISM BECAUSE,
ONE OF ITS PLUS SIDES.
HE HAILED CAPITALISM BECAUSE,
AGAIN, IT WAS RUTHLESS.
HE HAILED CAPITALISM BECAUSE,
AGAIN, IT WAS RUTHLESS.
IT WAS PERFECTLY WILLING TO
AGAIN, IT WAS RUTHLESS.
IT WAS PERFECTLY WILLING TO
DEMOLISH ALL CONSTRAINTS ON
IT WAS PERFECTLY WILLING TO
DEMOLISH ALL CONSTRAINTS ON
PRODUCTION PROFITABILITY,
DEMOLISH ALL CONSTRAINTS ON
PRODUCTION PROFITABILITY,
WHICH MEANS THAT IT'S OPEN
PRODUCTION PROFITABILITY,
WHICH MEANS THAT IT'S OPEN
TO INNOVATION, IT'S OPEN TO
WHICH MEANS THAT IT'S OPEN
TO INNOVATION, IT'S OPEN TO
POSSIBILITY, IT IS NOT TETHERED
TO INNOVATION, IT'S OPEN TO
POSSIBILITY, IT IS NOT TETHERED
BY THE PAST.
AND THIS IS AN EXTREMELY
AMERICAN NOTION, AND IN THIS,
AMERICAN NOTION, AND IN THIS,
PERHAPS NEW YORK IS AT ITS MOS
PERHAPS NEW YORK IS AT ITS MOS
AMERICAN.
AMERICAN.
McCullough: IN A WAY, I
McCullough: IN A WAY, I
COULD BE SEEN AS A METAPHOR
COULD BE SEEN AS A METAPHOR
FOR OUR WHOLE WAY OF LIFE:
FOR OUR WHOLE WAY OF LIFE:
THAT WE ARE FOREVER CHANGING
THAT WE ARE FOREVER CHANGING
IT, IMPROVING IT, REVISING IT,
IT, IMPROVING IT, REVISING IT,
BECAUSE IT IS NEVER FINISHED
BECAUSE IT IS NEVER FINISHED
THAT'S THE IDEA.
MANHATTAN, FOR ALL THAT MAY BE
MANHATTAN, FOR ALL THAT MAY BE
OVERWHELMING ABOUT IT, IS A
MARVELOUS EXPRESSION OF THE
OVERWHELMING ABOUT IT, IS A
MARVELOUS EXPRESSION OF THE
ASPIRATION AND THE CREATIVE
MARVELOUS EXPRESSION OF THE
ASPIRATION AND THE CREATIVE
VITALITY OF OUR COUNTRY.
ASPIRATION AND THE CREATIVE
VITALITY OF OUR COUNTRY.
IT'S A MAGNIFICENT, CREATIVE
VITALITY OF OUR COUNTRY.
IT'S A MAGNIFICENT, CREATIVE
PHENOMENON.
IT'S A MAGNIFICENT, CREATIVE
PHENOMENON.
AND IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE OF
PHENOMENON.
AND IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE OF
THOSE TIME-LAPSE FILMS OF I
AND IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE OF
THOSE TIME-LAPSE FILMS OF I
GOING UP AND DOWN AND RISING AND
THOSE TIME-LAPSE FILMS OF I
GOING UP AND DOWN AND RISING AND
FALLING, YOU WOULD SENSE THAT IN
GOING UP AND DOWN AND RISING AND
FALLING, YOU WOULD SENSE THAT IN
THERE IS THE EXPRESSION OF ITS
FALLING, YOU WOULD SENSE THAT IN
THERE IS THE EXPRESSION OF ITS
OWN LIFE.
THERE IS THE EXPRESSION OF ITS
OWN LIFE.
Narrator: ALMOST 200 YEARS
OWN LIFE.
Narrator: ALMOST 200 YEARS
HAD ELAPSED SINCE EUROPEANS
Narrator: ALMOST 200 YEARS
HAD ELAPSED SINCE EUROPEANS
FIRST SET EYES ON THE VAS
HAD ELAPSED SINCE EUROPEANS
FIRST SET EYES ON THE VAS
AND TRANQUIL HARBOR, IN WHICH,
FIRST SET EYES ON THE VAS
AND TRANQUIL HARBOR, IN WHICH,
THEY DREAMED, A THOUSAND SHIPS
AND TRANQUIL HARBOR, IN WHICH,
THEY DREAMED, A THOUSAND SHIPS
MIGHT ONE DAY RIDE IN SAFETY.
THEY DREAMED, A THOUSAND SHIPS
MIGHT ONE DAY RIDE IN SAFETY.
NOW, AT LAST, THE VISION OF
MIGHT ONE DAY RIDE IN SAFETY.
NOW, AT LAST, THE VISION OF
THE OLD DUTCH EXPLORERS WAS
NOW, AT LAST, THE VISION OF
THE OLD DUTCH EXPLORERS WAS
ABOUT TO BECOME A REALITY.
THE OLD DUTCH EXPLORERS WAS
ABOUT TO BECOME A REALITY.
GALVANIZED BY THE ENERGIES
ABOUT TO BECOME A REALITY.
GALVANIZED BY THE ENERGIES
UNLEASHED IN NEW YORK,
GALVANIZED BY THE ENERGIES
UNLEASHED IN NEW YORK,
ENTREPRENEURS AND INVENTORS
UNLEASHED IN NEW YORK,
ENTREPRENEURS AND INVENTORS
FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
ENTREPRENEURS AND INVENTORS
FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
CONVERGED ON THE ISLAND CITY.
FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
CONVERGED ON THE ISLAND CITY.
IN 1807, A TRANSPLANTED
CONVERGED ON THE ISLAND CITY.
IN 1807, A TRANSPLANTED
PENNSYLVANIAN NAMED ROBER
IN 1807, A TRANSPLANTED
PENNSYLVANIAN NAMED ROBER
FULTON LAUNCHED THE WORLD'S
PENNSYLVANIAN NAMED ROBER
FULTON LAUNCHED THE WORLD'S
FIRST PRACTICAL STEAMBOAT OFF
FULTON LAUNCHED THE WORLD'S
FIRST PRACTICAL STEAMBOAT OFF
THE WEST SIDE OF MANHATTAN.
FIRST PRACTICAL STEAMBOAT OFF
THE WEST SIDE OF MANHATTAN.
IT LOOKED LIKE A "BACKWOODS
THE WEST SIDE OF MANHATTAN.
IT LOOKED LIKE A "BACKWOODS
SAWMILL," ONE MAN SAID, "MOUNTED
IT LOOKED LIKE A "BACKWOODS
SAWMILL," ONE MAN SAID, "MOUNTED
ON A SCOW AND SET ON FIRE."
SAWMILL," ONE MAN SAID, "MOUNTED
ON A SCOW AND SET ON FIRE."
BUT IT FREED SHIPS FOREVER
ON A SCOW AND SET ON FIRE."
BUT IT FREED SHIPS FOREVER
FROM THE TYRANNY OF THE WIND.
BUT IT FREED SHIPS FOREVER
FROM THE TYRANNY OF THE WIND.
THREE YEARS LATER, A 16-YEAR-OLD
FROM THE TYRANNY OF THE WIND.
THREE YEARS LATER, A 16-YEAR-OLD
BOY FROM STATEN ISLAND PURCHASED
THREE YEARS LATER, A 16-YEAR-OLD
BOY FROM STATEN ISLAND PURCHASED
A SECONDHAND SAILBOAT WITH A
BOY FROM STATEN ISLAND PURCHASED
A SECONDHAND SAILBOAT WITH A
HUNDRED DOLLARS BORROWED FROM
A SECONDHAND SAILBOAT WITH A
HUNDRED DOLLARS BORROWED FROM
HIS MOTHER AND STARTED A FERRY
HUNDRED DOLLARS BORROWED FROM
HIS MOTHER AND STARTED A FERRY
SERVICE TO MANHATTAN.
HIS MOTHER AND STARTED A FERRY
SERVICE TO MANHATTAN.
MOCKINGLY CALLED "THE COMMODORE"
SERVICE TO MANHATTAN.
MOCKINGLY CALLED "THE COMMODORE"
BY HIS RIVALS, CORNELIUS
MOCKINGLY CALLED "THE COMMODORE"
BY HIS RIVALS, CORNELIUS
VANDERBILT HAD BEGUN TO BUILD
BY HIS RIVALS, CORNELIUS
VANDERBILT HAD BEGUN TO BUILD
THE GREATEST SHIPPING EMPIRE
VANDERBILT HAD BEGUN TO BUILD
THE GREATEST SHIPPING EMPIRE
ON EARTH.
THE GREATEST SHIPPING EMPIRE
ON EARTH.
IN 1817, A COMPANY CALLED THE
ON EARTH.
IN 1817, A COMPANY CALLED THE
BLACK BALL LINE CAME UP WITH A
IN 1817, A COMPANY CALLED THE
BLACK BALL LINE CAME UP WITH A
STARTLINGLY SIMPLE IDEA THA
BLACK BALL LINE CAME UP WITH A
STARTLINGLY SIMPLE IDEA THA
WOULD REVOLUTIONIZE SHIPPING
STARTLINGLY SIMPLE IDEA THA
WOULD REVOLUTIONIZE SHIPPING
AROUND THE WORLD REGULARLY
WOULD REVOLUTIONIZE SHIPPING
AROUND THE WORLD REGULARLY
SCHEDULED DEPARTURES.
AROUND THE WORLD REGULARLY
SCHEDULED DEPARTURES.
Jackson: PRIOR TO THAT TIME,
SCHEDULED DEPARTURES.
Jackson: PRIOR TO THAT TIME,
YOU ACTUALLY SAILED WHEN YOU GO
Jackson: PRIOR TO THAT TIME,
YOU ACTUALLY SAILED WHEN YOU GO
A CREW TOGETHER OR WHEN THE HOLD
YOU ACTUALLY SAILED WHEN YOU GO
A CREW TOGETHER OR WHEN THE HOLD
FILLED UP OR WHEN IT SUITED YOU
A CREW TOGETHER OR WHEN THE HOLD
FILLED UP OR WHEN IT SUITED YOU
OR WHEN THE WEATHER WAS NICE.
FILLED UP OR WHEN IT SUITED YOU
OR WHEN THE WEATHER WAS NICE.
THE LEADERS OF THE BLACK BALL
OR WHEN THE WEATHER WAS NICE.
THE LEADERS OF THE BLACK BALL
LINE SAID, "WE WILL SAIL A
THE LEADERS OF THE BLACK BALL
LINE SAID, "WE WILL SAIL A
10:00 A.M., FULL OR NOT."
LINE SAID, "WE WILL SAIL A
10:00 A.M., FULL OR NOT."
AND THIS INITIATED A REVOLUTION
10:00 A.M., FULL OR NOT."
AND THIS INITIATED A REVOLUTION
IN TRADING, BECAUSE THEN
AND THIS INITIATED A REVOLUTION
IN TRADING, BECAUSE THEN
MERCHANTS COULD COUNT ON
IN TRADING, BECAUSE THEN
MERCHANTS COULD COUNT ON
DELIVERY AT A CERTAIN TIME,
MERCHANTS COULD COUNT ON
DELIVERY AT A CERTAIN TIME,
COULD MEET OBLIGATIONS.
DELIVERY AT A CERTAIN TIME,
COULD MEET OBLIGATIONS.
AND THIS ATTRACTED BUSINESS TO
COULD MEET OBLIGATIONS.
AND THIS ATTRACTED BUSINESS TO
NEW YORK.
AND THIS ATTRACTED BUSINESS TO
NEW YORK.
AND THEN IT BEGAN TO FEED ON
NEW YORK.
AND THEN IT BEGAN TO FEED ON
ITSELF SO THAT NEW YORK RAPIDLY
AND THEN IT BEGAN TO FEED ON
ITSELF SO THAT NEW YORK RAPIDLY
BECAME NOT JUST ANOTHER POR
ITSELF SO THAT NEW YORK RAPIDLY
BECAME NOT JUST ANOTHER POR
COMPETING WITH BALTIMORE AND
BECAME NOT JUST ANOTHER POR
COMPETING WITH BALTIMORE AND
BOSTON AND PHILADELPHIA, BUT THE
COMPETING WITH BALTIMORE AND
BOSTON AND PHILADELPHIA, BUT THE
PORT, A PORT FAR LARGER THAN ALL
BOSTON AND PHILADELPHIA, BUT THE
PORT, A PORT FAR LARGER THAN ALL
THE REST OF THEM COMBINED.
PORT, A PORT FAR LARGER THAN ALL
THE REST OF THEM COMBINED.
Narrator: AS SHIPS FROM
THE REST OF THEM COMBINED.
Narrator: AS SHIPS FROM
AROUND THE WORLD STREAMED IN
Narrator: AS SHIPS FROM
AROUND THE WORLD STREAMED IN
AND OUT OF THE HARBOR, THE CITY
AROUND THE WORLD STREAMED IN
AND OUT OF THE HARBOR, THE CITY
BEGAN TO EXPLODE NORTHWARD WITH
AND OUT OF THE HARBOR, THE CITY
BEGAN TO EXPLODE NORTHWARD WITH
ASTONISHING SPEED.
BEGAN TO EXPLODE NORTHWARD WITH
ASTONISHING SPEED.
ONE BY ONE, THE OLD DUTCH FARMS
ASTONISHING SPEED.
ONE BY ONE, THE OLD DUTCH FARMS
ONE BY ONE, THE OLD DUTCH FARMS
TOWN WERE CARVED UP INTO SMALLER
TOWN WERE CARVED UP INTO SMALLER
AND SMALLER LOTS, AND SOLD TO
TOWN WERE CARVED UP INTO SMALLER
AND SMALLER LOTS, AND SOLD TO
BUILDERS AND SPECULATORS.
AND SMALLER LOTS, AND SOLD TO
BUILDERS AND SPECULATORS.
BY 1807, A 44-YEAR-OLD GERMAN-
BUILDERS AND SPECULATORS.
BY 1807, A 44-YEAR-OLD GERMAN-
BORN FUR TRADER NAMED JOHN JACOB
BY 1807, A 44-YEAR-OLD GERMAN-
BORN FUR TRADER NAMED JOHN JACOB
ASTOR HAD BEGUN BUYING UP EVERY
BORN FUR TRADER NAMED JOHN JACOB
ASTOR HAD BEGUN BUYING UP EVERY
PIECE OF UNDEVELOPED LAND HE
ASTOR HAD BEGUN BUYING UP EVERY
PIECE OF UNDEVELOPED LAND HE
COULD LAY HIS HANDS ON.
PIECE OF UNDEVELOPED LAND HE
COULD LAY HIS HANDS ON.
Jackson: WHAT WAS HAPPENING
COULD LAY HIS HANDS ON.
Jackson: WHAT WAS HAPPENING
WAS THAT MANHATTAN REAL ESTATE
Jackson: WHAT WAS HAPPENING
WAS THAT MANHATTAN REAL ESTATE
WAS BECOMING AMONG THE MOS
WAS THAT MANHATTAN REAL ESTATE
WAS BECOMING AMONG THE MOS
EXPENSIVE IN THE WORLD.
