John Adams, Independence

Boston, 1770. In the aftermath of the Boston Massacre, John Adams takes the defence of the accused British soldiers.

Adams wins over sceptical delegates in the charge to declare independence in July of 1776.

1777. A new period of separation from Abigail looms when Adams is appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to France along with Benjamin Franklin.

1781. Convalescing in Holland, Adams joyously learns the British surrendered to Washington at Yorktown. Later, he and Abigail reunite in his opulent mansion in Paris.

Elected America's first Vice President, Adams is frustrated by his exclusion from President Washington's inner circle and is scolded by Abigail for his vanity.

Abandoned by Jefferson for retaining Washington's cabinet, President Adams holds firm on keeping the nation out of war.

In retirement, Adams starts writing his memoirs, then endures a series of tragedies when his daughter dies of cancer and Abigail succumbs to typhoid fever.