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Ken Burns on the French as Losers of the American Revolution

opinion-review · 2026-07-04

Ken Burns, the acclaimed American documentary filmmaker known for his series on the Civil War and Vietnam, challenges myths of the American Revolution in an interview with Le Monde. He emphasizes the violence of the period and argues that the French should be counted among the losers of the revolution. Burns, a knowledgeable observer of American democracy, expresses confidence that it will survive the 'hurricane' of Donald Trump.

Key facts

  • Ken Burns is a respected American documentary filmmaker.
  • He is known for films on the Civil War and Vietnam.
  • In an interview with Le Monde, he debunks myths of the American Revolution.
  • He insists on the violence that marked the period.
  • He states that the French should be counted among the losers of the American Revolution.
  • He believes American democracy will survive the 'hurricane' of Donald Trump.
  • The interview was published on July 4, 2026.
  • The article appears in Le Monde's ideas section.

Entities

Artists

  • Ken Burns

Institutions

  • Le Monde

Locations

  • United States
  • France

Sources