WAS BECOMING AMONG THE MOS
EXPENSIVE IN THE WORLD.
INDEED, THE FIRST GREAT FORTUNE
EXPENSIVE IN THE WORLD.
INDEED, THE FIRST GREAT FORTUNE
IN THE UNITED STATES WAS MADE BY
INDEED, THE FIRST GREAT FORTUNE
IN THE UNITED STATES WAS MADE BY
JOHN JACOB ASTOR NOT SO MUCH
IN THE UNITED STATES WAS MADE BY
JOHN JACOB ASTOR NOT SO MUCH
ON THE FUR TRADE FOR WHICH HE'S
JOHN JACOB ASTOR NOT SO MUCH
ON THE FUR TRADE FOR WHICH HE'S
FAMOUS, BUT BECAUSE HE BEGAN TO
ON THE FUR TRADE FOR WHICH HE'S
FAMOUS, BUT BECAUSE HE BEGAN TO
BUY MANHATTAN REAL ESTATE EARLY
FAMOUS, BUT BECAUSE HE BEGAN TO
BUY MANHATTAN REAL ESTATE EARLY
PART OF THE 19th CENTURY.
BUY MANHATTAN REAL ESTATE EARLY
PART OF THE 19th CENTURY.
Wallace: HE DISCERNS THE MOS
PART OF THE 19th CENTURY.
Wallace: HE DISCERNS THE MOS
OBVIOUS FACT OF MANHATTAN'S
Wallace: HE DISCERNS THE MOS
OBVIOUS FACT OF MANHATTAN'S
DEVELOPMENT, WHICH IS THAT IT'S
OBVIOUS FACT OF MANHATTAN'S
DEVELOPMENT, WHICH IS THAT IT'S
MOVING NORTH.
DEVELOPMENT, WHICH IS THAT IT'S
MOVING NORTH.
AND IF YOU GET UP THERE FIRS
MOVING NORTH.
AND IF YOU GET UP THERE FIRS
AND YOU BUY UP THE LAND, YOU ARE
AND IF YOU GET UP THERE FIRS
AND YOU BUY UP THE LAND, YOU ARE
IN A POSITION TO DEPENDING ON
AND YOU BUY UP THE LAND, YOU ARE
IN A POSITION TO DEPENDING ON
YOUR MORAL PERSPECTIVE, PROFI
IN A POSITION TO DEPENDING ON
YOUR MORAL PERSPECTIVE, PROFI
FROM, GARNER, OR EXTORT THE
YOUR MORAL PERSPECTIVE, PROFI
FROM, GARNER, OR EXTORT THE
FOLKS WHO COME TO COME LATER.
FROM, GARNER, OR EXTORT THE
FOLKS WHO COME TO COME LATER.
Narrator: INSATIABLE,
FOLKS WHO COME TO COME LATER.
Narrator: INSATIABLE,
ARROGANT, AND NOTORIOUSLY CRUDE,
Narrator: INSATIABLE,
ARROGANT, AND NOTORIOUSLY CRUDE,
ASTOR SHOCKED NEW YORK SOCIETY
ARROGANT, AND NOTORIOUSLY CRUDE,
ASTOR SHOCKED NEW YORK SOCIETY
WITH HIS APPALLING TABLE
ASTOR SHOCKED NEW YORK SOCIETY
WITH HIS APPALLING TABLE
MANNERS: DRAWING PICTURES ON THE
WITH HIS APPALLING TABLE
MANNERS: DRAWING PICTURES ON THE
WINDOW PANE WITH A WET TOBACCO
MANNERS: DRAWING PICTURES ON THE
WINDOW PANE WITH A WET TOBACCO
CHAW, AND WIPING HIS HANDS ON
WINDOW PANE WITH A WET TOBACCO
CHAW, AND WIPING HIS HANDS ON
THE TABLE LINEN.
CHAW, AND WIPING HIS HANDS ON
THE TABLE LINEN.
BUT AT LEAST TO HIS FACE, NO ONE
THE TABLE LINEN.
BUT AT LEAST TO HIS FACE, NO ONE
SAID A WORD, AS GAMBLING ON THE
BUT AT LEAST TO HIS FACE, NO ONE
SAID A WORD, AS GAMBLING ON THE
FUTURE OF NEW YORK MADE JOHN
SAID A WORD, AS GAMBLING ON THE
FUTURE OF NEW YORK MADE JOHN
JACOB ASTOR THE WEALTHIEST MAN
FUTURE OF NEW YORK MADE JOHN
JACOB ASTOR THE WEALTHIEST MAN
IN AMERICA.
JACOB ASTOR THE WEALTHIEST MAN
IN AMERICA.
Jackson: AND JUST BEFORE HE
IN AMERICA.
Jackson: AND JUST BEFORE HE
DIED, IN 1848, HE SAID THAT IF
Jackson: AND JUST BEFORE HE
DIED, IN 1848, HE SAID THAT IF
HE HAD LIFE TO LIVE OVER AGAIN,
DIED, IN 1848, HE SAID THAT IF
HE HAD LIFE TO LIVE OVER AGAIN,
KNOWING THEN WHAT HE KNEW NOW,
HE HAD LIFE TO LIVE OVER AGAIN,
KNOWING THEN WHAT HE KNEW NOW,
HE WOULD BUY EVERY SQUARE FOO
KNOWING THEN WHAT HE KNEW NOW,
HE WOULD BUY EVERY SQUARE FOO
OF THE ISLAND OF MANHATTAN.
HE WOULD BUY EVERY SQUARE FOO
OF THE ISLAND OF MANHATTAN.
Narrator: ONLY ONE THING
OF THE ISLAND OF MANHATTAN.
Narrator: ONLY ONE THING
SEEMED TO BE MISSING NOW, AS
Narrator: ONLY ONE THING
SEEMED TO BE MISSING NOW, AS
NEW YORK SOARED INTO THE FUTURE,
SEEMED TO BE MISSING NOW, AS
NEW YORK SOARED INTO THE FUTURE,
AND ITS CITIZENS COMPARED THEIR
NEW YORK SOARED INTO THE FUTURE,
AND ITS CITIZENS COMPARED THEIR
BRASH YOUNG CITY TO THE GREA
AND ITS CITIZENS COMPARED THEIR
BRASH YOUNG CITY TO THE GREA
CAPITALS OF EUROPE AND ASIA
BRASH YOUNG CITY TO THE GREA
CAPITALS OF EUROPE AND ASIA
THE GLORY OF AN ANCIENT PAST.
CAPITALS OF EUROPE AND ASIA
THE GLORY OF AN ANCIENT PAST.
IN 1809, AS THE HUNGER FOR
THE GLORY OF AN ANCIENT PAST.
IN 1809, AS THE HUNGER FOR
HISTORY GREW STRONGER, A
IN 1809, AS THE HUNGER FOR
HISTORY GREW STRONGER, A
CURIOUS VOLUME WENT ON SALE IN
HISTORY GREW STRONGER, A
CURIOUS VOLUME WENT ON SALE IN
THE CITY'S BOOKSTORES, CALLED
CURIOUS VOLUME WENT ON SALE IN
THE CITY'S BOOKSTORES, CALLED
A HISTORY OF NEW YORK, FROM
THE CITY'S BOOKSTORES, CALLED
A HISTORY OF NEW YORK, FROM
THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD TO
A HISTORY OF NEW YORK, FROM
THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD TO
THE END OF THE DUTCH DYNASTY.
THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD TO
THE END OF THE DUTCH DYNASTY.
PRESENTED AS THE WORK OF AN
THE END OF THE DUTCH DYNASTY.
PRESENTED AS THE WORK OF AN
ELDERLY DUTCHMAN NAMED DIETRICH
PRESENTED AS THE WORK OF AN
ELDERLY DUTCHMAN NAMED DIETRICH
KNICKERBOCKER, ITS AUTHOR WAS IN
ELDERLY DUTCHMAN NAMED DIETRICH
KNICKERBOCKER, ITS AUTHOR WAS IN
FACT A 26-YEAR-OLD NATIVE-BORN
KNICKERBOCKER, ITS AUTHOR WAS IN
FACT A 26-YEAR-OLD NATIVE-BORN
NEW YORKER NAMED WASHINGTON
FACT A 26-YEAR-OLD NATIVE-BORN
NEW YORKER NAMED WASHINGTON
IRVING.
NEW YORKER NAMED WASHINGTON
IRVING.
NOT A HISTORY AT ALL, BUT A
IRVING.
NOT A HISTORY AT ALL, BUT A
WHIMSICAL BLEND OF FACT AND
NOT A HISTORY AT ALL, BUT A
WHIMSICAL BLEND OF FACT AND
FICTION, IT OFFERED NEW YORKERS
WHIMSICAL BLEND OF FACT AND
FICTION, IT OFFERED NEW YORKERS
A MOCK HEROIC PAST REIMAGINING
FICTION, IT OFFERED NEW YORKERS
A MOCK HEROIC PAST REIMAGINING
THE UNRULY DUTCH COLONY AS AN
A MOCK HEROIC PAST REIMAGINING
THE UNRULY DUTCH COLONY AS AN
ENCHANTED FAIRYLAND THE DUTCH
THE UNRULY DUTCH COLONY AS AN
ENCHANTED FAIRYLAND THE DUTCH
THEMSELVES WOULD SCARCELY HAVE
ENCHANTED FAIRYLAND THE DUTCH
THEMSELVES WOULD SCARCELY HAVE
RECOGNIZED.
THEMSELVES WOULD SCARCELY HAVE
RECOGNIZED.
Bender: I THINK IT IS TRUE
RECOGNIZED.
Bender: I THINK IT IS TRUE
THAT IRVING GIVES IT A MYTHICAL
Bender: I THINK IT IS TRUE
THAT IRVING GIVES IT A MYTHICAL
HISTORY WHICH ANY PLACE HAS TO
THAT IRVING GIVES IT A MYTHICAL
HISTORY WHICH ANY PLACE HAS TO
HAVE.
HISTORY WHICH ANY PLACE HAS TO
HAVE.
UNLIKE EUROPEAN CITIES THAT IS
HAVE.
UNLIKE EUROPEAN CITIES THAT IS
WAS GOING TO TRY TO IMITATE, I
UNLIKE EUROPEAN CITIES THAT IS
WAS GOING TO TRY TO IMITATE, I
DIDN'T HAVE THOUSANDS OF YEARS.
WAS GOING TO TRY TO IMITATE, I
DIDN'T HAVE THOUSANDS OF YEARS.
SO IT HAD TO CREATE ITS HISTORY,
DIDN'T HAVE THOUSANDS OF YEARS.
SO IT HAD TO CREATE ITS HISTORY,
AND ITS PRESENT, AND ITS FUTURE,
SO IT HAD TO CREATE ITS HISTORY,
AND ITS PRESENT, AND ITS FUTURE,
AND IT HAD TO DO IT AT THE SAME
AND ITS PRESENT, AND ITS FUTURE,
AND IT HAD TO DO IT AT THE SAME
TIME IMITATING EUROPEAN MODELS
AND IT HAD TO DO IT AT THE SAME
TIME IMITATING EUROPEAN MODELS
BUT INSISTING THAT IT WAS GOING
TIME IMITATING EUROPEAN MODELS
BUT INSISTING THAT IT WAS GOING
TO BE DISTINCTIVE.
BUT INSISTING THAT IT WAS GOING
TO BE DISTINCTIVE.
Narrator: IRVING'S FICTIONAL
TO BE DISTINCTIVE.
Narrator: IRVING'S FICTIONAL
HISTORY QUICKLY BECAME THE
Narrator: IRVING'S FICTIONAL
HISTORY QUICKLY BECAME THE
CITY'S FIRST BEST-SELLER, AND
HISTORY QUICKLY BECAME THE
CITY'S FIRST BEST-SELLER, AND
IRVING HIMSELF THE FIRST MAN
CITY'S FIRST BEST-SELLER, AND
IRVING HIMSELF THE FIRST MAN
IN AMERICA TO EARN HIS LIVING
IRVING HIMSELF THE FIRST MAN
IN AMERICA TO EARN HIS LIVING
SOLELY BY HIS PEN, POPULARIZING
IN AMERICA TO EARN HIS LIVING
SOLELY BY HIS PEN, POPULARIZING
HISTORICAL FIGURES LIKE PETER
SOLELY BY HIS PEN, POPULARIZING
HISTORICAL FIGURES LIKE PETER
STUYVESANT, AND FICTIONAL ONES,
HISTORICAL FIGURES LIKE PETER
STUYVESANT, AND FICTIONAL ONES,
LIKE RIP VAN WINKLE, AND GIVING
STUYVESANT, AND FICTIONAL ONES,
LIKE RIP VAN WINKLE, AND GIVING
THE CITY ITS FIRST NICKNAME
LIKE RIP VAN WINKLE, AND GIVING
THE CITY ITS FIRST NICKNAME
GOTHAM.
THE CITY ITS FIRST NICKNAME
GOTHAM.
FATHER KNICKERBOCKER HIMSELF
GOTHAM.
FATHER KNICKERBOCKER HIMSELF
BECAME THE UNOFFICIAL SYMBOL OF
FATHER KNICKERBOCKER HIMSELF
BECAME THE UNOFFICIAL SYMBOL OF
NEW YORK CITY, AND SOON EVEN THE
BECAME THE UNOFFICIAL SYMBOL OF
NEW YORK CITY, AND SOON EVEN THE
OLDEST FAMILIES WERE CALLING
NEW YORK CITY, AND SOON EVEN THE
OLDEST FAMILIES WERE CALLING
THEMSELVES KNICKERBOCKERS,
OLDEST FAMILIES WERE CALLING
THEMSELVES KNICKERBOCKERS,
PROUDLY TRACING THEIR LINEAGE
THEMSELVES KNICKERBOCKERS,
PROUDLY TRACING THEIR LINEAGE
BACK TO A MAN WHO NEVER EXISTED.
PROUDLY TRACING THEIR LINEAGE
BACK TO A MAN WHO NEVER EXISTED.
Stern: ONE THING ABOUT NEW
BACK TO A MAN WHO NEVER EXISTED.
Stern: ONE THING ABOUT NEW
YORK IS THAT NEW YORK HAS ALWAYS
Stern: ONE THING ABOUT NEW
YORK IS THAT NEW YORK HAS ALWAYS
MADE ITS OWN MYTH.
YORK IS THAT NEW YORK HAS ALWAYS
MADE ITS OWN MYTH.
WASHINGTON IRVING CREATED THE
MADE ITS OWN MYTH.
WASHINGTON IRVING CREATED THE
MYTH OF THE KNICKERBOCKER
WASHINGTON IRVING CREATED THE
MYTH OF THE KNICKERBOCKER
FAMILIES.
HE ALREADY COULD PROBABLY SENSE
WITH THE ARRIVALS OF THE ASTORS
WITH THE ARRIVALS OF THE ASTORS
AND THE VANDERBILTS THAT THE OLD
AND THE VANDERBILTS THAT THE OLD
FAMILIES THAT WENT BACK TO THE
FAMILIES THAT WENT BACK TO THE
DUTCH COLONIAL ERA WERE WANING
DUTCH COLONIAL ERA WERE WANING
IN THEIR INFLUENCE.
