John Adams

Adams and Jefferson visit France to gain financial and military support for America's Revolutionary War effort; Adams falls victim to an illness.

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.

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

While in retirement, Adams begins to write his memoirs, corresponds with Jefferson after a series of personal tragedies, and lives to see his son John Quincy become president.

John and Abigail reunite in Paris; he goes to London as America's first minister to Britain, then must deal with family concerns upon his return to Boston.

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.