In the aftermath of the Boston Massacre, John Adams takes an unpopular stand by serving as defence attorney for the accused British soldiers. As pro-independent sentiment boils over in Massachusetts, Adams is invited to join the newly created Continental Congress.

As more violence rages, Adams nominates George Washington to lead the Continental Army. After a proclamation from King George III that treason will be met with death, Adams seconds a resolution for independence and persuades Thomas Jefferson to draft a declaration.

Adams endures a series of uncomfortable encounters in Paris. His strident demands that France increase their naval commitment to America's war effort upsets the French diplomats and draws the wrath of Benjamin Franklin, who is then appointed sole minister to France.

Adams learns of the British surrender to Washington. A missive sends Adams to London as the nation's first minister to Britain - while Jefferson replaces Franklin in Paris - where King George III recognises the friendship of the United States as an independent nation.

Elected America's first Vice President, Adams is riled by his exclusion from President Washington's inner circle. Though he's vilified for casting an unpopular swing vote that ratifies a U.S./British treaty, Adams is elected President in 1796 ... 3 votes over Jefferson.

President Adams holds firm on keeping the nation out of war, despite French aggression and pro-war sentiment among his advisors. Though vindicated in the French crisis after Secretary of State John Marshall brokers a peace with Napoleon, Adams fails to win a 2nd term.

Adams starts writing his memoirs but endures a series of tragedies when his daughter and wife pass. Adams reports the sad news to Jefferson, and the two old friends and adversaries take solace in a correspondence that mends old wounds that lasts the rest of their lives.