American Experience (1988–…): Season 12, Episode 1 - New York: Part I - The Country and the City - full transcript

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 THAT

STOPPED AND OTHERS ARE IN
MOTION, IF YOU WERE TO PUT THAT
IN A... IN FILM TERMS, IN A

MOTION, IF YOU WERE TO PUT THAT
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 AT

INDIVIDUAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND THE
DRAMA IT IS MAKING OF ITSELF AT
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,
1609, AN ENGLISH EXPLORER HIRED
BY THE DUTCH TO FIND A FASTER

1609, AN ENGLISH EXPLORER HIRED
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
ONE OF

HUDSON HAD STUMBLED UPON
ONE OF
THE BIGGEST AND BEST NATURAL

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 THAT

FORCES IT WOULD ONE DAY UNLEASH.
NOR THAT THE GREAT CITY THAT
WOULD RISE THERE WOULD BE

NOR THAT THE GREAT CITY THAT
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 POST

AND ESTABLISHED A TRADING POST
THERE, TO MAKE A BUCK OR TO MAKE

THERE, TO MAKE A BUCK OR TO MAKE
A GUILDER.
AND THAT ACQUISITIVENESS, THAT

AND THAT ACQUISITIVENESS, THAT
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 SET

AND CHARACTERIZED NEW YORK EVER
SINCE THE WHITE PERSON FIRST SET
FOOT ON THIS LAND.

SINCE THE WHITE PERSON FIRST SET
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 THAT

ENERGY IN NEW YORK, THERE'S A
BUSTLE IN NEW YORK, AND THAT
BUSTLE HAS BEEN THERE FOR MORE

BUSTLE IN NEW YORK, AND THAT
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 CONSTANT
LIFE OF TRANSITION, THE CONSTANT

WAY COMMITS TO, THAT CONSTANT
LIFE OF TRANSITION, THE CONSTANT
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 GREATEST

Fran Leibowitz: IT WAS ALWAYS
THE PLACE OF GREATEST
OPPORTUNITY.

THE PLACE OF GREATEST
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 THAT

IT IS EXACTLY THAT MONEY-CRAZY,
DRIVING, COMMERCIAL CULTURE THAT
MADE POLITICAL DEMOCRACY SEEM

DRIVING, COMMERCIAL CULTURE THAT
MADE POLITICAL DEMOCRACY SEEM
PERFECTLY SENSIBLE, PERFECTLY

MADE POLITICAL DEMOCRACY SEEM
PERFECTLY SENSIBLE, PERFECTLY
NORMAL, AND INDEED BROUGHT IT

PERFECTLY SENSIBLE, PERFECTLY
NORMAL, AND INDEED BROUGHT IT
INTO EXISTENCE SUCH A POPULAR

NORMAL, AND INDEED BROUGHT IT
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 CAPITALIST

ENDLESSLY RECOMPOSED IS BECAUSE
IT IS, IN FACT, A CAPITALIST
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, BUT
THE DOWNSIDE OF IT IS THAT YOU

INCREDIBLE, DAZZLING THINGS, BUT
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'T

Jackson: WHEN MOST AMERICANS
THINK OF HISTORY, THEY DON'T
THINK OF NEW YORK.

THINK OF HISTORY, THEY DON'T
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... IT

IT'S FIRST OF ALL OLDER THAN ALL
OF THOSE OTHER PLACES... IT
STARTED IN 1624 BY THE DUTCH...

OF THOSE OTHER PLACES... IT
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 IMPORTANT

WILLIAMSBURG.
I MEAN, THE LITANY OF IMPORTANT
EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE ON THE

I MEAN, THE LITANY OF IMPORTANT
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'T

UNITED STATES.
AND THIRDLY, PEOPLE DON'T
REALIZE IT THAT NEW YORK IS OLD

AND THIRDLY, PEOPLE DON'T
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 THAT

ISTANBUL OR BEIJING OR HALF A
HUNDRED OTHER PLACES THAT
TECHNICALLY ARE OLDER THAN NEW

HUNDRED OTHER PLACES THAT
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 THAT
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 ALMOST

INDEED, NO CITY COULD.
BUT NEW YORK MORE SO THAN ALMOST
ANY OTHER CITY IN THE WORLD,

BUT NEW YORK MORE SO THAN ALMOST
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 MOST

ISLAND, MANHATTAN, SO THAT THE
INDIANS, WHO WERE NOT AT MOST
PLACES IN THE UNITED STATES IN

INDIANS, WHO WERE NOT AT MOST
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 OUT

LOCAL INHABITANTS, WHO CALLED
THEMSELVES THE LENAPE, ROWED OUT
TO MEET THEM, TRYING TO KEEP

THEMSELVES THE LENAPE, ROWED OUT
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 OUT

GLOWING REPORTS OF A FUR-TRADING
PARADISE, AND EAGER TO BEAT OUT
THEIR ARCH RIVALS, THE ENGLISH,

PARADISE, AND EAGER TO BEAT OUT
THEIR ARCH RIVALS, THE ENGLISH,
TO THE SPOILS OF THE NORTH

THEIR ARCH RIVALS, THE ENGLISH,
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 THAT

COMPANY, THE ATLANTIC WING OF
A VAST TRADING EMPIRE THAT
STRETCHED ROUND THE WORLD.

A VAST TRADING EMPIRE THAT
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 MOST

CALL TODAY KIND OF A SUBSIDIARY
CORPORATION, WAS ONE OF THE MOST
SUCCESSFUL COMMERCIAL

CORPORATION, WAS ONE OF THE MOST
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 NOT

SO WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE DUTCH
EAST INDIA COMPANY, WE'RE NOT
TALKING ABOUT SOME CUTESY LITTLE

EAST INDIA COMPANY, WE'RE NOT
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 FIRST

THEY CALLED NEW AMSTERDAM.
Narrator: MOST OF THE FIRST
DUTCH COLONISTS WERE NOT IN FACT

Narrator: MOST OF THE FIRST
DUTCH COLONISTS WERE NOT IN FACT
DUTCH, BUT FRENCH-SPEAKING

DUTCH COLONISTS WERE NOT IN FACT
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, BUT

THE DUTCH HAD IN FACT PAID MUCH
MORE THAN THE $24 OF LEGEND, BUT
STILL, LESS THAN $600, FOR ALL

MORE THAN THE $24 OF LEGEND, BUT
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 ARRANGEMENT

THE ISLAND SINCE THE END OF THE
ICE AGE, THOUGHT THE ARRANGEMENT
TEMPORARY.