SO HE CREATED A MYTH FOR THEM.
SO HE CREATED A MYTH FOR THEM.
AND HE CREATED DIETRICH
KNICKERBOCKER, AND HE CREATED
AND HE CREATED DIETRICH
KNICKERBOCKER, AND HE CREATED
THESE STORIES.
KNICKERBOCKER, AND HE CREATED
THESE STORIES.
Narrator: IF IT HAD DONE
THESE STORIES.
Narrator: IF IT HAD DONE
NOTHING MORE, NEW YORK CITY
Narrator: IF IT HAD DONE
NOTHING MORE, NEW YORK CITY
WOULD HAVE REMAINED FOREVER
NOTHING MORE, NEW YORK CITY
WOULD HAVE REMAINED FOREVER
AFTER THE GREATEST PORT ON
WOULD HAVE REMAINED FOREVER
AFTER THE GREATEST PORT ON
THE ATLANTIC SEABOARD.
AFTER THE GREATEST PORT ON
THE ATLANTIC SEABOARD.
BUT A LARGER DESTINY LAY IN
THE ATLANTIC SEABOARD.
BUT A LARGER DESTINY LAY IN
STORE, AND TO ACHIEVE IT,
BUT A LARGER DESTINY LAY IN
STORE, AND TO ACHIEVE IT,
TWO IMMENSE OBSTACLES WOULD
STORE, AND TO ACHIEVE IT,
TWO IMMENSE OBSTACLES WOULD
HAVE TO BE OVERCOME.
TWO IMMENSE OBSTACLES WOULD
HAVE TO BE OVERCOME.
ONE WAS THE GEOGRAPHY OF
HAVE TO BE OVERCOME.
ONE WAS THE GEOGRAPHY OF
MANHATTAN ISLAND, WHOSE RUGGED
ONE WAS THE GEOGRAPHY OF
MANHATTAN ISLAND, WHOSE RUGGED
NATURAL LANDSCAPE WAS A
MANHATTAN ISLAND, WHOSE RUGGED
NATURAL LANDSCAPE WAS A
HINDRANCE TO ORDERLY GROWTH.
NATURAL LANDSCAPE WAS A
HINDRANCE TO ORDERLY GROWTH.
THE OTHER WAS THE GEOGRAPHY
HINDRANCE TO ORDERLY GROWTH.
THE OTHER WAS THE GEOGRAPHY
OF THE AMERICAN CONTINENT,
THE OTHER WAS THE GEOGRAPHY
OF THE AMERICAN CONTINENT,
TO WHOSE VAST INTERIOR RICHES
OF THE AMERICAN CONTINENT,
TO WHOSE VAST INTERIOR RICHES
THE CITY'S MERCHANTS STILL HAD
TO WHOSE VAST INTERIOR RICHES
THE CITY'S MERCHANTS STILL HAD
NO EASY ACCESS.
THE CITY'S MERCHANTS STILL HAD
NO EASY ACCESS.
THE MAN WHO WOULD ATTEMPT TO
NO EASY ACCESS.
THE MAN WHO WOULD ATTEMPT TO
SOLVE BOTH PROBLEMS AND IN
THE MAN WHO WOULD ATTEMPT TO
SOLVE BOTH PROBLEMS AND IN
SO DOING, STAKE A CLAIM TO BEING
SOLVE BOTH PROBLEMS AND IN
SO DOING, STAKE A CLAIM TO BEING
THE GREATEST NEW YORKER OF ALL
SO DOING, STAKE A CLAIM TO BEING
THE GREATEST NEW YORKER OF ALL
TIME WAS A SIX FOOT THREE-INCH
THE GREATEST NEW YORKER OF ALL
TIME WAS A SIX FOOT THREE-INCH
PATRICIAN POLITICIAN, SO
TIME WAS A SIX FOOT THREE-INCH
PATRICIAN POLITICIAN, SO
BRILLIANT AND COMMANDING THA
PATRICIAN POLITICIAN, SO
BRILLIANT AND COMMANDING THA
FRIENDS AND ENEMIES ALIKE CALLED
BRILLIANT AND COMMANDING THA
FRIENDS AND ENEMIES ALIKE CALLED
HIM MAGNUS APOLLO.
FRIENDS AND ENEMIES ALIKE CALLED
HIM MAGNUS APOLLO.
IN TEN TERMS AS MAYOR OF THE
HIM MAGNUS APOLLO.
IN TEN TERMS AS MAYOR OF THE
CITY, AND THREE AS GOVERNOR OF
IN TEN TERMS AS MAYOR OF THE
CITY, AND THREE AS GOVERNOR OF
THE STATE, DE WITT CLINTON WOULD
CITY, AND THREE AS GOVERNOR OF
THE STATE, DE WITT CLINTON WOULD
DO MORE TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF
THE STATE, DE WITT CLINTON WOULD
DO MORE TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF
NEW YORK THAN ANYONE ELSE IN ITS
DO MORE TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF
NEW YORK THAN ANYONE ELSE IN ITS
HISTORY.
NEW YORK THAN ANYONE ELSE IN ITS
HISTORY.
TO DO THAT, HE WOULD FIRST HAVE
HISTORY.
TO DO THAT, HE WOULD FIRST HAVE
TO BRING ORDER OUT OF CHAOS,
TO DO THAT, HE WOULD FIRST HAVE
TO BRING ORDER OUT OF CHAOS,
THEN REACH WESTWARD AND
TO BRING ORDER OUT OF CHAOS,
THEN REACH WESTWARD AND
TRANSFORM GEOGRAPHY ITSELF.
THEN REACH WESTWARD AND
TRANSFORM GEOGRAPHY ITSELF.
Jackson: DE WITT CLINTON
TRANSFORM GEOGRAPHY ITSELF.
Jackson: DE WITT CLINTON
IS ARGUABLY THE MOST IMPORTAN
Jackson: DE WITT CLINTON
IS ARGUABLY THE MOST IMPORTAN
PERSON WHO EVER LIVED IN
IS ARGUABLY THE MOST IMPORTAN
PERSON WHO EVER LIVED IN
NEW YORK.
PERSON WHO EVER LIVED IN
NEW YORK.
AND I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS
NEW YORK.
AND I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS
AN ENVIRONMENT THAT INCLUDED
AND I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS
AN ENVIRONMENT THAT INCLUDED
PETER STUYVESANT AND ROBER
AN ENVIRONMENT THAT INCLUDED
PETER STUYVESANT AND ROBER
MOSES AND FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVEL
PETER STUYVESANT AND ROBER
MOSES AND FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVEL
AND FIORELLO LA GUARDIA.
MOSES AND FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVEL
AND FIORELLO LA GUARDIA.
BUT DE WITT CLINTON WAS THERE
AND FIORELLO LA GUARDIA.
BUT DE WITT CLINTON WAS THERE
AT THE CRITICAL MOMENT IN
BUT DE WITT CLINTON WAS THERE
AT THE CRITICAL MOMENT IN
NEW YORK CITY'S HISTORY WHEN
AT THE CRITICAL MOMENT IN
NEW YORK CITY'S HISTORY WHEN
IT WAS NOT CLEAR THAT IT WOULD
NEW YORK CITY'S HISTORY WHEN
IT WAS NOT CLEAR THAT IT WOULD
BE THE DOMINANT CITY THAT I
IT WAS NOT CLEAR THAT IT WOULD
BE THE DOMINANT CITY THAT I
LATER BECAME.
BE THE DOMINANT CITY THAT I
LATER BECAME.
Bender: DE WITT CLINTON HAD
LATER BECAME.
Bender: DE WITT CLINTON HAD
A VISION OF NEW YORK THAT WAS
Bender: DE WITT CLINTON HAD
A VISION OF NEW YORK THAT WAS
NOT TO BE THE OFFICIAL CAPITAL
A VISION OF NEW YORK THAT WAS
NOT TO BE THE OFFICIAL CAPITAL
OF THE UNITED STATES.
NOT TO BE THE OFFICIAL CAPITAL
OF THE UNITED STATES.
AND HE UNDERSTOOD ITS BASES TO
OF THE UNITED STATES.
AND HE UNDERSTOOD ITS BASES TO
BE THE ECONOMY AND CULTURE.
AND HE UNDERSTOOD ITS BASES TO
BE THE ECONOMY AND CULTURE.
AND IT WAS TO THOSE TWO THINGS
BE THE ECONOMY AND CULTURE.
AND IT WAS TO THOSE TWO THINGS
THAT HE DEVOTED HIMSELF WITH
AND IT WAS TO THOSE TWO THINGS
THAT HE DEVOTED HIMSELF WITH
EXTRAORDINARY FOCUS.
THAT HE DEVOTED HIMSELF WITH
EXTRAORDINARY FOCUS.
Narrator: AN ADMIRER OF
EXTRAORDINARY FOCUS.
Narrator: AN ADMIRER OF
ALEXANDER HAMILTON AND HEIR TO
Narrator: AN ADMIRER OF
ALEXANDER HAMILTON AND HEIR TO
HAMILTON'S GLORIOUS COMMERCIAL
ALEXANDER HAMILTON AND HEIR TO
HAMILTON'S GLORIOUS COMMERCIAL
VISION OF NEW YORK, CLINTON
HAMILTON'S GLORIOUS COMMERCIAL
VISION OF NEW YORK, CLINTON
WOULD FINISH LAYING THE
VISION OF NEW YORK, CLINTON
WOULD FINISH LAYING THE
FOUNDATION OF THE MODERN CITY.
WOULD FINISH LAYING THE
FOUNDATION OF THE MODERN CITY.
IN 1807, TO HELP BRING ORDER TO
FOUNDATION OF THE MODERN CITY.
IN 1807, TO HELP BRING ORDER TO
THE CHAOS OF THE CITY'S RAPID
IN 1807, TO HELP BRING ORDER TO
THE CHAOS OF THE CITY'S RAPID
NORTHWARD GROWTH, HE OVERSAW THE
THE CHAOS OF THE CITY'S RAPID
NORTHWARD GROWTH, HE OVERSAW THE
CREATION OF A SPECIAL COMMISSION
NORTHWARD GROWTH, HE OVERSAW THE
CREATION OF A SPECIAL COMMISSION
TO COME UP WITH WHAT HE HOPED
CREATION OF A SPECIAL COMMISSION
TO COME UP WITH WHAT HE HOPED
WOULD BE A FINAL AND CONCLUSIVE
TO COME UP WITH WHAT HE HOPED
WOULD BE A FINAL AND CONCLUSIVE
PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF
WOULD BE A FINAL AND CONCLUSIVE
PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF
MANHATTAN ISLAND.
PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF
MANHATTAN ISLAND.
Stern: THERE LAY BEFORE THE
MANHATTAN ISLAND.
Stern: THERE LAY BEFORE THE
CITY FATHERS A VAST ISLAND,
Stern: THERE LAY BEFORE THE
CITY FATHERS A VAST ISLAND,
ANOTHER TEN MILES OF IT,
CITY FATHERS A VAST ISLAND,
ANOTHER TEN MILES OF IT,
ROUGHLY, RUNNING NORTH SOUTH.
ANOTHER TEN MILES OF IT,
ROUGHLY, RUNNING NORTH SOUTH.
HOW WOULD THEY ORGANIZE IT?
ROUGHLY, RUNNING NORTH SOUTH.
HOW WOULD THEY ORGANIZE IT?
COMMISSIONERS ORGANIZED IT IN
HOW WOULD THEY ORGANIZE IT?
COMMISSIONERS ORGANIZED IT IN
A VERY AMERICAN WAY A VERY
COMMISSIONERS ORGANIZED IT IN
A VERY AMERICAN WAY A VERY
JEFFERSONIAN WAY ON A GRID.
A VERY AMERICAN WAY A VERY
JEFFERSONIAN WAY ON A GRID.
Narrator: IN 1811, THE
JEFFERSONIAN WAY ON A GRID.
Narrator: IN 1811, THE
COMMISSIONERS UNVEILED THEIR
Narrator: IN 1811, THE
COMMISSIONERS UNVEILED THEIR
PLAN.
COMMISSIONERS UNVEILED THEIR
PLAN.
ON A GIANT MAP, MORE THAN EIGH
PLAN.
ON A GIANT MAP, MORE THAN EIGH
FEET LONG, THEY HAD PROJECTED
ON A GIANT MAP, MORE THAN EIGH
FEET LONG, THEY HAD PROJECTED
AN ASTONISHING VISION OF THE
FEET LONG, THEY HAD PROJECTED
AN ASTONISHING VISION OF THE
FUTURE THAT WOULD SHAPE THE
AN ASTONISHING VISION OF THE
FUTURE THAT WOULD SHAPE THE
DESTINY OF MANHATTAN FOR
FUTURE THAT WOULD SHAPE THE
DESTINY OF MANHATTAN FOR
CENTURIES TO COME.
DESTINY OF MANHATTAN FOR
CENTURIES TO COME.
Reader: "THE GRID IS THE MOS
CENTURIES TO COME.
Reader: "THE GRID IS THE MOS
COURAGEOUS ACT OF PREDICTION
Reader: "THE GRID IS THE MOS
COURAGEOUS ACT OF PREDICTION
IN WESTERN CIVILIZATION:
COURAGEOUS ACT OF PREDICTION
IN WESTERN CIVILIZATION:
THE LAND IT DIVIDES, UNOCCUPIED;
IN WESTERN CIVILIZATION:
THE LAND IT DIVIDES, UNOCCUPIED;
THE POPULATION IT DESCRIBES,
THE LAND IT DIVIDES, UNOCCUPIED;
THE POPULATION IT DESCRIBES,
CONJECTURAL; THE BUILDINGS
THE POPULATION IT DESCRIBES,
CONJECTURAL; THE BUILDINGS
IT LOCATES, PHANTOMS."
CONJECTURAL; THE BUILDINGS
IT LOCATES, PHANTOMS."
REM KOOLHAAS.
IT LOCATES, PHANTOMS."
REM KOOLHAAS.
Narrator: AT A TIME WHEN
REM KOOLHAAS.
Narrator: AT A TIME WHEN
NEW YORK CITY WAS STILL
Narrator: AT A TIME WHEN
NEW YORK CITY WAS STILL
HUDDLED AT THE SOUTHERN TIP
NEW YORK CITY WAS STILL
HUDDLED AT THE SOUTHERN TIP
OF MANHATTAN, CLINTON'S
HUDDLED AT THE SOUTHERN TIP
OF MANHATTAN, CLINTON'S
COMMISSIONERS PROPOSED LEVELING
OF MANHATTAN, CLINTON'S
COMMISSIONERS PROPOSED LEVELING
THE ENTIRE NATURAL GEOGRAPHY
COMMISSIONERS PROPOSED LEVELING
THE ENTIRE NATURAL GEOGRAPHY
OF THE ISLAND AND REPLACING I
THE ENTIRE NATURAL GEOGRAPHY
OF THE ISLAND AND REPLACING I
WITH A SINGLE MASSIVE GRID
OF THE ISLAND AND REPLACING I
WITH A SINGLE MASSIVE GRID
12 AVENUES WIDE AND 155 STREETS
WITH A SINGLE MASSIVE GRID
12 AVENUES WIDE AND 155 STREETS
LONG, COVERING 11,000 ACRES
12 AVENUES WIDE AND 155 STREETS
LONG, COVERING 11,000 ACRES
WITH MORE THAN 2,000 BLOCKS.
