The Adams Chronicles

Episode 2

Chapter 2: John Adams, Revolutionary

Adams returns to Braintree after successfully defending the Redcoats, but Hancock soon lures him back into politics.

Episode 3

Chapter 3: John Adams, Diplomat

Serving as a diplomat in France with Benjamin Franklin, Adams earns a reputation for rudeness.

Episode 4

Chapter 4: John Adams, Minister to Great Britain

After nearly five years of separation, Adams' family joins him in Great Britian, where he has been appointed America's first ambassador.

Episode 5

Chapter 5: John Adams, Vice President

With General George Washington as President, Adams becomes Vice-President and head of the Senate. When Jefferson's Republicans and Hamilton's Federalists have strongly conflicting views over the French Revolutionary war, Adams finds himself in the middle.

Episode 6

Chapter 6: John Adams, President

Increasingly exasperating relations with France lead to the XYZ Affair, then the Quasi-War.

Episode 7

Chapter 7: John Quincy Adams, Diplomat

In Ghent, Adams and his delegation struggle to negotiate an end to the War of 1812.

Episode 8

Chapter 8: John Quincy Adams, Secretary of State

During the Seminole War, the executions of Arbuthnot and Ambrister in Spanish Florida create a diplomatic incident. The US and Britain consider making a joint statement on the wars in South America, but this evolves into the Monroe Doctrine. In the presidential election, Henry Clay is the kingmaker. Adams becomes sixth President.

Episode 9

Chapter 9: John Quincy Adams, President

Hampered by negative press from Jackson's camp, Adams' single term is marked by frustrated efforts to institute national improvements.

Episode 10

Chapter 10: John Quincy Adams, Congressman

Adams wins a seat in the House, where he serves with more success than he had as President.

Episode 11

Chapter 11: Charles Francis Adams, Minister to Great Britain

On the eve of the Civil War, Charles Francis Adams becomes the third generation in the Adams family to be appointed minister to Great Britain.

Episode 12

Chapter 12: Henry Adams, Historian

The sons of Charles Francis Adams endeavor to make their own marks on the world.

Episode 13

Chapter 13: Charles Francis Adams II, Industrialist

While his brother Henry travels the world, Charles Francis II takes charge of the Union Pacific Railroad.