John Adams | Season 1 | Episode 6

Unnecessary War

TV-14 | 1 HR 19 MIN

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

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

Adams wins over skeptical 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. Adams joyously learns the British surrendered to Washington at Yorktown and reunites with Abigail in Paris.

Elected America's first VP, Adams is frustrated by his exclusion from President Washington's inner circle.

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.