JOHN ADAMS - PART THREE, FOUR AND FIVE

English and Spanish languages

Part Three - "Don't Tread On Me". 1777. A new period of separation from Abigail looms when Adams is appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to France along with Benjamin Franklin. In Paris, his strident demands that France increase their naval commitment to America's war effort draws the wrath of Franklin. Vexed after learning Franklin has been appointed sole minister to France, Adams heads to Holland to solicit funds, with little success. After sending John Quincy to Russia to work as secretary to the American minister there, Adams falls victim to a long illness and fever, helpless to further advance the revolution he helped spawn. (68 Min.) Part Four - "Reunion". 1781. Convalescing in Holland, Adams joyously learns the British surrendered to Washington at Yorktown. The Dutch, unwilling to part with their money during the war, now generously open their pockets to Adams and America. Returning to France to secure commerce with other nations, Adams sends for Abigail, and the two reunite in Paris. Adams is then sent to London as the nation's first Ambassador to Britain, while Jefferson replaces Franklin in Paris. In London, Adams has a memorable meeting with King George III, in which the King recognizes the friendship of the United States as an independent nation. With a new federal government about to be elected in America, Adams and Abigail finally return to Boston, where Adams is given a hero's welcome while reconnecting with his children. The election of the first U.S. president and vice-president is at hand-and Adams will again be putting his private life on hold. (65 Min.) Part Five - "Unite Or Die". Elected America's first Vice President, Adams is scolded by Abigail for his vanity, and is frustrated by his exclusion from President Washington's inner circle. He also sees his friendship with Jefferson, the new Secretary of State, strained by the ongoing British-French conflict. Though he's vilified for casting an unpopular swing vote in the Senate that ratifies a U.S./British treaty, Adams ends up being elected President in 1796--by a mere three votes over Jefferson. As Adams tours his presidential residence with Abigail, they find it stripped bare by his predecessor's staff. Undaunted, Abigail tries to rally her husband out of a melancholy brought on by the burdens of the presidency--and the nation's uncertain future. (63 Min.)