Part of a six-part documentary that chronicles events leading to the American Revolution and the writing of the Constitution, and the lasting effects these events had on shaping our country today. Features dramatic readings from letters and diaries of the period, comments by historians, and live-action recreations. Episode 3: Days after the Declaration of Independence was signed an immense British force dropped anchor in New York harbor, pitting the largest professional army in the world against George Washington's army of untrained volunteers. Washington wanted to conduct the war in proper 18th century style, but after an early string of defeats he realized he had to avoid fighting at all costs and keep his army on the run. On Dec. 26, 1776, Washington led his army across the Delaware River, surprising a garrison of Hessian soldiers at Trenton. Episode 4: All of Europe, and especially France, Britain's rival in Europe and the New World, is interested in the outcome of the American Revolution. In an attempt to capitalize on the rivalry, Congress dispatched Franklin to Versaillles in late 1776 to seek financial and military support. When British Gen. Burgoyne was defeated at Saratoga, France entered the war, and a world war began.