John Adams, Episode 5

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

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

It's 1777, and Adams is appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to France along with Benjamin Franklin.

The year is 1781, and Adams joyously learns the British surrendered to Washington at Yorktown. Later, he 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.