LONG, COVERING 11,000 ACRES
WITH MORE THAN 2,000 BLOCKS.
THERE HAD BEEN GRID PLANS
WITH MORE THAN 2,000 BLOCKS.
THERE HAD BEEN GRID PLANS
BEFORE, BUT NEVER OF THIS SCALE.
THERE HAD BEEN GRID PLANS
BEFORE, BUT NEVER OF THIS SCALE.
AT A TIME WHEN THE CITY HELD
BEFORE, BUT NEVER OF THIS SCALE.
AT A TIME WHEN THE CITY HELD
FEWER THAN 100,000 PEOPLE,
AT A TIME WHEN THE CITY HELD
FEWER THAN 100,000 PEOPLE,
THE PLAN ENVISIONED A GIAN
FEWER THAN 100,000 PEOPLE,
THE PLAN ENVISIONED A GIAN
METROPOLIS OF MORE THAN
THE PLAN ENVISIONED A GIAN
METROPOLIS OF MORE THAN
A MILLION.
METROPOLIS OF MORE THAN
A MILLION.
IF REALIZED, IT WOULD TRANSFORM
A MILLION.
IF REALIZED, IT WOULD TRANSFORM
MANHATTAN INTO THE MOST POPULOUS
IF REALIZED, IT WOULD TRANSFORM
MANHATTAN INTO THE MOST POPULOUS
CITY ON EARTH.
MANHATTAN INTO THE MOST POPULOUS
CITY ON EARTH.
Gill: IT WAS AN EXTRAORDINARY
CITY ON EARTH.
Gill: IT WAS AN EXTRAORDINARY
THING TO IMPOSE GEOMETRY ON AN
Gill: IT WAS AN EXTRAORDINARY
THING TO IMPOSE GEOMETRY ON AN
ISLAND.
THING TO IMPOSE GEOMETRY ON AN
ISLAND.
IT WAS AN ENCHANTING ISLAND,
ISLAND.
IT WAS AN ENCHANTING ISLAND,
IT WAS ALL COVERED WITH OAK
IT WAS AN ENCHANTING ISLAND,
IT WAS ALL COVERED WITH OAK
AND HEMLOCK AND FUR, AND THERE
IT WAS ALL COVERED WITH OAK
AND HEMLOCK AND FUR, AND THERE
WERE LOTS OF PONDS AND STREAMS
AND HEMLOCK AND FUR, AND THERE
WERE LOTS OF PONDS AND STREAMS
AND SPRINGS, AND IT WAS ALL UP-
WERE LOTS OF PONDS AND STREAMS
AND SPRINGS, AND IT WAS ALL UP-
AND DOWNHILL.
AND INSTEAD OF ALLOWING FOR THE
UPS AND DOWNS AND SAVING THE
UPS AND DOWNS AND SAVING THE
BROOKS AND STREAMS AND
BROOKS AND STREAMS AND
EVERYTHING, THIS GRIDIRON, THIS
EVERYTHING, THIS GRIDIRON, THIS
REALLY CRUEL GRIDIRON, A
REALLY CRUEL GRIDIRON, A
TORTUROUS METHOD, WAS LAID DOWN
TORTUROUS METHOD, WAS LAID DOWN
OVER THE WHOLE ISLAND.
Wallace: IN THE PRE-GRID
Wallace: IN THE PRE-GRID
DAYS, WE RESPECTED NATURE
PARTLY BECAUSE WE COULDN'T DO
DAYS, WE RESPECTED NATURE
PARTLY BECAUSE WE COULDN'T DO
MUCH ABOUT IT.
PARTLY BECAUSE WE COULDN'T DO
MUCH ABOUT IT.
SO ROADS GO AROUND HILLS, THEY
MUCH ABOUT IT.
SO ROADS GO AROUND HILLS, THEY
CIRCUMVENT PONDS.
SO ROADS GO AROUND HILLS, THEY
CIRCUMVENT PONDS.
NO MORE.
CIRCUMVENT PONDS.
NO MORE.
NOW HILLS WERE TO BE LEVELED
NO MORE.
NOW HILLS WERE TO BE LEVELED
AND THROWN INTO PONDS, LAND WAS
NOW HILLS WERE TO BE LEVELED
AND THROWN INTO PONDS, LAND WAS
TO BE FILLED IN, THIS WAS TO
AND THROWN INTO PONDS, LAND WAS
TO BE FILLED IN, THIS WAS TO
BECOME ONE THE MOST MANMADE,
TO BE FILLED IN, THIS WAS TO
BECOME ONE THE MOST MANMADE,
ARTIFICIAL SPACES IN THE HISTORY
BECOME ONE THE MOST MANMADE,
ARTIFICIAL SPACES IN THE HISTORY
OF THE PLANET.
ARTIFICIAL SPACES IN THE HISTORY
OF THE PLANET.
Narrator: INSCRIBED WITHIN
OF THE PLANET.
Narrator: INSCRIBED WITHIN
THE GRID WAS AN EXTRAORDINARY
Narrator: INSCRIBED WITHIN
THE GRID WAS AN EXTRAORDINARY
VISION OF WHAT NEW YORKERS
THE GRID WAS AN EXTRAORDINARY
VISION OF WHAT NEW YORKERS
WANTED THEIR CITY TO BE.
VISION OF WHAT NEW YORKERS
WANTED THEIR CITY TO BE.
Wallace: ONE, IMPERIAL
WANTED THEIR CITY TO BE.
Wallace: ONE, IMPERIAL
THERE'S A SENSE OF EXPANSION
Wallace: ONE, IMPERIAL
THERE'S A SENSE OF EXPANSION
NORTHWARD, THE NUMBERS RUN UP.
THERE'S A SENSE OF EXPANSION
NORTHWARD, THE NUMBERS RUN UP.
TWO, DEMOCRATIC BECAUSE
NORTHWARD, THE NUMBERS RUN UP.
TWO, DEMOCRATIC BECAUSE
THE STREETS ARE GOING TO BE
TWO, DEMOCRATIC BECAUSE
THE STREETS ARE GOING TO BE
NUMBERED, THEY'RE NOT GOING
THE STREETS ARE GOING TO BE
NUMBERED, THEY'RE NOT GOING
TO BE NAMED.
NUMBERED, THEY'RE NOT GOING
TO BE NAMED.
THREE, EFFICIENT IT MAKES
TO BE NAMED.
THREE, EFFICIENT IT MAKES
IT EASY FOR IMMIGRANTS.
THREE, EFFICIENT IT MAKES
IT EASY FOR IMMIGRANTS.
IT EASY FOR IMMIGRANTS.
CAN NAVIGATE THEIR WAY AROUND
CAN NAVIGATE THEIR WAY AROUND
TO THEIR WORKPLACE AND TO
CAN NAVIGATE THEIR WAY AROUND
TO THEIR WORKPLACE AND TO
SELLING PLACES.
TO THEIR WORKPLACE AND TO
SELLING PLACES.
FOUR, A SENSE OF ROUTINIZING
SELLING PLACES.
FOUR, A SENSE OF ROUTINIZING
AND REGULARIZING THE REAL ESTATE
FOUR, A SENSE OF ROUTINIZING
AND REGULARIZING THE REAL ESTATE
MARKET BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS
AND REGULARIZING THE REAL ESTATE
MARKET BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS
GRIDDED UP IN ADVANCE, SO THA
MARKET BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS
GRIDDED UP IN ADVANCE, SO THA
YOU CAN BUY AND SELL PLOTS
GRIDDED UP IN ADVANCE, SO THA
YOU CAN BUY AND SELL PLOTS
EASILY WITH GREAT CONVENIENCE.
YOU CAN BUY AND SELL PLOTS
EASILY WITH GREAT CONVENIENCE.
PERHAPS THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY
EASILY WITH GREAT CONVENIENCE.
PERHAPS THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY
IS THE CONVICTION THAT YOU ARE
PERHAPS THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY
IS THE CONVICTION THAT YOU ARE
GOING TO TOTALLY TRIUMPH OVER
IS THE CONVICTION THAT YOU ARE
GOING TO TOTALLY TRIUMPH OVER
NATURE.
GOING TO TOTALLY TRIUMPH OVER
NATURE.
AND THE NOTION THAT YOU CAN,
NATURE.
AND THE NOTION THAT YOU CAN,
IN FACT, SHAPE, RESHAPE,
AND THE NOTION THAT YOU CAN,
IN FACT, SHAPE, RESHAPE,
REFORMULATE THINGS IS AGAIN
IN FACT, SHAPE, RESHAPE,
REFORMULATE THINGS IS AGAIN
RIGHT NEAR THE BONE OF THE
REFORMULATE THINGS IS AGAIN
RIGHT NEAR THE BONE OF THE
NEW YORK IDEA.
RIGHT NEAR THE BONE OF THE
NEW YORK IDEA.
Narrator: WITH ITS THOUSANDS
NEW YORK IDEA.
Narrator: WITH ITS THOUSANDS
OF BLOCKS, EACH MORE OR LESS
Narrator: WITH ITS THOUSANDS
OF BLOCKS, EACH MORE OR LESS
IDENTICAL TO EVERY OTHER, THE
OF BLOCKS, EACH MORE OR LESS
IDENTICAL TO EVERY OTHER, THE
GRID ENVISIONED A REMARKABLY
IDENTICAL TO EVERY OTHER, THE
GRID ENVISIONED A REMARKABLY
UNIFORM AND DEMOCRATIC CITY
GRID ENVISIONED A REMARKABLY
UNIFORM AND DEMOCRATIC CITY
AND WITH ITS HUNDREDS OF STREETS
UNIFORM AND DEMOCRATIC CITY
AND WITH ITS HUNDREDS OF STREETS
LEADING DOWN TO THE RIVERS, A
AND WITH ITS HUNDREDS OF STREETS
LEADING DOWN TO THE RIVERS, A
RELENTLESSLY COMMERCIAL ONE.
LEADING DOWN TO THE RIVERS, A
RELENTLESSLY COMMERCIAL ONE.
THE ALMOST COMPLETE ABSENCE OF
RELENTLESSLY COMMERCIAL ONE.
THE ALMOST COMPLETE ABSENCE OF
PARK SPACE IN THE COMMISSIONER'S
THE ALMOST COMPLETE ABSENCE OF
PARK SPACE IN THE COMMISSIONER'S
PLAN WOULD HAUNT THE CITY FOR
PARK SPACE IN THE COMMISSIONER'S
PLAN WOULD HAUNT THE CITY FOR
DECADES TO COME.
PLAN WOULD HAUNT THE CITY FOR
DECADES TO COME.
Philip Lopate: AND, YOU KNOW,
DECADES TO COME.
Philip Lopate: AND, YOU KNOW,
THE GRID IS OFTEN ATTACKED.
Philip Lopate: AND, YOU KNOW,
THE GRID IS OFTEN ATTACKED.
PEOPLE SAY THAT IT'S CAPITALIS
THE GRID IS OFTEN ATTACKED.
PEOPLE SAY THAT IT'S CAPITALIS
SPECULATION, OR THAT IT'S
PEOPLE SAY THAT IT'S CAPITALIS
SPECULATION, OR THAT IT'S
AN UNLOVELY FORM, YOU KNOW;
SPECULATION, OR THAT IT'S
AN UNLOVELY FORM, YOU KNOW;
THEY SAY THAT IT'S MONOTONOUS,
AN UNLOVELY FORM, YOU KNOW;
THEY SAY THAT IT'S MONOTONOUS,
IT'S TOTALITARIAN.
THEY SAY THAT IT'S MONOTONOUS,
IT'S TOTALITARIAN.
I DON'T THINK ANYBODY WHO'S
IT'S TOTALITARIAN.
I DON'T THINK ANYBODY WHO'S
EVEN BEEN IN THE NEW YORK GRID,
I DON'T THINK ANYBODY WHO'S
EVEN BEEN IN THE NEW YORK GRID,
IF HE'S HONEST WITH HIMSELF,
EVEN BEEN IN THE NEW YORK GRID,
IF HE'S HONEST WITH HIMSELF,
EXPERIENCES IT AS TOTALITARIAN.
TOO MUCH IS HAPPENING.
IT'S TOO INTERESTING.
SO THIS IS A KIND OF
SO THIS IS A KIND OF
INTELLECTUAL IDEA, A JUDGMENT,
THAT IS OVERLAID ONTO IT AFTER
INTELLECTUAL IDEA, A JUDGMENT,
THAT IS OVERLAID ONTO IT AFTER
THE FACT.
THAT IS OVERLAID ONTO IT AFTER
THE FACT.
SO WHAT YOU HAVE IN THE GRID, IS
THE FACT.
SO WHAT YOU HAVE IN THE GRID, IS
A POWERFUL UNDER ORDER IN A CITY
SO WHAT YOU HAVE IN THE GRID, IS
A POWERFUL UNDER ORDER IN A CITY
WHERE THERE IS SO MUCH ANARCHY.
A POWERFUL UNDER ORDER IN A CITY
WHERE THERE IS SO MUCH ANARCHY.
Stern: AND YOU CAN STAND ON
WHERE THERE IS SO MUCH ANARCHY.
Stern: AND YOU CAN STAND ON
ANY CROSS-STREET, AND YOU CAN
Stern: AND YOU CAN STAND ON
ANY CROSS-STREET, AND YOU CAN
SEE THE RIVER ON EITHER SIDE,
ANY CROSS-STREET, AND YOU CAN
SEE THE RIVER ON EITHER SIDE,
AND ALSO THE BREEZE COMES
SEE THE RIVER ON EITHER SIDE,
AND ALSO THE BREEZE COMES
THROUGH, AND YOU GET THE SUN
AND ALSO THE BREEZE COMES
THROUGH, AND YOU GET THE SUN
RISING ON ONE SIDE, AND THE SUN
THROUGH, AND YOU GET THE SUN
RISING ON ONE SIDE, AND THE SUN
SETTING ON THE OTHER SIDE.
RISING ON ONE SIDE, AND THE SUN
SETTING ON THE OTHER SIDE.
IT'S ALSO QUITE NICE, THE BIG
SETTING ON THE OTHER SIDE.
IT'S ALSO QUITE NICE, THE BIG
LONG, STRAIGHT AVENUES THAT RUN
IT'S ALSO QUITE NICE, THE BIG
LONG, STRAIGHT AVENUES THAT RUN
NORTH AND SOUTH, WHICH JOHN PAUL
LONG, STRAIGHT AVENUES THAT RUN
NORTH AND SOUTH, WHICH JOHN PAUL
SARTE ADMIRED.
NORTH AND SOUTH, WHICH JOHN PAUL
SARTE ADMIRED.
HE LOVED THESE BIG STRAIGH
SARTE ADMIRED.
HE LOVED THESE BIG STRAIGH
AVENUES IN WHICH YOU COULD SEE
HE LOVED THESE BIG STRAIGH
AVENUES IN WHICH YOU COULD SEE
THE LIGHT ALWAYS.
AVENUES IN WHICH YOU COULD SEE
THE LIGHT ALWAYS.
