Year in Revolution

Created in partnership with the American Revolution Institute, this landmark series of short-form animated videos explores the defining years of the American Revolution, told through the lens of liberty, leadership, and lasting change.

Working closely with the ARI team, we developed a year-by-year journey through the Revolutionary War, from the first sparks of resistance in 1775 to the eventual triumph of American independence. Each year in the conflict is represented by six themed films—focusing on people, places, ideals, events, relationships, and timelines—crafted specifically to support middle school learners and educators.

Drawing from the Institute's extensive archive, we combined original animation with rich historical imagery and tactile graphic elements like 19th-century board games. Our narrative style blends clarity, energy, and the occasional flash of humor to engage young viewers.

From the Liberty Tree to the Battle of Trenton, from Common Sense to the Declaration of Independence, this series captures the drama and urgency of a world being remade. Each film offers a distilled, story-driven account of a pivotal moment or theme, making complex history accessible, memorable, and meaningful.

Designed for classroom use, these resources include supporting materials for teachers and align with middle school history curriculum standards. All films in the series were fully funded by the American Revolution Institute and are part of their mission to promote public understanding and appreciation of the Revolution and the principles of liberty that it established.

“It has been a thrill to see our rare library and museum collection items come to life in service to the Society of the Cincinnati’s two-hundred forty-two-year commitment to perpetuating the memory of the American Revolution. Working with the talented creative team at Makematic has made our dream to keep the Revolution’s legacy alive in America’s classrooms a reality. We are grateful to have found such an accomplished production partner, known for their signature educational video collaborations with the most trusted history and civics organizations around the globe. We hope our Year in Revolution series inspires students of the Revolution of all ages to learn more about this critical time in world history.”

American Revolution Institute Executive Director, Andy Morse