ICE AGE, THOUGHT THE ARRANGEMENT
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'T
GET AROUND TO EVEN BUILDING A

MAKING A PROFIT THAT THEY DIDN'T
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 FACT

TRACTS ABOUT THE GLORIES OF THIS
PLACE, BUT, YOU KNOW, THE FACT
OF THE MATTER WAS THAT FROM A

PLACE, BUT, YOU KNOW, THE FACT
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 INCOMPETENT

1643, THE COLONY'S TROUBLES
DEEPENED WHEN AN INCOMPETENT
DIRECTOR NAMED WILLEM KIEFT

DEEPENED WHEN AN INCOMPETENT
DIRECTOR NAMED WILLEM KIEFT
TRIED TO TAX THE LOCAL INDIANS,

DIRECTOR NAMED WILLEM KIEFT
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 IT

THING ABOUT THE DUTCH PERIOD IN
NEW YORK TO ME IS HOW MUCH IT
SET THE PATTERN FOR BEHAVIOR IN

NEW YORK TO ME IS HOW MUCH IT
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 THROUGHOUT

PROBABLY PRETTY CLOSE TO THE WAY
THE CITY HAS REMAINED THROUGHOUT
ITS HISTORY.

THE CITY HAS REMAINED THROUGHOUT
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 SORT

WERE, YOU CAN SORT OF THINK OF
THE WEST INDIA COMPANY AS SORT
OF LIKE EXXON WITH GUNS... I

THE WEST INDIA COMPANY AS SORT
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 STUYVESANT

IRON-WILLED, SHORT-TEMPERED, AND
PURITANICAL, PETER STUYVESANT
HAD STRICT ORDERS TO CLEAN

PURITANICAL, PETER STUYVESANT
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 PORT

HARLEM, GETS A WALL BUILT, HAS
STREETS BUILT, HAS THE PORT
FIXED UP, BUILDS HIMSELF AN

STREETS BUILT, HAS THE PORT
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, BUT

A LARGE CHUNK OF THE SLAVE
POPULATION FOR HIMSELF, BUT
IN FACT MAKES THIS PLACE INTO

POPULATION FOR HIMSELF, BUT
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 ENTREPOT

BASE... WHICH IS SLAVING, THIS
IS GOING TO BE A SLAVE ENTREPOT
AND THEY ARE GOING TO RUN SLAVES

IS GOING TO BE A SLAVE ENTREPOT
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, STUYVESANT

Narrator: BY 1653, IN LESS
THAN FIVE YEARS, STUYVESANT
HAD MANAGED TO TRANSFORM THE

THAN FIVE YEARS, STUYVESANT
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 OUT

THE WAY FROM THE EAST RIVER TO
THE HUDSON, BUILT TO KEEP OUT
HOSTILE INDIANS AND THE ENGLISH.

THE HUDSON, BUILT TO KEEP OUT
HOSTILE INDIANS AND THE ENGLISH.
Jackson: SO MANY THINGS ABOUT

HOSTILE INDIANS AND THE ENGLISH.
Jackson: SO MANY THINGS ABOUT
NEW YORK THAT WE THINK OF AS

Jackson: SO MANY THINGS ABOUT
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 ABOUT

EVERY AMERICAN... EVERY PERSON IN
THE WORLD... REALLY KNOWS ABOUT
NEW YORK AND ITS UNUSUAL

THE WORLD... REALLY KNOWS ABOUT
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 AGAINST

DOWN IN LOWER MANHATTAN, AND ALL
THE HOUSES WERE FLUSH UP AGAINST
EACH OTHER.

THE HOUSES WERE FLUSH UP AGAINST
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 DIFFERENT

POPULATION... ALREADY IN THE
1640s THERE WERE 18 DIFFERENT
LANGUAGES BEING SPOKEN ON THE

1640s THERE WERE 18 DIFFERENT
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,
INCLUDING FRENCH, ENGLISH,

ON THE STREETS OF NEW AMSTERDAM,
INCLUDING FRENCH, ENGLISH,
GERMAN, SPANISH, POLISH, AND

INCLUDING FRENCH, ENGLISH,
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 WEST

PETITIONED THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS OF THE DUTCH WEST
INDIA COMPANY TO HAVE THEM

DIRECTORS OF THE DUTCH WEST
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 STUYVESANT

CHIDING HIM FOR HIS BIGOTRY, THE
DIRECTORS REMINDED STUYVESANT
THAT HE WAS RUNNING A BUSINESS

DIRECTORS REMINDED STUYVESANT
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 NOT

DIVERSITY.
Jackson: NEW YORK DID NOT
REMAIN DUTCH LONG.

Jackson: NEW YORK DID NOT
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 GET

Wallace: STUYVESANT'S TRAGEDY
IS THAT NO SOONER DOES HE GET
THIS PLACE ALL SPIFFED UP AND

IS THAT NO SOONER DOES HE GET
THIS PLACE ALL SPIFFED UP AND
READY FOR ACTION THAN THE

THIS PLACE ALL SPIFFED UP AND
READY FOR ACTION THAN THE
ENGLISH SAILED IN AND TAKE THE

READY FOR ACTION THAN THE
ENGLISH SAILED IN AND TAKE THE
PLACE.

ENGLISH SAILED IN AND TAKE THE
PLACE.
Narrator: ON AUGUST 27, 1664,

PLACE.
Narrator: ON AUGUST 27, 1664,
FOUR HEAVILY ARMED ENGLISH

Narrator: ON AUGUST 27, 1664,
FOUR HEAVILY ARMED ENGLISH
WARSHIPS SAILED INTO THE HARBOR.