AND THEY SEEMED SOMEHOW IN A WAY
THE LIGHT ALWAYS.
AND THEY SEEMED SOMEHOW IN A WAY
A REPRESENTATION OF AMERICAN
AND THEY SEEMED SOMEHOW IN A WAY
A REPRESENTATION OF AMERICAN
LIMITLESSNESS, GEOGRAPHIC
A REPRESENTATION OF AMERICAN
LIMITLESSNESS, GEOGRAPHIC
LIMITLESSNESS.
Luc Sante: IT'S HARD TO
IMAGINE, UNLESS YOU REALLY
IMAGINE, UNLESS YOU REALLY
SET YOUR MIND TO IT, THA
SET YOUR MIND TO IT, THA
IT WAS EVER ANYTHING ELSE.
IT'S ALMOST AS IF MANHATTAN HAD
IT'S ALMOST AS IF MANHATTAN HAD
BEEN A CITY SINCE ANTIQUITY,
THAT SOMEHOW THE INDIAN TRIBES
BEEN A CITY SINCE ANTIQUITY,
THAT SOMEHOW THE INDIAN TRIBES
THAT LIVED HERE HAD PUT DOWN
THAT SOMEHOW THE INDIAN TRIBES
THAT LIVED HERE HAD PUT DOWN
PAVEMENT.
THAT LIVED HERE HAD PUT DOWN
PAVEMENT.
Moynihan: THAT GREAT PLAN
PAVEMENT.
Moynihan: THAT GREAT PLAN
INDICATED TO PEOPLE WHO HAD NO
Moynihan: THAT GREAT PLAN
INDICATED TO PEOPLE WHO HAD NO
INTENTION OF STOPPING THEY
INDICATED TO PEOPLE WHO HAD NO
INTENTION OF STOPPING THEY
WERE GOING TO GO RIGHT UP TO THE
INTENTION OF STOPPING THEY
WERE GOING TO GO RIGHT UP TO THE
TOP OF THE ISLAND TO THE HARLEM
WERE GOING TO GO RIGHT UP TO THE
TOP OF THE ISLAND TO THE HARLEM
RIVER AND GO ON FROM THERE.
TOP OF THE ISLAND TO THE HARLEM
RIVER AND GO ON FROM THERE.
AND IT WAS PART OF AN OPTIMISM
RIVER AND GO ON FROM THERE.
AND IT WAS PART OF AN OPTIMISM
THAT WAS REAL, AND IT WAS AN
AND IT WAS PART OF AN OPTIMISM
THAT WAS REAL, AND IT WAS AN
OPTIMISM THAT WAS SELF-
THAT WAS REAL, AND IT WAS AN
OPTIMISM THAT WAS SELF-
FULFILLING.
OPTIMISM THAT WAS SELF-
FULFILLING.
YOU LAY OUT A STREET PLAN LIKE
FULFILLING.
YOU LAY OUT A STREET PLAN LIKE
THAT, AND THE NEXT THING YOU
YOU LAY OUT A STREET PLAN LIKE
THAT, AND THE NEXT THING YOU
KNOW SOMEONE HAS BOUGHT A CORNER
THAT, AND THE NEXT THING YOU
KNOW SOMEONE HAS BOUGHT A CORNER
LOT.
KNOW SOMEONE HAS BOUGHT A CORNER
LOT.
AND THE TRANSPORTATION FOLLOWED.
LOT.
AND THE TRANSPORTATION FOLLOWED.
IT WASN'T LONG BEFORE YOU HAD
AND THE TRANSPORTATION FOLLOWED.
IT WASN'T LONG BEFORE YOU HAD
HORSE-DRAWN TROLLEYS.
IT WASN'T LONG BEFORE YOU HAD
HORSE-DRAWN TROLLEYS.
Narrator: THE COMMISSIONERS'
HORSE-DRAWN TROLLEYS.
Narrator: THE COMMISSIONERS'
PLAN OF 1811 WAS ONE OF THE MOS
Narrator: THE COMMISSIONERS'
PLAN OF 1811 WAS ONE OF THE MOS
FARSIGHTED URBAN VISIONS EVER
PLAN OF 1811 WAS ONE OF THE MOS
FARSIGHTED URBAN VISIONS EVER
CONCEIVED.
FARSIGHTED URBAN VISIONS EVER
CONCEIVED.
AND YET ITS AUDACITY WAS NOTHING
CONCEIVED.
AND YET ITS AUDACITY WAS NOTHING
COMPARED TO THAT OF ANOTHER
AND YET ITS AUDACITY WAS NOTHING
COMPARED TO THAT OF ANOTHER
PROPOSAL DE WITT CLINTON PU
COMPARED TO THAT OF ANOTHER
PROPOSAL DE WITT CLINTON PU
FORWARD THAT SAME YEAR NOT AN
PROPOSAL DE WITT CLINTON PU
FORWARD THAT SAME YEAR NOT AN
EIGHT-FOOT MAP, BUT A 363-MILE
FORWARD THAT SAME YEAR NOT AN
EIGHT-FOOT MAP, BUT A 363-MILE
LONG DITCH, THAT IF COMPLETED
EIGHT-FOOT MAP, BUT A 363-MILE
LONG DITCH, THAT IF COMPLETED
WOULD TRANSFORM FOREVER NEW
LONG DITCH, THAT IF COMPLETED
WOULD TRANSFORM FOREVER NEW
YORK'S RELATION TO THE ENTIRE
WOULD TRANSFORM FOREVER NEW
YORK'S RELATION TO THE ENTIRE
AMERICAN CONTINENT.
YORK'S RELATION TO THE ENTIRE
AMERICAN CONTINENT.
Jackson: WHEN YOU THINK OF
AMERICAN CONTINENT.
Jackson: WHEN YOU THINK OF
THE UNITED STATES IN 1800,
Jackson: WHEN YOU THINK OF
THE UNITED STATES IN 1800,
IT'S REALLY A COUNTRY THAT'S
THE UNITED STATES IN 1800,
IT'S REALLY A COUNTRY THAT'S
HUDDLED ALONG THE EAST COAST.
IT'S REALLY A COUNTRY THAT'S
HUDDLED ALONG THE EAST COAST.
MOVEMENT TO THE INTERIOR OF
HUDDLED ALONG THE EAST COAST.
MOVEMENT TO THE INTERIOR OF
THE NORTH AMERICAN CONTINENT IS
MOVEMENT TO THE INTERIOR OF
THE NORTH AMERICAN CONTINENT IS
BLOCKED BY WHAT WE NO LONGER
THE NORTH AMERICAN CONTINENT IS
BLOCKED BY WHAT WE NO LONGER
THINK OF AS SUBSTANTIAL MOUNTAIN
BLOCKED BY WHAT WE NO LONGER
THINK OF AS SUBSTANTIAL MOUNTAIN
CHAINS, THE APPALACHIANS, THE
THINK OF AS SUBSTANTIAL MOUNTAIN
CHAINS, THE APPALACHIANS, THE
ALLEGHENIES, BUT FROM THE
CHAINS, THE APPALACHIANS, THE
ALLEGHENIES, BUT FROM THE
PERSPECTIVE OF 1800 THEY WERE
ALLEGHENIES, BUT FROM THE
PERSPECTIVE OF 1800 THEY WERE
IMPRESSIVE INDEED.
PERSPECTIVE OF 1800 THEY WERE
IMPRESSIVE INDEED.
THERE WERE NO BLASTED HIGHWAYS
IMPRESSIVE INDEED.
THERE WERE NO BLASTED HIGHWAYS
THROUGH THERE, THERE WERE
THERE WERE NO BLASTED HIGHWAYS
THROUGH THERE, THERE WERE
NO RAILROADS THROUGH THERE,
THROUGH THERE, THERE WERE
NO RAILROADS THROUGH THERE,
THERE WERE NO RIVERS THA
NO RAILROADS THROUGH THERE,
THERE WERE NO RIVERS THA
TOOK YOU EASILY THROUGH THERE.
THERE WERE NO RIVERS THA
TOOK YOU EASILY THROUGH THERE.
YOU HAD TO WALK UP THOSE
TOOK YOU EASILY THROUGH THERE.
YOU HAD TO WALK UP THOSE
MOUNTAINS, AND WALK DOWN THEM,
YOU HAD TO WALK UP THOSE
MOUNTAINS, AND WALK DOWN THEM,
AND THEN UP ANOTHER ONE, AND
MOUNTAINS, AND WALK DOWN THEM,
AND THEN UP ANOTHER ONE, AND
DOWN.
AND THEN UP ANOTHER ONE, AND
DOWN.
SO THEY WERE A FORMIDABLE
DOWN.
SO THEY WERE A FORMIDABLE
BARRIER.
SO THEY WERE A FORMIDABLE
BARRIER.
AND WHAT WE HAD TO DO, BOTH
BARRIER.
AND WHAT WE HAD TO DO, BOTH
IN NEW YORK AND IN THE NATION,
AND WHAT WE HAD TO DO, BOTH
IN NEW YORK AND IN THE NATION,
IS TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO GE
IN NEW YORK AND IN THE NATION,
IS TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO GE
INSIDE THE CONTINENT.
IS TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO GE
INSIDE THE CONTINENT.
Narrator: FOR YEARS, NEW YORK
INSIDE THE CONTINENT.
Narrator: FOR YEARS, NEW YORK
MERCHANTS HAD BEEN DREAMING
Narrator: FOR YEARS, NEW YORK
MERCHANTS HAD BEEN DREAMING
OF THE IMMENSE WEALTH LOCKED
MERCHANTS HAD BEEN DREAMING
OF THE IMMENSE WEALTH LOCKED
IN THE CONTINENT'S INTERIOR.
OF THE IMMENSE WEALTH LOCKED
IN THE CONTINENT'S INTERIOR.
IN 1811, DE WITT CLINTON CAME UP
IN THE CONTINENT'S INTERIOR.
IN 1811, DE WITT CLINTON CAME UP
WITH A WAY OF GETTING AT IT.
IN 1811, DE WITT CLINTON CAME UP
WITH A WAY OF GETTING AT IT.
IF NATURE HAD PROVIDED THEM NO
WITH A WAY OF GETTING AT IT.
IF NATURE HAD PROVIDED THEM NO
RIVER TO THE WEST, NEW YORKERS
IF NATURE HAD PROVIDED THEM NO
RIVER TO THE WEST, NEW YORKERS
WOULD SIMPLY HAVE TO BUILD ONE.
RIVER TO THE WEST, NEW YORKERS
WOULD SIMPLY HAVE TO BUILD ONE.
Bender: WHEN ONE LOOKS A
WOULD SIMPLY HAVE TO BUILD ONE.
Bender: WHEN ONE LOOKS A
A MAP OF THE UNITED STATES AND
Bender: WHEN ONE LOOKS A
A MAP OF THE UNITED STATES AND
WHEN ONE LOOKS AT THE
A MAP OF THE UNITED STATES AND
WHEN ONE LOOKS AT THE
MISSISSIPPI RIVER, ONE CANNO
WHEN ONE LOOKS AT THE
MISSISSIPPI RIVER, ONE CANNO
BUT ASSUME THAT THE GREATES
MISSISSIPPI RIVER, ONE CANNO
BUT ASSUME THAT THE GREATES
CITY IN THE NEW WORLD IS GOING
BUT ASSUME THAT THE GREATES
CITY IN THE NEW WORLD IS GOING
TO BE WHERE NEW ORLEANS IS.
CITY IN THE NEW WORLD IS GOING
TO BE WHERE NEW ORLEANS IS.
HERE'S ONE OF THE GREATES
TO BE WHERE NEW ORLEANS IS.
HERE'S ONE OF THE GREATES
RIVER SYSTEMS IN THE WORLD.
HERE'S ONE OF THE GREATES
RIVER SYSTEMS IN THE WORLD.
BUT IT DIDN'T HAPPEN THAT WAY.
RIVER SYSTEMS IN THE WORLD.
BUT IT DIDN'T HAPPEN THAT WAY.
AND IT DIDN'T HAPPEN THAT WAY
BUT IT DIDN'T HAPPEN THAT WAY.
AND IT DIDN'T HAPPEN THAT WAY
BECAUSE NEW YORKERS TOOK THE
AND IT DIDN'T HAPPEN THAT WAY
BECAUSE NEW YORKERS TOOK THE
GEOGRAPHICAL ADVANTAGES THEY
BECAUSE NEW YORKERS TOOK THE
GEOGRAPHICAL ADVANTAGES THEY
HAD AND GOT ACCESS TO THA
GEOGRAPHICAL ADVANTAGES THEY
HAD AND GOT ACCESS TO THA
AGRICULTURAL HINTERLAND THA
HAD AND GOT ACCESS TO THA
AGRICULTURAL HINTERLAND THA
SEEMED TO BELONG TO NEW ORLEANS.
AGRICULTURAL HINTERLAND THA
SEEMED TO BELONG TO NEW ORLEANS.
Gordon: THE ONLY GAP IN THE
SEEMED TO BELONG TO NEW ORLEANS.
Gordon: THE ONLY GAP IN THE
CHAIN OF MOUNTAINS RUNNING FROM
Gordon: THE ONLY GAP IN THE
CHAIN OF MOUNTAINS RUNNING FROM
NEW HAMPSHIRE TO GEORGIA IS
CHAIN OF MOUNTAINS RUNNING FROM
NEW HAMPSHIRE TO GEORGIA IS
PROVIDENTIALLY LOCATED IN
NEW HAMPSHIRE TO GEORGIA IS
PROVIDENTIALLY LOCATED IN
NEW YORK STATE, AND GOVERNOR
PROVIDENTIALLY LOCATED IN
NEW YORK STATE, AND GOVERNOR
DE WITT CLINTON HAD ENOUGH SENSE
NEW YORK STATE, AND GOVERNOR
DE WITT CLINTON HAD ENOUGH SENSE
TO SEE THAT THIS WAS A VERY
DE WITT CLINTON HAD ENOUGH SENSE
TO SEE THAT THIS WAS A VERY
VALUABLE ASSET, AND TO BUILD THE
TO SEE THAT THIS WAS A VERY
VALUABLE ASSET, AND TO BUILD THE
ERIE CANAL OVER THE COLLECTIVE
VALUABLE ASSET, AND TO BUILD THE
ERIE CANAL OVER THE COLLECTIVE
DEAD BODIES OF MOST OF THE
ERIE CANAL OVER THE COLLECTIVE
DEAD BODIES OF MOST OF THE
POLITICIANS FROM NEW YORK CITY,
DEAD BODIES OF MOST OF THE
POLITICIANS FROM NEW YORK CITY,
WHO DID NOT SEE THAT CONNECTING
POLITICIANS FROM NEW YORK CITY,
WHO DID NOT SEE THAT CONNECTING
THE MIDDLE WEST TO THE HUDSON
WHO DID NOT SEE THAT CONNECTING
THE MIDDLE WEST TO THE HUDSON
AND NEW YORK CITY WOULD TURN
THE MIDDLE WEST TO THE HUDSON
AND NEW YORK CITY WOULD TURN
INTO A CASH COW.
AND NEW YORK CITY WOULD TURN
INTO A CASH COW.
