JOHN ADAMS - PART SIX AND SEVEN

English and Spanish languages

Bonus material: 1. "David McCullough: Painting With Words", (39 Min.) a personal glimpse at the life and works of author David McCullough. 2. "Facts Are Stubborn Things", an onscreen historical guide; 3. The Making of John Adams featurette.

Part 6 - "Unnecessary War". Abandoned by Jefferson for retaining Washington's cabinet, President Adams holds firm on keeping the nation out of war, despite French aggression and pro-war sentiment. Abigail urges him to sign the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts, seeing them as a way to preserve domestic security. Meanwhile, Adams faces a crisis at home when he disowns his alcoholic son Charles. The president is vindicated in the French crisis after the new Secretary of State, John Marshall, brokers a peace with Napoleon I, but Adams fails to win a second term. Drained by politics and family tragedy, Adams exits the new capital, Washington City. (79 Min.) Part 7 - "Peacefield". In retirement, Adams starts writing his memoirs, then endures a series of tragedies. At the urging of Dr. Rush, Adams reports the sad news to Jefferson, with the two old friends and adversaries taking solace in a correspondence that mends old wounds and lasts the rest of their lives. On July 4, 1826, having lived to see his son John Quincy become President, 90-year-old John Adams dies on the 50th anniversary of the ratification of the Declaration of Independence--and on the very same day as Jefferson. On his deathbed, Adams utters, "Thomas Jefferson survives." (62 Min.) Bonus Material