FOUR HEAVILY ARMED ENGLISH
WARSHIPS SAILED INTO THE HARBOR.
PETER STUYVESANT CLIMBED

WARSHIPS SAILED INTO THE HARBOR.
PETER STUYVESANT CLIMBED
PAINFULLY TO THE TOP OF FORT

PETER STUYVESANT CLIMBED
PAINFULLY TO THE TOP OF FORT
AMSTERDAM AND MADE READY FOR

PAINFULLY TO THE TOP OF FORT
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 THAT

TOWN, WHICH WAS MADE OUT OF WOOD
AND CLOSELY BUILT UP, AND THAT
THE BRITISH GUNS WOULD HAVE

AND CLOSELY BUILT UP, AND THAT
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
FIGHT THE ENGLISH.
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
THE ENGLISH, YOU HAVEN'T DONE

WE'D BE PERFECTLY HAPPY TO HAVE
THE ENGLISH, YOU HAVEN'T DONE
MUCH OF A JOB.

THE ENGLISH, YOU HAVEN'T DONE
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.
THE ENGLISH GOVERNOR WHO

VILLAGE.
THE ENGLISH GOVERNOR WHO
REPLACED HIM GRACIOUSLY OFFERED

THE ENGLISH GOVERNOR WHO
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
ACCEPT ENGLISH RULE.

ANY DUTCH CITIZENS UNWILLING TO
ACCEPT ENGLISH RULE.
NO ONE TOOK HIM UP ON IT.

ACCEPT ENGLISH RULE.
NO ONE TOOK HIM UP ON IT.
TWO DAYS AFTER THE ENGLISH

NO ONE TOOK HIM UP ON IT.
TWO DAYS AFTER THE ENGLISH
TAKEOVER, ON AUGUST 29, 1664,

TWO DAYS AFTER THE ENGLISH
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
ENGLISH RULE IN COLONIAL NEW

CONTINUITIES BETWEEN DUTCH AND
ENGLISH RULE IN COLONIAL NEW
YORK IS THIS AGGRESSIVE POLICY

ENGLISH RULE IN COLONIAL NEW
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 BYPRODUCT

CANARSIE POPULATION IN MANHATTAN
AND LONG ISLAND IS A BYPRODUCT
OF BRITISH EXPANSION IN THOSE

AND LONG ISLAND IS A BYPRODUCT
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
WRITES ONE OF THE FIRST ENGLISH-

DANIEL DENTON, WHO IN THE 1660s
WRITES ONE OF THE FIRST ENGLISH-
LANGUAGE HISTORIES OF THE

WRITES ONE OF THE FIRST ENGLISH-
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
EVERYWHERE THAT THE ENGLISH HAVE

EVERYWHERE THAT THE ENGLISH HAVE
GONE, THE INVISIBLE HAND OF GOD

EVERYWHERE THAT THE ENGLISH HAVE
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 JUST

NATIONS.
AND THE SPREAD OF DISEASE JUST
REALLY REDUCED A HUGE PORTION OF

AND THE SPREAD OF DISEASE JUST
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, IT

THIS LOWER NEW YORK POPULATION.
Narrator: IN THE END, IT
WOULD BE THE FATE OF NEW YORK'S

Narrator: IN THE END, IT
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.
THE DUTCH AND ENGLISH HAD SET

ENVIRONMENT ON EARTH.
THE DUTCH AND ENGLISH HAD SET
IN MOTION A PROCESS OF CHANGE

THE DUTCH AND ENGLISH HAD SET
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
WAS FOR THE ENGLISH THE MISSING

SECOND-RATE OUTPOST OF EMPIRE
WAS FOR THE ENGLISH THE MISSING
LINK IN A CHAIN OF ROYAL

WAS FOR THE ENGLISH THE MISSING
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
ENGLISH GOVERNORS BROUGHT THE

SLOWLY BUT SURELY THE NEW
ENGLISH GOVERNORS BROUGHT THE
COLONY INTO THE IMPERIAL SYSTEM,

ENGLISH GOVERNORS BROUGHT THE
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,
THE ENGLISH FOUND IT NO EASIER

COULD TO EASE THE TRANSITION,
THE ENGLISH FOUND IT NO EASIER
THAN THE DUTCH TO KEEP ORDER IN

THE ENGLISH FOUND IT NO EASIER
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 THAT

EARTH, AND CONNECTED THE COLONY
TO A NETWORK OF TRADE THAT
STRETCHED AROUND THE GLOBE.

TO A NETWORK OF TRADE THAT
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 ABOUT

THIS WAS A TRADING POST, THIS
WAS A PLACE THAT WAS ABOUT
SHIPPING FOOD DOWN TO THE WEST

WAS A PLACE THAT WAS ABOUT
SHIPPING FOOD DOWN TO THE WEST
INDIES, BRINGING SUGAR AND

SHIPPING FOOD DOWN TO THE WEST
INDIES, BRINGING SUGAR AND
SLAVES BACK FROM THE WEST

INDIES, BRINGING SUGAR AND
SLAVES BACK FROM THE WEST
INDIES.

SLAVES BACK FROM THE WEST
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 WEST

IMPORTING RUM, MOLASSES, AND
SLAVES FROM AFRICA AND THE WEST
INDIES.

SLAVES FROM AFRICA AND THE WEST
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
AND ENGLISH MERCHANTS,

ASSORTMENT OF OLD DUTCH FAMILIES
AND ENGLISH MERCHANTS,
PRIVATEERS AND COLONIAL

AND ENGLISH MERCHANTS,
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 THAT

GET ALONG.
IN FACT, THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT
THERE WAS A LOT OF RESENTMENTS:

IN FACT, THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT
THE DUTCH VERSUS THE ENGLISH,

THE DUTCH VERSUS THE ENGLISH,
OTHER GROUPS COMING IN.

THE DUTCH VERSUS THE ENGLISH,
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 MOST

BLACKS, OF COURSE, AND AFRICAN-
AMERICANS WERE MUCH THE MOST
DISCRIMINATED AGAINST.