Narrator: THE SCOPE OF THE
INTO A CASH COW.
Narrator: THE SCOPE OF THE
PROJECT WAS NOTHING LESS THAN
Narrator: THE SCOPE OF THE
PROJECT WAS NOTHING LESS THAN
MIND-BOGGLING AN ARTIFICIAL
PROJECT WAS NOTHING LESS THAN
MIND-BOGGLING AN ARTIFICIAL
WATERWAY UNLIKE ANYTHING
MIND-BOGGLING AN ARTIFICIAL
WATERWAY UNLIKE ANYTHING
UNDERTAKEN SINCE THE DAYS
WATERWAY UNLIKE ANYTHING
UNDERTAKEN SINCE THE DAYS
OF THE ANCIENT EGYPTIANS.
UNDERTAKEN SINCE THE DAYS
OF THE ANCIENT EGYPTIANS.
AT A TIME WHEN THE LONGEST CANAL
OF THE ANCIENT EGYPTIANS.
AT A TIME WHEN THE LONGEST CANAL
IN AMERICA RAN JUST 27 MILES,
AT A TIME WHEN THE LONGEST CANAL
IN AMERICA RAN JUST 27 MILES,
AND MOST LESS THAN TWO,
IN AMERICA RAN JUST 27 MILES,
AND MOST LESS THAN TWO,
CLINTON'S CANAL WOULD HAVE
AND MOST LESS THAN TWO,
CLINTON'S CANAL WOULD HAVE
TO RUN MORE THAN 350 MILES,
CLINTON'S CANAL WOULD HAVE
TO RUN MORE THAN 350 MILES,
ACROSS THE RUGGED WILDERNESS
TO RUN MORE THAN 350 MILES,
ACROSS THE RUGGED WILDERNESS
OF UPSTATE NEW YORK.
ACROSS THE RUGGED WILDERNESS
OF UPSTATE NEW YORK.
THOMAS JEFFERSON HIMSELF
OF UPSTATE NEW YORK.
THOMAS JEFFERSON HIMSELF
REJECTED THE SCHEME OUTRIGHT,
THOMAS JEFFERSON HIMSELF
REJECTED THE SCHEME OUTRIGHT,
CALLING IT "LITTLE SHORT OF
REJECTED THE SCHEME OUTRIGHT,
CALLING IT "LITTLE SHORT OF
MADNESS."
CALLING IT "LITTLE SHORT OF
MADNESS."
SO DID THE NEW YORK STATE
MADNESS."
SO DID THE NEW YORK STATE
LEGISLATURE, AND PRESIDENT JAMES
SO DID THE NEW YORK STATE
LEGISLATURE, AND PRESIDENT JAMES
MADISON, WHO WARNED THAT ITS
LEGISLATURE, AND PRESIDENT JAMES
MADISON, WHO WARNED THAT ITS
FIVE-MILLION-DOLLAR COST WOULD
BUT DE WITT CLINTON WOULD NOT BE
DETERRED.
THE GREAT ERIE CANAL, HE
DETERRED.
THE GREAT ERIE CANAL, HE
DECLARED, WOULD MAKE NEW YORK
THE GREAT ERIE CANAL, HE
DECLARED, WOULD MAKE NEW YORK
"ONE OF THE MOST SPLENDID
DECLARED, WOULD MAKE NEW YORK
"ONE OF THE MOST SPLENDID
COMMERCIAL CITIES ON THE FACE
"ONE OF THE MOST SPLENDID
COMMERCIAL CITIES ON THE FACE
OF THE EARTH."
COMMERCIAL CITIES ON THE FACE
OF THE EARTH."
APPEALING DIRECTLY TO THE
OF THE EARTH."
APPEALING DIRECTLY TO THE
PUBLIC, HE LOBBIED TIRELESSLY
APPEALING DIRECTLY TO THE
PUBLIC, HE LOBBIED TIRELESSLY
FOR WHAT HIS DETRACTORS CALLED
PUBLIC, HE LOBBIED TIRELESSLY
FOR WHAT HIS DETRACTORS CALLED
"CLINTON'S BIG DITCH," HOLDING
FOR WHAT HIS DETRACTORS CALLED
"CLINTON'S BIG DITCH," HOLDING
MASS RALLIES IN NEW YORK CITY
"CLINTON'S BIG DITCH," HOLDING
MASS RALLIES IN NEW YORK CITY
AND CIRCULATING A PETITION
MASS RALLIES IN NEW YORK CITY
AND CIRCULATING A PETITION
EVENTUALLY SIGNED BY MORE THAN
AND CIRCULATING A PETITION
EVENTUALLY SIGNED BY MORE THAN
100,000 NEW YORKERS.
EVENTUALLY SIGNED BY MORE THAN
100,000 NEW YORKERS.
CLINTON HIMSELF DEVISED AN
100,000 NEW YORKERS.
CLINTON HIMSELF DEVISED AN
INGENIOUS SCHEME TO PAY FOR I
CLINTON HIMSELF DEVISED AN
INGENIOUS SCHEME TO PAY FOR I
ALL, USING PUBLIC FUNDS TO
INGENIOUS SCHEME TO PAY FOR I
ALL, USING PUBLIC FUNDS TO
ATTRACT PRIVATE INVESTORS
ALL, USING PUBLIC FUNDS TO
ATTRACT PRIVATE INVESTORS
AND SHOWING ONCE AND FOR ALL
ATTRACT PRIVATE INVESTORS
AND SHOWING ONCE AND FOR ALL
HOW GREAT PUBLIC WORKS COULD
AND SHOWING ONCE AND FOR ALL
HOW GREAT PUBLIC WORKS COULD
BE BUILT IN A DEMOCRACY.
HOW GREAT PUBLIC WORKS COULD
BE BUILT IN A DEMOCRACY.
Moynihan: HOW DID CLINTON
BE BUILT IN A DEMOCRACY.
Moynihan: HOW DID CLINTON
BUILD THE ERIE CANAL?
Moynihan: HOW DID CLINTON
BUILD THE ERIE CANAL?
BY PROMISING BANKERS HE WOULD
BUILD THE ERIE CANAL?
BY PROMISING BANKERS HE WOULD
MAKE MONEY IF THEY LENT HIM
BY PROMISING BANKERS HE WOULD
MAKE MONEY IF THEY LENT HIM
THE FUNDS TO DO SO.
MAKE MONEY IF THEY LENT HIM
THE FUNDS TO DO SO.
AND NO IDEOLOGY ABOUT IT.
THE FUNDS TO DO SO.
AND NO IDEOLOGY ABOUT IT.
JEFFERSON WOULDN'T DREAM OF
AND NO IDEOLOGY ABOUT IT.
JEFFERSON WOULDN'T DREAM OF
HAVING THE NATIONAL GOVERNMEN
JEFFERSON WOULDN'T DREAM OF
HAVING THE NATIONAL GOVERNMEN
INVOLVING ITSELF IN AN AFFAIR OF
HAVING THE NATIONAL GOVERNMEN
INVOLVING ITSELF IN AN AFFAIR OF
THIS KIND FOR DOCTRINAL REASONS.
INVOLVING ITSELF IN AN AFFAIR OF
THIS KIND FOR DOCTRINAL REASONS.
THE JEFFERSONIANS WERE AGAINS
THIS KIND FOR DOCTRINAL REASONS.
THE JEFFERSONIANS WERE AGAINS
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.
THE JEFFERSONIANS WERE AGAINS
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.
HAMILTON WAS ALL FOR THEM
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.
HAMILTON WAS ALL FOR THEM
AND, BOY, DID THEY MAKE MONEY.
HAMILTON WAS ALL FOR THEM
AND, BOY, DID THEY MAKE MONEY.
Jackson: IN 1817, THE STATE
AND, BOY, DID THEY MAKE MONEY.
Jackson: IN 1817, THE STATE
OF NEW YORK, ENCOURAGED BY
Jackson: IN 1817, THE STATE
OF NEW YORK, ENCOURAGED BY
GOVERNOR DE WITT CLINTON, ISSUED
OF NEW YORK, ENCOURAGED BY
GOVERNOR DE WITT CLINTON, ISSUED
FOR WHAT AT THE TIME WAS A
GOVERNOR DE WITT CLINTON, ISSUED
FOR WHAT AT THE TIME WAS A
STAGGERING INDEBTEDNESS OR
FOR WHAT AT THE TIME WAS A
STAGGERING INDEBTEDNESS OR
ISSUANCE OF BONDS TO BUILD THIS
STAGGERING INDEBTEDNESS OR
ISSUANCE OF BONDS TO BUILD THIS
WATERWAY ACROSS UPSTATE NEW
ISSUANCE OF BONDS TO BUILD THIS
WATERWAY ACROSS UPSTATE NEW
YORK, CONNECTING ESSENTIALLY
WATERWAY ACROSS UPSTATE NEW
YORK, CONNECTING ESSENTIALLY
THE HUDSON RIVER AND ALBANY
YORK, CONNECTING ESSENTIALLY
THE HUDSON RIVER AND ALBANY
WITH THE GREAT LAKES AT BUFFALO.
THE HUDSON RIVER AND ALBANY
WITH THE GREAT LAKES AT BUFFALO.
THAT DITCH, THAT 363-MILE DITCH,
WITH THE GREAT LAKES AT BUFFALO.
THAT DITCH, THAT 363-MILE DITCH,
ONLY A COUPLE DOZEN FEET WIDE,
THAT DITCH, THAT 363-MILE DITCH,
ONLY A COUPLE DOZEN FEET WIDE,
WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT PUBLIC
ONLY A COUPLE DOZEN FEET WIDE,
WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT PUBLIC
WORKS PROJECT IN AMERICAN
WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT PUBLIC
WORKS PROJECT IN AMERICAN
HISTORY UNTIL THE INTERSTATE
WORKS PROJECT IN AMERICAN
HISTORY UNTIL THE INTERSTATE
HIGHWAY PROGRAM WAS PASSED IN
HISTORY UNTIL THE INTERSTATE
HIGHWAY PROGRAM WAS PASSED IN
HIGHWAY PROGRAM WAS PASSED IN
Moynihan: THE CANAL WAS
Moynihan: THE CANAL WAS
DUG WITH IRISHMEN, MULES,
Moynihan: THE CANAL WAS
DUG WITH IRISHMEN, MULES,
AND MONONGAHELA WHISKEY IN
DUG WITH IRISHMEN, MULES,
AND MONONGAHELA WHISKEY IN
ABOUT SEVEN YEARS.
AND MONONGAHELA WHISKEY IN
ABOUT SEVEN YEARS.
A MASSIVE FEAT.
ABOUT SEVEN YEARS.
A MASSIVE FEAT.
AND YOU CROSS THE CANAL NOW
A MASSIVE FEAT.
AND YOU CROSS THE CANAL NOW
STILL THERE, NOW CLEAN
AND YOU CROSS THE CANAL NOW
STILL THERE, NOW CLEAN
BECAUSE LAKE ERIE IS CLEAN
STILL THERE, NOW CLEAN
BECAUSE LAKE ERIE IS CLEAN
AND YOU GO ALONG; ABOUT EVERY
BECAUSE LAKE ERIE IS CLEAN
AND YOU GO ALONG; ABOUT EVERY
15 MILES YOU COME TO A TOWN
AND YOU GO ALONG; ABOUT EVERY
15 MILES YOU COME TO A TOWN
WHERE SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY
15 MILES YOU COME TO A TOWN
WHERE SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY
IN MANUFACTURING COMMERCIAL
WHERE SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY
IN MANUFACTURING COMMERCIAL
HISTORY BEGAN.
IN MANUFACTURING COMMERCIAL
HISTORY BEGAN.
Bender: IT WAS ONE OF THE
HISTORY BEGAN.
Bender: IT WAS ONE OF THE
FEW PUBLIC PROJECTS IN NEW YORK
Bender: IT WAS ONE OF THE
FEW PUBLIC PROJECTS IN NEW YORK
THAT DIDN'T HAVE A COST OVERRUN,
FEW PUBLIC PROJECTS IN NEW YORK
THAT DIDN'T HAVE A COST OVERRUN,
WAS FINISHED ON SCHEDULE.
THAT DIDN'T HAVE A COST OVERRUN,
WAS FINISHED ON SCHEDULE.
IN FACT, IT PAID FOR ITSELF
WAS FINISHED ON SCHEDULE.
IN FACT, IT PAID FOR ITSELF
BY BEING PARTIALLY OPEN BEFORE
IN FACT, IT PAID FOR ITSELF
BY BEING PARTIALLY OPEN BEFORE
IT WAS FULLY COMPLETED.
BY BEING PARTIALLY OPEN BEFORE
IT WAS FULLY COMPLETED.
Narrator: ON OCTOBER 26,
IT WAS FULLY COMPLETED.
Narrator: ON OCTOBER 26,
1825 THREE FULL YEARS AHEAD
Narrator: ON OCTOBER 26,
1825 THREE FULL YEARS AHEAD
OF SCHEDULE THE MAMMOTH
1825 THREE FULL YEARS AHEAD
OF SCHEDULE THE MAMMOTH
UNDERTAKING WAS COMPLETE.
OF SCHEDULE THE MAMMOTH
UNDERTAKING WAS COMPLETE.
"THE GREAT ERIE CANAL," ONE
UNDERTAKING WAS COMPLETE.
"THE GREAT ERIE CANAL," ONE
OBSERVER SAID, "HAS DEFIED
"THE GREAT ERIE CANAL," ONE
OBSERVER SAID, "HAS DEFIED
NATURE AND USED IT LIKE A TOY."
OBSERVER SAID, "HAS DEFIED
NATURE AND USED IT LIKE A TOY."
WITH 83 LOCKS AND 18 AQUEDUCTS
NATURE AND USED IT LIKE A TOY."
WITH 83 LOCKS AND 18 AQUEDUCTS
INCLUDING AN 800-FOOT WATER
WITH 83 LOCKS AND 18 AQUEDUCTS
INCLUDING AN 800-FOOT WATER
BRIDGE OVER THE GENESEE RIVER
INCLUDING AN 800-FOOT WATER
BRIDGE OVER THE GENESEE RIVER
IT WAS THE GREATEST ENGINEERING
BRIDGE OVER THE GENESEE RIVER
IT WAS THE GREATEST ENGINEERING
FEAT OF ITS DAY.
IT WAS THE GREATEST ENGINEERING
FEAT OF ITS DAY.
IT HAD ALSO WORKED NOTHING LESS
FEAT OF ITS DAY.
IT HAD ALSO WORKED NOTHING LESS
THAN AN ECONOMIC MIRACLE.
IT HAD ALSO WORKED NOTHING LESS
THAN AN ECONOMIC MIRACLE.
IT HAD ONCE COST MORE TO SHIP
THAN AN ECONOMIC MIRACLE.
IT HAD ONCE COST MORE TO SHIP
A TON OF GOODS 30 MILES INLAND
IT HAD ONCE COST MORE TO SHIP
A TON OF GOODS 30 MILES INLAND
THAN ALL THE WAY TO ENGLAND
A TON OF GOODS 30 MILES INLAND
THAN ALL THE WAY TO ENGLAND
AND TAKEN MORE THAN THREE WEEKS
THAN ALL THE WAY TO ENGLAND
AND TAKEN MORE THAN THREE WEEKS
TO MOVE A TON OF WHEAT FROM
AND TAKEN MORE THAN THREE WEEKS
TO MOVE A TON OF WHEAT FROM
BUFFALO TO NEW YORK.
