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 votes 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.