AMERICANS WERE MUCH THE MOST
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 THAT

1741, THE ROYAL COLONY
EXPLODED... OVER AN ISSUE THAT
HAD TROUBLED IT FROM THE VERY

EXPLODED... OVER AN ISSUE THAT
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 WHAT

Reverend Calvin Butts: WELL,
OF COURSE, I THINK THAT WHAT
SETS THE AFRICA AMERICAN

OF COURSE, I THINK THAT WHAT
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 AGAINST

ANYTHING.
WE WERE BROUGHT HERE AGAINST
OUR WILL TO WORK.

WE WERE BROUGHT HERE AGAINST
OUR WILL TO WORK.
AND WORK WE DID.

IN FACT WE BUILT THE WALL FOR
WHICH WALL STREET IS NAMED.
NOT ONLY LITERALLY BUT

NOT ONLY LITERALLY BUT
FIGURATIVELY IN TERMS OF IT
WAS THE TRADE IN AFRICAN FLESH

FIGURATIVELY IN TERMS OF IT
WAS THE TRADE IN AFRICAN FLESH
THAT PROVIDED THE FUNDAMENTAL

WAS THE TRADE IN AFRICAN FLESH
THAT PROVIDED THE FUNDAMENTAL
CAPITAL IN WHICH WALL STREET

THAT PROVIDED THE FUNDAMENTAL
CAPITAL IN WHICH WALL STREET
THE FINANCIAL WORLD IS BUILT.

CAPITAL IN WHICH WALL STREET
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 FACT

WORD.
IT'S KEY NOT ONLY IN THE FACT
THAT THE BLACKS ARE USED AS A

IT'S KEY NOT ONLY IN THE FACT
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 PUT
PROHIBITIONS ON SLAVES MEETING

TOGETHER, THEY HAD PUT
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 PROSPECT

INDENTURED SERVANT NAMED MARY
BURTON, PROMPTED BY THE PROSPECT
OF A HUNDRED-DOLLAR REWARD, CAME

BURTON, PROMPTED BY THE PROSPECT
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 LIST

ANOTHER... AGAINST HUGHSON,
HIS WIFE, AND A GROWING LIST
OF ALLEGED BLACK CONSPIRATORS.

HIS WIFE, AND A GROWING LIST
OF ALLEGED BLACK CONSPIRATORS.
Sorin: ONE GETS THE FEELING

OF ALLEGED BLACK CONSPIRATORS.
Sorin: ONE GETS THE FEELING
THAT MARY BURTON FORGOT WHAT

Sorin: ONE GETS THE FEELING
THAT MARY BURTON FORGOT WHAT
THE TRUTH WAS.

THAT MARY BURTON FORGOT WHAT
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 PROTECT

WAS PROBABLY AN INVENTION OF
PROTESTANTS LOOKING TO PROTECT
THEIR SELF-ESTEEM AS MASTERS,

PROTESTANTS LOOKING TO PROTECT
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 AGAINST

RACIAL IDEAS THAT AFRICANS WERE
INCAPABLE OF PLOTTING AGAINST
THEM ON THEIR OWN.

INCAPABLE OF PLOTTING AGAINST
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 THAT

THE INSURRECTION WAS REPRESSED
AND THEN THE PUNISHMENTS THAT
WERE METED OUT, DESPITE THE FACT

AND THEN THE PUNISHMENTS THAT
WERE METED OUT, DESPITE THE FACT
THAT THESE WERE VALUABLE PIECES

WERE METED OUT, DESPITE THE FACT
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 FACT

BE DRAGGED OUT.
MEDIEVAL TORTURES WHICH IN FACT
HAD BEEN UTTERLY BANNED FOR

MEDIEVAL TORTURES WHICH IN FACT
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
ENGLISH RULE WAS CHALLENGED

BUT IT WOULD NOT BE LONG BEFORE
ENGLISH RULE WAS CHALLENGED
AGAIN... NOT BY AFRICAN AMERICANS

ENGLISH RULE WAS CHALLENGED
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, BUT

THE PAST, AND INTO THE FUTURE.
Wallace: TRADE WAS BIG, BUT
WAR WAS BIGGER IN CERTAIN

Wallace: TRADE WAS BIG, BUT
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 MOST

MAXIMUM SATISFACTION WITH THE
EMPIRE BY THE BIGGEST AND MOST
POWERFUL MERCHANTS IN NEW YORK

EMPIRE BY THE BIGGEST AND MOST
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 FLEET

WAR-IS-GOOD-FOR-BUSINESS SCHOOL.
AND IN 1763 THE BRITISH FLEET
SAILS AWAY, THE DEFENSE

AND IN 1763 THE BRITISH FLEET
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 OUGHT

COINCIDE, THEN THE CONNECTION
BETWEEN THEM OUGHT
TO CEASE."

BETWEEN THEM OUGHT
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 MERCHANT

IT THREATENED THE VERY LIFEBLOOD
OF NEW YORK'S VIBRANT MERCHANT
CULTURE.

OF NEW YORK'S VIBRANT MERCHANT
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 THAT

IT ATTACKED NEWSPAPER OWNERS.
SO THERE'S NO QUESTION THAT
NEW YORK CITY WOULD HAVE BEEN A

SO THERE'S NO QUESTION THAT
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 NOT

TO THE BRITISH CROWN.
BUT THEIR GRATITUDE DID NOT
LAST LONG, AS ONE INTOLERABLE

BUT THEIR GRATITUDE DID NOT
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 THAT

MIDDLE AGES.
"BREATHING THE CITY AIR THAT
MAKES YOU FREE," THEY SAID

"BREATHING THE CITY AIR THAT
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
NEW YORKERS TO DEFY THE ENGLISH

AN INCENDIARY PAMPHLET URGING
NEW YORKERS TO DEFY THE ENGLISH
PARLIAMENT AND LAY CLAIM TO

NEW YORKERS TO DEFY THE ENGLISH
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 THAT

WHILE HE'S STILL A TEENAGER.
Berkin: HAMILTON WANTED THAT
WAR BADLY, NO MATTER WHAT THE

Berkin: HAMILTON WANTED THAT
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 THAT

ISSUES WERE, BECAUSE VERY EARLY
ON HE SAID, "IT IS IN WAR THAT
A MAN MAKES HIS REPUTATION.