TO MOVE A TON OF WHEAT FROM
BUFFALO TO NEW YORK.
NOW IT TOOK JUST SEVEN DAYS
BUFFALO TO NEW YORK.
NOW IT TOOK JUST SEVEN DAYS
AND THE COST HAD BEEN CUT FROM
NOW IT TOOK JUST SEVEN DAYS
AND THE COST HAD BEEN CUT FROM
A HUNDRED DOLLARS TO LESS THAN
AND THE COST HAD BEEN CUT FROM
A HUNDRED DOLLARS TO LESS THAN
SIX.
A HUNDRED DOLLARS TO LESS THAN
SIX.
AT THE OPENING CELEBRATIONS,
SIX.
AT THE OPENING CELEBRATIONS,
DE WITT CLINTON THE UNDISPUTED
AT THE OPENING CELEBRATIONS,
DE WITT CLINTON THE UNDISPUTED
HERO OF THE DAY POURED A KEG
DE WITT CLINTON THE UNDISPUTED
HERO OF THE DAY POURED A KEG
OF WATER DRAWN FROM LAKE ERIE
HERO OF THE DAY POURED A KEG
OF WATER DRAWN FROM LAKE ERIE
INTO NEW YORK HARBOR.
OF WATER DRAWN FROM LAKE ERIE
INTO NEW YORK HARBOR.
THE SYMBOLISM WAS LOST ON NO
INTO NEW YORK HARBOR.
THE SYMBOLISM WAS LOST ON NO
ONE.
THE SYMBOLISM WAS LOST ON NO
ONE.
ALL AMERICA NOW MET IN NEW YORK.
ONE.
ALL AMERICA NOW MET IN NEW YORK.
Reader: "THE MOUNTAINS HAVE
ALL AMERICA NOW MET IN NEW YORK.
Reader: "THE MOUNTAINS HAVE
BEEN LEVELED; THE VALLEYS HAVE
Reader: "THE MOUNTAINS HAVE
BEEN LEVELED; THE VALLEYS HAVE
BEEN FILLED; RIVERS AND GULFS
BEEN LEVELED; THE VALLEYS HAVE
BEEN FILLED; RIVERS AND GULFS
HAVE BEEN FORMED OVER THEM WHICH
BEEN FILLED; RIVERS AND GULFS
HAVE BEEN FORMED OVER THEM WHICH
WILL UNITE THE WATERS OF THE
HAVE BEEN FORMED OVER THEM WHICH
WILL UNITE THE WATERS OF THE
HUDSON AND THE WATERS OF THE
WILL UNITE THE WATERS OF THE
HUDSON AND THE WATERS OF THE
ATLANTIC WITH THE WATERS OF
HUDSON AND THE WATERS OF THE
ATLANTIC WITH THE WATERS OF
THE REMOTE WEST AND CONSTITUTE A
ATLANTIC WITH THE WATERS OF
THE REMOTE WEST AND CONSTITUTE A
RIVER."
THE REMOTE WEST AND CONSTITUTE A
RIVER."
THE REVEREND F.H. CUMING.
RIVER."
THE REVEREND F.H. CUMING.
Moynihan: IT JUST BROUGH
THE REVEREND F.H. CUMING.
Moynihan: IT JUST BROUGH
THINGS ALIVE IN AMERICA A WAY
Moynihan: IT JUST BROUGH
THINGS ALIVE IN AMERICA A WAY
THEY HAD NEVER DONE BEFORE.
THINGS ALIVE IN AMERICA A WAY
THEY HAD NEVER DONE BEFORE.
AND THAT CANAL BROUGHT THE
THEY HAD NEVER DONE BEFORE.
AND THAT CANAL BROUGHT THE
SEABORNE ATLANTIC TRADE RIGH
AND THAT CANAL BROUGHT THE
SEABORNE ATLANTIC TRADE RIGH
UP INTO THE CENTRAL OF THE
SEABORNE ATLANTIC TRADE RIGH
UP INTO THE CENTRAL OF THE
AMERICAN GREAT PLAINS.
UP INTO THE CENTRAL OF THE
AMERICAN GREAT PLAINS.
IT WAS A WAY WEST THAT ONLY
AMERICAN GREAT PLAINS.
IT WAS A WAY WEST THAT ONLY
WE HAD, AND THIS HARBOR WAS
IT WAS A WAY WEST THAT ONLY
WE HAD, AND THIS HARBOR WAS
THE FULCRUM BETWEEN THE GREA
WE HAD, AND THIS HARBOR WAS
THE FULCRUM BETWEEN THE GREA
CONTINENT AND THE EUROPEAN WORLD
THE FULCRUM BETWEEN THE GREA
CONTINENT AND THE EUROPEAN WORLD
ON THE OTHER SIDE.
CONTINENT AND THE EUROPEAN WORLD
ON THE OTHER SIDE.
Stern: IT MADE NEW YORK
ON THE OTHER SIDE.
Stern: IT MADE NEW YORK
THE ONLY AMERICAN CITY THA
Stern: IT MADE NEW YORK
THE ONLY AMERICAN CITY THA
CONNECTED EUROPE ON ONE SIDE
THE ONLY AMERICAN CITY THA
CONNECTED EUROPE ON ONE SIDE
WITH THE HEARTLAND OF THE
CONNECTED EUROPE ON ONE SIDE
WITH THE HEARTLAND OF THE
CONTINENT ON THE OTHER.
WITH THE HEARTLAND OF THE
CONTINENT ON THE OTHER.
AND THAT HAS BEEN NEW YORK'S
CONTINENT ON THE OTHER.
AND THAT HAS BEEN NEW YORK'S
STRENGTH EVER SINCE.
AND THAT HAS BEEN NEW YORK'S
STRENGTH EVER SINCE.
IT STILL IS THE MAJOR POR
STRENGTH EVER SINCE.
IT STILL IS THE MAJOR POR
OF ENTRY AND TRANSFER POIN
IT STILL IS THE MAJOR POR
OF ENTRY AND TRANSFER POIN
FOR PEOPLE FLYING FROM EUROPE
OF ENTRY AND TRANSFER POIN
FOR PEOPLE FLYING FROM EUROPE
TO THE REST OF THE COUNTRY.
FOR PEOPLE FLYING FROM EUROPE
TO THE REST OF THE COUNTRY.
YOU SEE NEW YORK, AND THEN YOU
TO THE REST OF THE COUNTRY.
YOU SEE NEW YORK, AND THEN YOU
SEE AMERICA.
YOU SEE NEW YORK, AND THEN YOU
SEE AMERICA.
Jackson: THIS WATERWAY DID
SEE AMERICA.
Jackson: THIS WATERWAY DID
SO MUCH TO PULL THE NATION
Jackson: THIS WATERWAY DID
SO MUCH TO PULL THE NATION
TOGETHER.
SO MUCH TO PULL THE NATION
TOGETHER.
NOW THE GOODS FROM THIS WHOLE
TOGETHER.
NOW THE GOODS FROM THIS WHOLE
VAST REGION ARE FLOWING BY CANAL
NOW THE GOODS FROM THIS WHOLE
VAST REGION ARE FLOWING BY CANAL
BOATS THROUGH THE ERIE CANAL AND
VAST REGION ARE FLOWING BY CANAL
BOATS THROUGH THE ERIE CANAL AND
THEN DOWN THE HUDSON RIVER TO
BOATS THROUGH THE ERIE CANAL AND
THEN DOWN THE HUDSON RIVER TO
NEW YORK CITY SO THAT NEW YORK
THEN DOWN THE HUDSON RIVER TO
NEW YORK CITY SO THAT NEW YORK
CITY'S BECOMING A KIND OF
NEW YORK CITY SO THAT NEW YORK
CITY'S BECOMING A KIND OF
NATIONAL CITY, PULLING THE
CITY'S BECOMING A KIND OF
NATIONAL CITY, PULLING THE
COUNTRY TOGETHER.
NATIONAL CITY, PULLING THE
COUNTRY TOGETHER.
SO THERE IS ONE FOCUS.
COUNTRY TOGETHER.
SO THERE IS ONE FOCUS.
THE NATIONAL CAPITAL MAY BE
SO THERE IS ONE FOCUS.
THE NATIONAL CAPITAL MAY BE
IN WASHINGTON, BUT THE REAL
THE NATIONAL CAPITAL MAY BE
IN WASHINGTON, BUT THE REAL
ECONOMIC CAPITAL IS BY COMMON
IN WASHINGTON, BUT THE REAL
ECONOMIC CAPITAL IS BY COMMON
CONSENT IN NEW YORK.
ECONOMIC CAPITAL IS BY COMMON
CONSENT IN NEW YORK.
Narrator: THE ERIE CANAL
CONSENT IN NEW YORK.
Narrator: THE ERIE CANAL
MADE NEW YORK THE EMPIRE STATE
Narrator: THE ERIE CANAL
MADE NEW YORK THE EMPIRE STATE
AND NEW YORK CITY THE FIRS
MADE NEW YORK THE EMPIRE STATE
AND NEW YORK CITY THE FIRS
REAL CENTER IN AMERICA.
AND NEW YORK CITY THE FIRS
REAL CENTER IN AMERICA.
DE WITT CLINTON HAD FIRS
REAL CENTER IN AMERICA.
DE WITT CLINTON HAD FIRS
IMAGINED THE GREAT METROPOLIS
DE WITT CLINTON HAD FIRS
IMAGINED THE GREAT METROPOLIS
NEW YORK MIGHT BECOME, THEN
IMAGINED THE GREAT METROPOLIS
NEW YORK MIGHT BECOME, THEN
RESHAPED THE GEOGRAPHY OF AN
NEW YORK MIGHT BECOME, THEN
RESHAPED THE GEOGRAPHY OF AN
ENTIRE CONTINENT TO MAKE I
RESHAPED THE GEOGRAPHY OF AN
ENTIRE CONTINENT TO MAKE I
INEVITABLE.
ENTIRE CONTINENT TO MAKE I
INEVITABLE.
THE DAY THE CANAL OPENED, HE
INEVITABLE.
THE DAY THE CANAL OPENED, HE
UTTERED A FATEFUL PREDICTION.
THE DAY THE CANAL OPENED, HE
UTTERED A FATEFUL PREDICTION.
Reader: "NEW YORK WILL,
UTTERED A FATEFUL PREDICTION.
Reader: "NEW YORK WILL,
IN COURSE OF TIME, BECOME
Reader: "NEW YORK WILL,
IN COURSE OF TIME, BECOME
THE GRANARY OF THE WORLD,
IN COURSE OF TIME, BECOME
THE GRANARY OF THE WORLD,
THE EMPORIUM OF COMMERCE,
THE GRANARY OF THE WORLD,
THE EMPORIUM OF COMMERCE,
THE SEAT OF MANUFACTURES,
THE EMPORIUM OF COMMERCE,
THE SEAT OF MANUFACTURES,
THE FOCUS OF GREAT MONEYED
THE SEAT OF MANUFACTURES,
THE FOCUS OF GREAT MONEYED
OPERATIONS, AND THE
THE FOCUS OF GREAT MONEYED
OPERATIONS, AND THE
CONCENTRATING POINT OF VAS
OPERATIONS, AND THE
CONCENTRATING POINT OF VAS
CAPITALS.
CONCENTRATING POINT OF VAS
CAPITALS.
BEFORE A CENTURY, THE WHOLE
CAPITALS.
BEFORE A CENTURY, THE WHOLE
ISLAND OF MANHATTAN, COVERED
BEFORE A CENTURY, THE WHOLE
ISLAND OF MANHATTAN, COVERED
WITH HABITATIONS AND REPLENISHED
ISLAND OF MANHATTAN, COVERED
WITH HABITATIONS AND REPLENISHED
WITH A DENSE POPULATION, WILL
WITH HABITATIONS AND REPLENISHED
WITH A DENSE POPULATION, WILL
CONSTITUTE ONE VAST CITY."
WITH A DENSE POPULATION, WILL
CONSTITUTE ONE VAST CITY."
Berkin: HAMILTON WOULD HAVE
CONSTITUTE ONE VAST CITY."
Berkin: HAMILTON WOULD HAVE
BEEN DELIGHTED BEYOND BELIEF,
Berkin: HAMILTON WOULD HAVE
BEEN DELIGHTED BEYOND BELIEF,
AND OF COURSE WOULD HAVE TAKEN
BEEN DELIGHTED BEYOND BELIEF,
AND OF COURSE WOULD HAVE TAKEN
FULL CREDIT FOR IT BEING PAR
AND OF COURSE WOULD HAVE TAKEN
FULL CREDIT FOR IT BEING PAR
OF HIS VISION.
FULL CREDIT FOR IT BEING PAR
OF HIS VISION.
HE WOULD HAVE BEEN DELIGHTED,
OF HIS VISION.
HE WOULD HAVE BEEN DELIGHTED,
NOT ONLY TO SEE HIS OWN STATE
HE WOULD HAVE BEEN DELIGHTED,
NOT ONLY TO SEE HIS OWN STATE
AND HIS OWN CITY TAKE THIS
NOT ONLY TO SEE HIS OWN STATE
AND HIS OWN CITY TAKE THIS
POSITION OF PREEMINENCE, BU
AND HIS OWN CITY TAKE THIS
POSITION OF PREEMINENCE, BU
TO SEE THAT THIS CLAIM HE HAD
POSITION OF PREEMINENCE, BU
TO SEE THAT THIS CLAIM HE HAD
ALWAYS MADE, WAY BACK WHEN
TO SEE THAT THIS CLAIM HE HAD
ALWAYS MADE, WAY BACK WHEN
AMERICA WAS A STRUGGLING COUNTRY
ALWAYS MADE, WAY BACK WHEN
AMERICA WAS A STRUGGLING COUNTRY
THAT MANY PEOPLE THOUGHT WOULD
AMERICA WAS A STRUGGLING COUNTRY
THAT MANY PEOPLE THOUGHT WOULD
NOT SURVIVE A DECADE, THAT I
THAT MANY PEOPLE THOUGHT WOULD
NOT SURVIVE A DECADE, THAT I
WAS GOING TO RISE TO BE ONE OF
NOT SURVIVE A DECADE, THAT I
WAS GOING TO RISE TO BE ONE OF
THE GREAT POWERS IN THE WORLD OF
WAS GOING TO RISE TO BE ONE OF
THE GREAT POWERS IN THE WORLD OF
NATIONS.
THE GREAT POWERS IN THE WORLD OF
NATIONS.
Jackson: NEW YORKERS HAVE
NATIONS.
Jackson: NEW YORKERS HAVE
ALWAYS BEEN ANXIOUS TO CONTROL
Jackson: NEW YORKERS HAVE
ALWAYS BEEN ANXIOUS TO CONTROL
THE FUTURE, TO LOOK TOWARD
ALWAYS BEEN ANXIOUS TO CONTROL
THE FUTURE, TO LOOK TOWARD
THE FUTURE, TO TRY TO TAKE
THE FUTURE, TO LOOK TOWARD
THE FUTURE, TO TRY TO TAKE
AN OPPORTUNITY AND REALIZE I
THE FUTURE, TO TRY TO TAKE
AN OPPORTUNITY AND REALIZE I
AND MAKE IT REAL.
