The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg Patriots and Loyalists | Interview: Ken Burns
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Jan 12, 2026 
Ken Burns, a legendary American documentary filmmaker known for his works on the Civil War and the American Revolution, joins Jonah Goldberg for an enlightening discussion. They delve into the importance of historical narratives and George Washington's pivotal role. The conversation tackles the complexity of loyalty during the Revolution, the global significance of American independence, and how early abolitionism began to take shape. Burns emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of history, blending military and political narratives to enrich storytelling.
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Revolution Created Enduring Possibilities
- Burns argues the American Revolution was uniquely consequential and opened long-term possibilities.
- Its language (e.g., "pursuit of happiness") made the nation an unfinished project toward greater inclusion.
James Fortin: A Declaration Follower
- Burns recounts James Fortin, a nine-year-old free Black boy who believed the Declaration applied to him and joined the Revolution.
- Fortin survived prison ships, prospered, and later funded abolitionist causes.
Imperial Profit Shapes Abolition Timelines
- The British Empire's wealth relied heavily on Caribbean slavery, complicating neat comparisons about who abolished slavery first.
- Burns stresses imperial hypocrisy and differing colonial profit structures.