ON HE SAID, "IT IS IN WAR THAT
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 CLOSEST

EVENTUALLY RISING TO BECOME ONE
OF GEORGE WASHINGTON'S CLOSEST
AIDES.

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON'S CLOSEST
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 EXPECT

Reader: "I FEEL FOR YOU, MY
NEW YORK FRIENDS, FOR I EXPECT
THAT YOUR CITY WILL BE LAID TO

NEW YORK FRIENDS, FOR I EXPECT
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
ENGLISH VESSELS, CARRYING MORE

IN THE WEEKS TO COME, NEARLY 500
ENGLISH VESSELS, CARRYING MORE
THAN 32,000 BRITISH AND HESSIAN

ENGLISH VESSELS, CARRYING MORE
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 GIANT

INVASION DURING WORLD WAR II.
IT TOOK SIX WEEKS FOR THE GIANT
FORCE TO DISEMBARK AND TAKE UP

IT TOOK SIX WEEKS FOR THE GIANT
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 ABOUT

Jackson: GEORGE WASHINGTON,
WHO WAS STILL LEARNING ABOUT
BEING A GENERAL IN THE SUMMER

WHO WAS STILL LEARNING ABOUT
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 AGAINST

AUGUST 29, 1776, WITH HIS
SHATTERED FORCES PINNED AGAINST
THE EAST RIVER, THE AMERICAN

SHATTERED FORCES PINNED AGAINST
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 THAT

ACROSS THE EAST RIVER.
WASHINGTON'S ARMY WAS SAVED THAT
NIGHT.

WASHINGTON'S ARMY WAS SAVED THAT
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 AT

BIG FLAT-BOTTOMED BOATS, KNOWING
THAT THEY COULD BE CAUGHT AT
ANY MOMENT, KNOWING THEY WERE

THAT THEY COULD BE CAUGHT AT
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'T

Jackson: ESSENTIALLY, THE
GOAL WAS PROTECT THE ARMY, DON'T
PROTECT THE PLACE... VERY NEARLY

GOAL WAS PROTECT THE ARMY, DON'T
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 IMPORTANT

THE LEADING MILITARY COUNTRY IN
THE WORLD, THE MOST IMPORTANT
THING TO DO IS KEEP THE WAR

THE WORLD, THE MOST IMPORTANT
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 THAT

AND THAT'S IN FACT WHAT THE
BRITISH DID, AND I THINK THAT
LESSON WAS LEARNED IN NEW YORK

BRITISH DID, AND I THINK THAT
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 THROUGHOUT

NEW YORK WAS, IN ESSENCE, A
BRITISH STRONGHOLD THROUGHOUT
THE ENTIRE WAR.

BRITISH STRONGHOLD THROUGHOUT
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 GET

WASHINGTON RUBBED HIS HANDS
TOGETHER AND SAID, "LET'S GET
NEW YORK."

TOGETHER AND SAID, "LET'S GET
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.
FINALLY, THE ENGLISH CAPITULATED

THE PATRIOT CAUSE.
FINALLY, THE ENGLISH CAPITULATED
COMPLETELY.

FINALLY, THE ENGLISH CAPITULATED
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 AT

THE BRITISH SURRENDERED TO THE
AMERICANS INSIDE THE OLD FORT AT
THE FOOT OF MANHATTAN, WHERE

AMERICANS INSIDE THE OLD FORT AT
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
THE ENGLISH CAUSE HAD FLED

THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES LOYAL TO
THE ENGLISH CAUSE HAD FLED
FOREVER, AND THE HULKS OF

THE ENGLISH CAUSE HAD FLED
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 GREAT

POINT FOR THE RISE OF NEW YORK
CITY TO BE, IN A WAY, THE GREAT
METROPOLIS OF THE WORLD.

CITY TO BE, IN A WAY, THE GREAT
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 MOST

CENTURY... OR LESS... THIS SMALL
TRADING POST BECOMES THE MOST
IMPORTANT CITY IN THE WESTERN

TRADING POST BECOMES THE MOST
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
THE BRILLIANT,

GREATNESS... WOULD LIE IN THE
THE BRILLIANT,
COMBATIVE IMMIGRANT FROM THE

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'T

THERE WERE PEOPLE WHO DIDN'T
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, BUT

A MAN TO BE FEARED, NOT BECAUSE
OF HIS PERSONAL POWER, BUT
BECAUSE OF THE VISION THAT HE

OF HIS PERSONAL POWER, BUT
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 INFANT

RETURNING TO THE CITY, BRINGING
WITH HIM HIS WIFE AND INFANT
SON.

WITH HIM HIS WIFE AND INFANT
SON.
THEY SETTLED IN A HOUSE AT

SON.
THEY SETTLED IN A HOUSE AT
57 WALL STREET, JUST DOWN THE

THEY SETTLED IN A HOUSE AT
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'T

UNIVERSE.
Jackson: MOST PEOPLE DON'T
REALIZE, NEW YORK WAS REALLY

Jackson: MOST PEOPLE DON'T
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 IT

WOULD HAVE BEEN LIKE HAD IT
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 FIRST

30, 1789, GEORGE WASHINGTON
WAS SWORN IN AS THE FIRST
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,

WAS SWORN IN AS THE FIRST
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 FIRST

ALEXANDER HAMILTON... JUST 33...
WAS NAMED THE NATION'S FIRST
SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY,

WAS NAMED THE NATION'S FIRST
SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY,
AND THOUGH THE APPOINTMENT

SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY,
AND THOUGH THE APPOINTMENT
CAME THROUGH ON A SATURDAY,

AND THOUGH THE APPOINTMENT
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 BLUEPRINT

REBUILT TRINITY CHURCH, HAMILTON
BEGAN MAPPING OUT THE BLUEPRINT
FOR A NEW KIND OF NATION... ONE

BEGAN MAPPING OUT THE BLUEPRINT
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 IMMIGRANT

SLAVE LABOR, BUT ON COMMERCE,
MANUFACTURING, AND IMMIGRANT
TOIL.