AN OPPORTUNITY AND REALIZE I
AND MAKE IT REAL.
AFTER ALL, THE ERIE CANAL DID
AND MAKE IT REAL.
AFTER ALL, THE ERIE CANAL DID
NOT HAVE TO BE BUILT.
AFTER ALL, THE ERIE CANAL DID
NOT HAVE TO BE BUILT.
THE PACKET SERVICE DIDN'T HAVE
NOT HAVE TO BE BUILT.
THE PACKET SERVICE DIDN'T HAVE
TO BE INVENTED.
THE PACKET SERVICE DIDN'T HAVE
TO BE INVENTED.
JEWS DID NOT HAVE TO BE
TO BE INVENTED.
JEWS DID NOT HAVE TO BE
TOLERATED OR WELCOMED.
JEWS DID NOT HAVE TO BE
TOLERATED OR WELCOMED.
BUT IF THIS WILL SOMEHOW MAKE
TOLERATED OR WELCOMED.
BUT IF THIS WILL SOMEHOW MAKE
THE CITY MORE COMPETITIVE, IN
BUT IF THIS WILL SOMEHOW MAKE
THE CITY MORE COMPETITIVE, IN
A SENSE, MAKE PEOPLE WEALTHIER
THE CITY MORE COMPETITIVE, IN
A SENSE, MAKE PEOPLE WEALTHIER
WHAT I THINK WAS THE GENIUS OF
A SENSE, MAKE PEOPLE WEALTHIER
WHAT I THINK WAS THE GENIUS OF
NEW YORK WAS THE ABILITY TO
WHAT I THINK WAS THE GENIUS OF
NEW YORK WAS THE ABILITY TO
SOMEHOW PULL ALL THESE DISPARATE
NEW YORK WAS THE ABILITY TO
SOMEHOW PULL ALL THESE DISPARATE
PEOPLE TOGETHER IN THE COMMON
SOMEHOW PULL ALL THESE DISPARATE
PEOPLE TOGETHER IN THE COMMON
PURSUIT OF MAKING MONEY.
PEOPLE TOGETHER IN THE COMMON
PURSUIT OF MAKING MONEY.
TO LOOK BEYOND THE SURFACE OR
PURSUIT OF MAKING MONEY.
TO LOOK BEYOND THE SURFACE OR
THEOLOGICAL OR ETHNIC OR RACIAL
TO LOOK BEYOND THE SURFACE OR
THEOLOGICAL OR ETHNIC OR RACIAL
DIFFERENCES TO SAY, THAT'S LESS
THEOLOGICAL OR ETHNIC OR RACIAL
DIFFERENCES TO SAY, THAT'S LESS
IMPORTANT, THAT WE REMAIN PURE.
DIFFERENCES TO SAY, THAT'S LESS
IMPORTANT, THAT WE REMAIN PURE.
WHAT'S MUCH MORE IMPORTANT IS
IMPORTANT, THAT WE REMAIN PURE.
WHAT'S MUCH MORE IMPORTANT IS
THAT WE SUCCEED.
WHAT'S MUCH MORE IMPORTANT IS
THAT WE SUCCEED.
Narrator: EVERYTHING WAS NOW
THAT WE SUCCEED.
Narrator: EVERYTHING WAS NOW
IN PLACE.
Narrator: EVERYTHING WAS NOW
IN PLACE.
WITH THE ERIE CANAL, NEW YORK
IN PLACE.
WITH THE ERIE CANAL, NEW YORK
FINISHED ASSEMBLING THE
WITH THE ERIE CANAL, NEW YORK
FINISHED ASSEMBLING THE
COMPONENTS IT WOULD NEED TO
FINISHED ASSEMBLING THE
COMPONENTS IT WOULD NEED TO
PROPEL ITSELF INTO THE FUTURE.
COMPONENTS IT WOULD NEED TO
PROPEL ITSELF INTO THE FUTURE.
IN THE YEARS TO COME, THE MOS
PROPEL ITSELF INTO THE FUTURE.
IN THE YEARS TO COME, THE MOS
POWERFUL ECONOMIC ENGINE ON
IN THE YEARS TO COME, THE MOS
POWERFUL ECONOMIC ENGINE ON
EARTH WOULD BEGIN TO TURN WITH
POWERFUL ECONOMIC ENGINE ON
EARTH WOULD BEGIN TO TURN WITH
ASTONISHING SPEED, CALLING INTO
EARTH WOULD BEGIN TO TURN WITH
ASTONISHING SPEED, CALLING INTO
EXISTENCE AS IT DID THE MOS
ASTONISHING SPEED, CALLING INTO
EXISTENCE AS IT DID THE MOS
POWERFULLY TRANSFORMATIVE
EXISTENCE AS IT DID THE MOS
POWERFULLY TRANSFORMATIVE
CULTURE IN HUMAN HISTORY: A
POWERFULLY TRANSFORMATIVE
CULTURE IN HUMAN HISTORY: A
CAPITALIST CULTURE OF IMMENSE
CULTURE IN HUMAN HISTORY: A
CAPITALIST CULTURE OF IMMENSE
WEALTH AND CONTINUOUS CHANGE
CAPITALIST CULTURE OF IMMENSE
WEALTH AND CONTINUOUS CHANGE
AND HEARTBREAKING EXTREMES
WEALTH AND CONTINUOUS CHANGE
AND HEARTBREAKING EXTREMES
SO CREATIVE THAT, IN THE END,
AND HEARTBREAKING EXTREMES
SO CREATIVE THAT, IN THE END,
IT WOULD EVEN SEEK TO TRANSCEND
SO CREATIVE THAT, IN THE END,
IT WOULD EVEN SEEK TO TRANSCEND
THE PROFOUND CONTRADICTIONS A
IT WOULD EVEN SEEK TO TRANSCEND
THE PROFOUND CONTRADICTIONS A
ITS CORE.
THE PROFOUND CONTRADICTIONS A
ITS CORE.
BUT THAT WOULD TAKE MORE THAN
ITS CORE.
BUT THAT WOULD TAKE MORE THAN
A CENTURY.
BUT THAT WOULD TAKE MORE THAN
A CENTURY.
IN THE YEARS FOLLOWING THE
A CENTURY.
IN THE YEARS FOLLOWING THE
COMPLETION OF THE ERIE CANAL,
IN THE YEARS FOLLOWING THE
COMPLETION OF THE ERIE CANAL,
NEW YORK WOULD SURGE INTO THE
COMPLETION OF THE ERIE CANAL,
NEW YORK WOULD SURGE INTO THE
FUTURE, ITS CITIZENS CONFIDEN
NEW YORK WOULD SURGE INTO THE
FUTURE, ITS CITIZENS CONFIDEN
THEY HAD LEFT THE CHAOS OF
FUTURE, ITS CITIZENS CONFIDEN
THEY HAD LEFT THE CHAOS OF
NATURE BEHIND.
THEY HAD LEFT THE CHAOS OF
NATURE BEHIND.
IN MANY WAYS THEY HAD.
NATURE BEHIND.
IN MANY WAYS THEY HAD.
AND YET, IN THE TURBULEN
IN MANY WAYS THEY HAD.
AND YET, IN THE TURBULEN
DECADES TO COME, AS TENS OF
AND YET, IN THE TURBULEN
DECADES TO COME, AS TENS OF
THOUSANDS, THEN HUNDREDS OF
DECADES TO COME, AS TENS OF
THOUSANDS, THEN HUNDREDS OF
THOUSANDS OF NEWCOMERS STREAMED
THOUSANDS, THEN HUNDREDS OF
THOUSANDS OF NEWCOMERS STREAMED
INTO THE GROWING PORT, NEW
THOUSANDS OF NEWCOMERS STREAMED
INTO THE GROWING PORT, NEW
YORKERS WOULD CONFRONT A
INTO THE GROWING PORT, NEW
YORKERS WOULD CONFRONT A
DIFFERENT KIND OF CHAOS, THE
YORKERS WOULD CONFRONT A
DIFFERENT KIND OF CHAOS, THE
CHAOS OF MAN, AND THAT WOULD
DIFFERENT KIND OF CHAOS, THE
CHAOS OF MAN, AND THAT WOULD
PROVE EVEN MORE DIFFICULT TO
CHAOS OF MAN, AND THAT WOULD
PROVE EVEN MORE DIFFICULT TO
TAME.
PROVE EVEN MORE DIFFICULT TO
TAME.
BETWEEN 1825 AND 1860, NEW YORK
TAME.
BETWEEN 1825 AND 1860, NEW YORK
CITY WOULD GROW AS NO CITY HAD
BETWEEN 1825 AND 1860, NEW YORK
CITY WOULD GROW AS NO CITY HAD
EVER GROWN BEFORE, IN A
CITY WOULD GROW AS NO CITY HAD
EVER GROWN BEFORE, IN A
WHIRLWIND OF CHANGE, AS WAVE
EVER GROWN BEFORE, IN A
WHIRLWIND OF CHANGE, AS WAVE
AFTER WAVE OF IMMIGRANTS
WHIRLWIND OF CHANGE, AS WAVE
AFTER WAVE OF IMMIGRANTS
ARRIVED, AND LAYER UPON LAYER OF
AFTER WAVE OF IMMIGRANTS
ARRIVED, AND LAYER UPON LAYER OF
PHYSICAL GROWTH WAS LAID DOWN
ARRIVED, AND LAYER UPON LAYER OF
PHYSICAL GROWTH WAS LAID DOWN
WITH ASTONISHING SPEED.
PHYSICAL GROWTH WAS LAID DOWN
WITH ASTONISHING SPEED.
EVEN NEW YORKERS HABITUATED TO
WITH ASTONISHING SPEED.
EVEN NEW YORKERS HABITUATED TO
CHANGE WOULD SOON FEEL UNCANNILY
EVEN NEW YORKERS HABITUATED TO
CHANGE WOULD SOON FEEL UNCANNILY
LIKE WASHINGTON IRVING'S RIP
CHANGE WOULD SOON FEEL UNCANNILY
LIKE WASHINGTON IRVING'S RIP
VAN WINKLE, WHO AWOKE AFTER A
LIKE WASHINGTON IRVING'S RIP
VAN WINKLE, WHO AWOKE AFTER A
NIGHT'S SLEEP TO DISCOVER THA
VAN WINKLE, WHO AWOKE AFTER A
NIGHT'S SLEEP TO DISCOVER THA
20 YEARS HAD PASSED AND THA
NIGHT'S SLEEP TO DISCOVER THA
20 YEARS HAD PASSED AND THA
EVERYTHING AROUND HIM HAD
20 YEARS HAD PASSED AND THA
EVERYTHING AROUND HIM HAD
UTTERLY CHANGED.
EVERYTHING AROUND HIM HAD
UTTERLY CHANGED.
IRVING HIMSELF WOULD AWAKE ONE
UTTERLY CHANGED.
IRVING HIMSELF WOULD AWAKE ONE
MORNING TO FIND THE CITY HE HAD
IRVING HIMSELF WOULD AWAKE ONE
MORNING TO FIND THE CITY HE HAD
ONCE KNOWN GONE FOREVER.
MORNING TO FIND THE CITY HE HAD
ONCE KNOWN GONE FOREVER.
Reader: "AUGUST 29, 1847.
ONCE KNOWN GONE FOREVER.
Reader: "AUGUST 29, 1847.
MY DEAR SARAH, NEW YORK, AS YOU
Reader: "AUGUST 29, 1847.
MY DEAR SARAH, NEW YORK, AS YOU
KNEW IT, WAS A MERE CORNER OF
MY DEAR SARAH, NEW YORK, AS YOU
KNEW IT, WAS A MERE CORNER OF
THE PRESENT HUGE CITY, AND THA
KNEW IT, WAS A MERE CORNER OF
THE PRESENT HUGE CITY, AND THA
CORNER IS ALL CHANGED, PULLED
THE PRESENT HUGE CITY, AND THA
CORNER IS ALL CHANGED, PULLED
TO PIECES, BURNT DOWN, AND
CORNER IS ALL CHANGED, PULLED
TO PIECES, BURNT DOWN, AND
REBUILT, ALL BUT OUR LITTLE
TO PIECES, BURNT DOWN, AND
REBUILT, ALL BUT OUR LITTLE
NATIVE NEST IN WILLIAM STREET,
REBUILT, ALL BUT OUR LITTLE
NATIVE NEST IN WILLIAM STREET,
WHICH STILL RETAINS SOME OF ITS
NATIVE NEST IN WILLIAM STREET,
WHICH STILL RETAINS SOME OF ITS
OLD FEATURES, THOUGH THOSE ARE
WHICH STILL RETAINS SOME OF ITS
OLD FEATURES, THOUGH THOSE ARE
DAILY ALTERING.
OLD FEATURES, THOUGH THOSE ARE
DAILY ALTERING.
I CAN HARDLY REALIZE THAT WITHIN
DAILY ALTERING.
I CAN HARDLY REALIZE THAT WITHIN
MY TERM OF LIFE, THIS GREA
I CAN HARDLY REALIZE THAT WITHIN
MY TERM OF LIFE, THIS GREA
CROWDED METROPOLIS, SO FULL OF
MY TERM OF LIFE, THIS GREA
CROWDED METROPOLIS, SO FULL OF
LIFE, BUSTLE, NOISE, SHOW AND
CROWDED METROPOLIS, SO FULL OF
LIFE, BUSTLE, NOISE, SHOW AND
SPLENDOR, WAS A QUITE LITTLE
LIFE, BUSTLE, NOISE, SHOW AND
SPLENDOR, WAS A QUITE LITTLE
CITY OF SOME 50,000 OR 60,000
SPLENDOR, WAS A QUITE LITTLE
CITY OF SOME 50,000 OR 60,000
INHABITANTS.
CITY OF SOME 50,000 OR 60,000
INHABITANTS.
IT IS REALLY NOW ONE OF THE MOS
INHABITANTS.
IT IS REALLY NOW ONE OF THE MOS
RUCKETING CITIES IN THE WORLD."
IT IS REALLY NOW ONE OF THE MOS
RUCKETING CITIES IN THE WORLD."
WASHINGTON IRVING.
RUCKETING CITIES IN THE WORLD."
WASHINGTON IRVING.
VISIT NEW YORK ON-LINE.
WASHINGTON IRVING.
VISIT NEW YORK ON-LINE.
JUMP INTO A TAXI AND PLAY A QUIZ
VISIT NEW YORK ON-LINE.
JUMP INTO A TAXI AND PLAY A QUIZ
GAME, VISIT A VIRTUAL NEW YORK.
JUMP INTO A TAXI AND PLAY A QUIZ
GAME, VISIT A VIRTUAL NEW YORK.
AND FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS,
GAME, VISIT A VIRTUAL NEW YORK.
AND FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS,
TAKE YOUR KIDS ON A LEARNING
AND FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS,
TAKE YOUR KIDS ON A LEARNING
ADVENTURE THROUGH YOUR TOWN.