Ep 2. The Intolerable Acts

In Liberty's Kids season 1 episode 2 "The Intolerable Acts," viewers are taken back to 1774 during the early stages of the American Revolution. The episode starts with James Hiller, a young reporter for Benjamin Franklin's newspaper, The Pennsylvania Gazette, gathering information on the latest events from his mentor. Franklin informs James about the Coercive Acts, known as the Intolerable Acts in America, imposed by the British government on the colonists in response to the Boston Tea Party.

James, Sarah Phillips, and Henri LeFayette- two other young reporters for The Pennsylvania Gazette, then head to Boston to report on the situation. Once there, they witness first-hand the British presence in the city. They notice soldiers occupying Boston and the harbor and the Bostonians' struggling businesses. The pressure of British rule becomes obvious.

While there, the three reporters meet Samuel Adams, one of the founding members of the Sons of Liberty, who explains what the Coercive Acts entail. Adams informs them that the acts closed Boston Harbor, which was the primary source of commerce for the colonies, until the city paid the damages caused during the Boston Tea Party. Moreover, the acts limited the colonists' freedom of speech, assembly, and other civil liberties. Adams suggests to the reporters that they confront British General Gage and ask him about the acts, claiming that he was just following orders.

The team heads to the governor's house and speaks to the general, who dismisses the reporters and their concerns. James is determined to expose the truth and writes an article for the newspaper. However, Franklin is disappointed and concerned about the young reporter's safety, fearing that it may put the newspaper and the other reporters in danger.

Meanwhile, Sarah comes across a group of loyalists celebrating the king's birthday. She meets a young girl, Abigail, who disagrees with Sarah's point of view. Abigail explains that there are differing opinions on the British government's acts of tyranny, and not everyone wants to be a part of the American Revolution. Sarah realizes that not everyone in the colonies is willing to fight for independence, and that not everyone is on the same side.

As the reporters and their new friend Abigail talk, James notices British troops marching towards Lexington. Sarah and James race to alert Paul Revere, who rides horseback to warn the colonial troops. Through their quick actions and reactions, they become instrumental in starting the American Revolution.

Overall, Liberty's Kids season 1 episode 2 "The Intolerable Acts" tells the story of the British government's response to the Boston Tea Party, the negative impact it had on the colonists, and the early resistance to British tyranny. It shows how the young reporters and the Sons of Liberty react to the British imposition and how not everyone living in the colonies during the American Revolution felt the same way. Finally, it demonstrates how their quick thinking and risk-taking played a crucial role in starting the fight for independence.