MANUFACTURING, AND IMMIGRANT
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 WHAT

MANUFACTURING.
HERE'S A MAN WHO UNDERSTOOD WHAT
BANKING COULD DO TO DEVELOP THE

HERE'S A MAN WHO UNDERSTOOD WHAT
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 RESULT

MANY, PUT IT IN THE HANDS OF
THE FEW AND PRODUCE AS A RESULT
A MANUFACTURING REVOLUTION, THE

THE FEW AND PRODUCE AS A RESULT
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 JUST

"THE MOBS OF GREAT CITIES,"
JEFFERSON WARNED, "ADD JUST
SO MUCH TO THE SUPPORT OF PURE

JEFFERSON WARNED, "ADD JUST
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 AGAINST

FATEFUL SPLIT IN AMERICAN LIFE,
ONE THAT WOULD PIT SOUTH AGAINST
NORTH, COUNTRY AGAINST CITY, AND

ONE THAT WOULD PIT SOUTH AGAINST
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 SPLIT

DEEPLY IN DEBT.
Berkin: ALREADY THIS SPLIT
BETWEEN A COMMERCIAL,

Berkin: ALREADY THIS SPLIT
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 THAT
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 AT

DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
BY THE RESPECTIVE COLONIES AT
THAT TIME.

BY THE RESPECTIVE COLONIES AT
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 MOST

WELL, NEW YORK SHOULD HAVE HAD
THE MOST, IT'S WHERE THE MOST
IMPORTANT FIGHTING TOOK PLACE.

THE MOST, IT'S WHERE THE MOST
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 DEBT

IT.
YOU INCURRED THIS DEBT
HONORABLY, YOU... IN THE

YOU INCURRED THIS DEBT
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 DEBT

GOVERNMENT, THE NATIONAL
GOVERNMENT WILL PAY THAT DEBT
FOR YOU.

GOVERNMENT WILL PAY THAT DEBT
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 IT

TO KNOW THAT WHEREVER THE
GOVERNMENT WAS LOCATED, IF IT
WAS PURSUING THE KIND OF

GOVERNMENT WAS LOCATED, IF IT
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 STREET

STOCKBROKERS GATHERED UNDER A
BUTTONWOOD TREE ON WALL STREET
TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO HANDLE

BUTTONWOOD TREE ON WALL STREET
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 THAT

HISTORY OF NEW YORK IS THAT
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 WANT

THIS SENSE THAT NEW YORKERS
SAID, "WELL, IF YOU DON'T WANT
US TO BE YOUR CAPITAL, THAT'S

SAID, "WELL, IF YOU DON'T WANT
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 REST

WE'LL JUST GO IT ALONE.
WE DON'T REALLY NEED THE REST
OF YOU.

WE DON'T REALLY NEED THE REST
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... THAT

WAY IN WHICH AMERICANS JOIN
CAPITALISM AND DEMOCRACY... THAT
IS THE WAY IN WHICH THERE CAN BE

CAPITALISM AND DEMOCRACY... THAT
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 LEFT

EMANCIPATION ACT WAS PASSED.
ONE YEAR LATER, HAMILTON LEFT
GOVERNMENT AND RETIRED TO

ONE YEAR LATER, HAMILTON LEFT
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 HEART

CHURCH... JUST ACROSS BROADWAY
FROM WALL STREET, IN THE HEART
OF THE CITY WHOSE FUTURE HE

FROM WALL STREET, IN THE HEART
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 MONUMENT

HAMILTON'S FINAL RESTING PLACE
WOULD BE A STUNNING MONUMENT
TO THE MAGNITUDE OF HIS

WOULD BE A STUNNING MONUMENT
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 ABOUT

OF CAPITALISM."
Wallace: THIS PLACE IS ABOUT
ENDLESS RECOMPOSITION.

Wallace: THIS PLACE IS ABOUT
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 MOST

PERHAPS NEW YORK IS AT ITS MOST
AMERICAN.

AMERICAN.
McCullough: IN A WAY, IT

McCullough: IN A WAY, IT
COULD BE SEEN AS A METAPHOR

COULD BE SEEN AS A METAPHOR
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 IT

AND IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE OF
THOSE TIME-LAPSE FILMS OF IT
GOING UP AND DOWN AND RISING AND

THOSE TIME-LAPSE FILMS OF IT
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 VAST

HAD ELAPSED SINCE EUROPEANS
FIRST SET EYES ON THE VAST
AND TRANQUIL HARBOR, IN WHICH,

FIRST SET EYES ON THE VAST
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 ROBERT

IN 1807, A TRANSPLANTED
PENNSYLVANIAN NAMED ROBERT
FULTON LAUNCHED THE WORLD'S

PENNSYLVANIAN NAMED ROBERT
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 THAT

BLACK BALL LINE CAME UP WITH A
STARTLINGLY SIMPLE IDEA THAT
WOULD REVOLUTIONIZE SHIPPING

STARTLINGLY SIMPLE IDEA THAT
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 GOT

Jackson: PRIOR TO THAT TIME,
YOU ACTUALLY SAILED WHEN YOU GOT
A CREW TOGETHER OR WHEN THE HOLD

YOU ACTUALLY SAILED WHEN YOU GOT
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 AT

THE LEADERS OF THE BLACK BALL
LINE SAID, "WE WILL SAIL AT
10:00 A.M., FULL OR NOT."

LINE SAID, "WE WILL SAIL AT
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 PORT

ITSELF SO THAT NEW YORK RAPIDLY
BECAME NOT JUST ANOTHER PORT
COMPETING WITH BALTIMORE AND

BECAME NOT JUST ANOTHER PORT
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
AND ENGLISH ESTATES NORTH OF

ONE BY ONE, THE OLD DUTCH FARMS
AND ENGLISH ESTATES NORTH OF
TOWN WERE CARVED UP INTO SMALLER

AND ENGLISH ESTATES NORTH OF
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 MOST

WAS THAT MANHATTAN REAL ESTATE
WAS BECOMING AMONG THE MOST
EXPENSIVE IN THE WORLD.

