"The American Revolution," the latest work from filmmaker Ken Burns, continues airing this week on PBS. The six-part, 12-hour history of the war of independence from Britain, and the beginnings of the American experiment in democracy, comes at a moment of deep divisions. Jeffrey Brown has our look for our Art in Action series, which explores the intersection of art and democracy as part of our CANVAS coverage. | PBS NewsHour

The Revolution, now a war for American independence, faces its toughest challenge yet as General Washington tries to defend New York City from invasion by sea. The resulting Battle of Long Island is a huge defeat for the Americans, who narrowly escape and spend the next several months on the run. In late December, Washington’s army regroups and prepares to attack an outpost in Trenton, New Jersey. The American Revolution, a film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, continues tonight!