John Adams

After the Boston Massacre, John Adams agrees to serve as defence attorney for the accused British soldiers. Several years later, he joins the Continental Congress.

Adams nominates George Washington to lead the newly formed Continental Army; Thomas Jefferson drafts the Declaration of Independence; Congress vote to declare independence from England.

Adams and Jefferson visit France to gain financial and military support for the American War of Independence; Adams falls victim to an illness.

In 1781, Adams joyously learns that British troops surrendered to Washington at Yorktown; John and Abigail are reunited in Paris.

Adams becomes the country's first vice president; the ongoing conflict between the British and the French strains Adams' friendship with Jefferson; Adams is elected president in 1796.

President Adams tries desperately to keep the nation out of war; Adams disowns his alcoholic son, Charles; Jefferson claims the presidency after Adams fails to win a second term.