WAS BECOMING AMONG THE MOST
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 MOST

PART OF THE 19th CENTURY.
Wallace: HE DISCERNS THE MOST
OBVIOUS FACT OF MANHATTAN'S

Wallace: HE DISCERNS THE MOST
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 FIRST

MOVING NORTH.
AND IF YOU GET UP THERE FIRST
AND YOU BUY UP THE LAND, YOU ARE

AND IF YOU GET UP THERE FIRST
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, PROFIT

IN A POSITION TO... DEPENDING ON
YOUR MORAL PERSPECTIVE, PROFIT
FROM, GARNER, OR EXTORT THE

YOUR MORAL PERSPECTIVE, PROFIT
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
DRAWING PICTURES ON THE

WITH HIS APPALLING TABLE
DRAWING PICTURES ON THE
WINDOW PANE WITH A WET TOBACCO

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 FOOT

KNOWING THEN WHAT HE KNEW NOW,
HE WOULD BUY EVERY SQUARE FOOT
OF THE ISLAND OF MANHATTAN.

HE WOULD BUY EVERY SQUARE FOOT
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 GREAT

AND ITS CITIZENS COMPARED THEIR
BRASH YOUNG CITY TO THE GREAT
CAPITALS OF EUROPE AND ASIA...

BRASH YOUNG CITY TO THE GREAT
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, IT

UNLIKE EUROPEAN CITIES THAT IS
WAS GOING TO TRY TO IMITATE, IT
DIDN'T HAVE THOUSANDS OF YEARS.

WAS GOING TO TRY TO IMITATE, IT
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 THAT

PATRICIAN POLITICIAN, SO
BRILLIANT AND COMMANDING THAT
FRIENDS AND ENEMIES ALIKE CALLED

BRILLIANT AND COMMANDING THAT
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 IMPORTANT

Jackson: DE WITT CLINTON
IS ARGUABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT
PERSON WHO EVER LIVED IN

IS ARGUABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT
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 ROBERT

AN ENVIRONMENT THAT INCLUDED
PETER STUYVESANT AND ROBERT
MOSES AND FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

PETER STUYVESANT AND ROBERT
MOSES AND FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT
AND FIORELLO LA GUARDIA.

MOSES AND FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT
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 IT

IT WAS NOT CLEAR THAT IT WOULD
BE THE DOMINANT CITY THAT IT
LATER BECAME.

BE THE DOMINANT CITY THAT IT
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 EIGHT

PLAN.
ON A GIANT MAP, MORE THAN EIGHT
FEET LONG, THEY HAD PROJECTED

ON A GIANT MAP, MORE THAN EIGHT
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 MOST

CENTURIES TO COME.
Reader: "THE GRID IS THE MOST
COURAGEOUS ACT OF PREDICTION

Reader: "THE GRID IS THE MOST
COURAGEOUS ACT OF PREDICTION
IN WESTERN CIVILIZATION:

COURAGEOUS ACT OF PREDICTION
THE LAND IT DIVIDES, UNOCCUPIED;

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 IT

THE ENTIRE NATURAL GEOGRAPHY
OF THE ISLAND AND REPLACING IT
WITH A SINGLE MASSIVE GRID...

OF THE ISLAND AND REPLACING IT
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 GIANT

FEWER THAN 100,000 PEOPLE,
THE PLAN ENVISIONED A GIANT
METROPOLIS OF MORE THAN

THE PLAN ENVISIONED A GIANT
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.
PEOPLE WHO DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH

IT EASY FOR IMMIGRANTS.
PEOPLE WHO DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH
CAN NAVIGATE THEIR WAY AROUND

PEOPLE WHO DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH
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 THAT

MARKET... BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS
GRIDDED UP IN ADVANCE, SO THAT
YOU CAN BUY AND SELL PLOTS

GRIDDED UP IN ADVANCE, SO THAT
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 CAPITALIST

THE GRID IS OFTEN ATTACKED.
PEOPLE SAY THAT IT'S CAPITALIST
SPECULATION, OR THAT IT'S

PEOPLE SAY THAT IT'S CAPITALIST
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 STRAIGHT

SARTE ADMIRED.
HE LOVED THESE BIG STRAIGHT
AVENUES IN WHICH YOU COULD SEE

HE LOVED THESE BIG STRAIGHT
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, THAT

SET YOUR MIND TO IT, THAT
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 MOST

Narrator: THE COMMISSIONERS'
PLAN OF 1811 WAS ONE OF THE MOST
FARSIGHTED URBAN VISIONS EVER

PLAN OF 1811 WAS ONE OF THE MOST
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 PUT

COMPARED TO THAT OF ANOTHER
PROPOSAL DE WITT CLINTON PUT
FORWARD THAT SAME YEAR... NOT AN

PROPOSAL DE WITT CLINTON PUT
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 THAT

NO RAILROADS THROUGH THERE,
THERE WERE NO RIVERS THAT
TOOK YOU EASILY THROUGH THERE.

THERE WERE NO RIVERS THAT
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 GET

IN NEW YORK AND IN THE NATION,
IS TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO GET
INSIDE THE CONTINENT.

IS TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO GET
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 AT

WOULD SIMPLY HAVE TO BUILD ONE.
Bender: WHEN ONE LOOKS AT
A MAP OF THE UNITED STATES AND

Bender: WHEN ONE LOOKS AT
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 CANNOT

WHEN ONE LOOKS AT THE
MISSISSIPPI RIVER, ONE CANNOT
BUT ASSUME THAT THE GREATEST

MISSISSIPPI RIVER, ONE CANNOT
BUT ASSUME THAT THE GREATEST
CITY IN THE NEW WORLD IS GOING

BUT ASSUME THAT THE GREATEST
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 GREATEST

TO BE WHERE NEW ORLEANS IS.
HERE'S ONE OF THE GREATEST
RIVER SYSTEMS IN THE WORLD.

HERE'S ONE OF THE GREATEST
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 THAT

GEOGRAPHICAL ADVANTAGES THEY
HAD AND GOT ACCESS TO THAT
AGRICULTURAL HINTERLAND THAT

HAD AND GOT ACCESS TO THAT
AGRICULTURAL HINTERLAND THAT
SEEMED TO BELONG TO NEW ORLEANS.

AGRICULTURAL HINTERLAND THAT
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 IT

CLINTON HIMSELF DEVISED AN
INGENIOUS SCHEME TO PAY FOR IT
ALL, USING PUBLIC FUNDS TO

INGENIOUS SCHEME TO PAY FOR IT
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 GOVERNMENT

JEFFERSON WOULDN'T DREAM OF
HAVING THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
INVOLVING ITSELF IN AN AFFAIR OF

HAVING THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
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 AGAINST

THIS KIND FOR DOCTRINAL REASONS.
THE JEFFERSONIANS WERE AGAINST
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.

THE JEFFERSONIANS WERE AGAINST
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
1956.

HIGHWAY PROGRAM WAS PASSED IN
1956.
Moynihan: THE CANAL WAS

1956.
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 BROUGHT

THE REVEREND F.H. CUMING.
Moynihan: IT JUST BROUGHT
THINGS ALIVE IN AMERICA A WAY

Moynihan: IT JUST BROUGHT
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 RIGHT

AND THAT CANAL BROUGHT THE
SEABORNE ATLANTIC TRADE RIGHT
UP INTO THE CENTRAL OF THE

SEABORNE ATLANTIC TRADE RIGHT
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 GREAT

WE HAD, AND THIS HARBOR WAS
THE FULCRUM BETWEEN THE GREAT
CONTINENT AND THE EUROPEAN WORLD

THE FULCRUM BETWEEN THE GREAT
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 THAT

Stern: IT MADE NEW YORK
THE ONLY AMERICAN CITY THAT
CONNECTED EUROPE ON ONE SIDE

THE ONLY AMERICAN CITY THAT
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 PORT

STRENGTH EVER SINCE.
IT STILL IS THE MAJOR PORT
OF ENTRY AND TRANSFER POINT

IT STILL IS THE MAJOR PORT
OF ENTRY AND TRANSFER POINT
FOR PEOPLE FLYING FROM EUROPE

OF ENTRY AND TRANSFER POINT
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 FIRST

MADE NEW YORK THE EMPIRE STATE
AND NEW YORK CITY THE FIRST
REAL CENTER IN AMERICA.

AND NEW YORK CITY THE FIRST
REAL CENTER IN AMERICA.
DE WITT CLINTON HAD FIRST

REAL CENTER IN AMERICA.
DE WITT CLINTON HAD FIRST
IMAGINED THE GREAT METROPOLIS

DE WITT CLINTON HAD FIRST
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 IT

RESHAPED THE GEOGRAPHY OF AN
ENTIRE CONTINENT TO MAKE IT
INEVITABLE.

ENTIRE CONTINENT TO MAKE IT
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 VAST

OPERATIONS, AND THE
CONCENTRATING POINT OF VAST
CAPITALS.

CONCENTRATING POINT OF VAST
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 PART

AND OF COURSE WOULD HAVE TAKEN
FULL CREDIT FOR IT BEING PART
OF HIS VISION.

FULL CREDIT FOR IT BEING PART
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, BUT

AND HIS OWN CITY TAKE THIS
POSITION OF PREEMINENCE, BUT
TO SEE THAT THIS CLAIM HE HAD

POSITION OF PREEMINENCE, BUT
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 IT

THAT MANY PEOPLE THOUGHT WOULD
NOT SURVIVE A DECADE, THAT IT
WAS GOING TO RISE TO BE ONE OF

NOT SURVIVE A DECADE, THAT IT
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 IT

THE FUTURE, TO TRY TO TAKE
AN OPPORTUNITY AND REALIZE IT
AND MAKE IT REAL.

AN OPPORTUNITY AND REALIZE IT
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 MOST

PROPEL ITSELF INTO THE FUTURE.
IN THE YEARS TO COME, THE MOST
POWERFUL ECONOMIC ENGINE ON

IN THE YEARS TO COME, THE MOST
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 MOST

ASTONISHING SPEED, CALLING INTO
EXISTENCE AS IT DID THE MOST
POWERFULLY TRANSFORMATIVE

EXISTENCE AS IT DID THE MOST
POWERFULLY TRANSFORMATIVE
A

POWERFULLY TRANSFORMATIVE
A
CAPITALIST CULTURE OF IMMENSE

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 AT

IT WOULD EVEN SEEK TO TRANSCEND
THE PROFOUND CONTRADICTIONS AT
ITS CORE.

THE PROFOUND CONTRADICTIONS AT
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 CONFIDENT

NEW YORK WOULD SURGE INTO THE
FUTURE, ITS CITIZENS CONFIDENT
THEY HAD LEFT THE CHAOS OF

FUTURE, ITS CITIZENS CONFIDENT
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 TURBULENT

IN MANY WAYS THEY HAD.
AND YET, IN THE TURBULENT
DECADES TO COME, AS TENS OF

AND YET, IN THE TURBULENT
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 THAT

VAN WINKLE, WHO AWOKE AFTER A
NIGHT'S SLEEP TO DISCOVER THAT
20 YEARS HAD PASSED AND THAT

NIGHT'S SLEEP TO DISCOVER THAT
20 YEARS HAD PASSED AND THAT
EVERYTHING AROUND HIM HAD

20 YEARS HAD PASSED AND THAT
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 THAT

KNEW IT, WAS A MERE CORNER OF
THE PRESENT HUGE CITY, AND THAT
CORNER IS ALL CHANGED, PULLED

THE PRESENT HUGE CITY, AND THAT
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 GREAT

I CAN HARDLY REALIZE THAT WITHIN
MY TERM OF LIFE, THIS GREAT
CROWDED METROPOLIS, SO FULL OF

MY TERM OF LIFE, THIS GREAT
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 MOST

INHABITANTS.
IT IS REALLY NOW ONE OF THE MOST
RUCKETING CITIES IN THE WORLD."

IT IS REALLY NOW ONE OF THE MOST
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.