13 episodes

The Adams Chronicles - Miniseries

First aired Jan 20, 1976Season 1

Chronicles the story of the Adams political family over a 150-year span, including John Adams (drafter and signer of the Declaration, accomplished diplomat, and the 2nd President of the U.S.), his wife Abigail Adams, his son John Quincy Adams (acclaimed Secretary of State, the 6th President, and prominent abolitionist Congressman), grandson Charles Francis Adams, Congressman and Ambassador to Great Britain during the Civil War, and much-heralded members of the fourth generation Henry Brooks Adams, the historian and author of the novel Democracy, and Charles Francis Adams II, the industrialist.

Episodes

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Episode 1

Chapter 1: John Adams, Lawyer

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Jan 20, 197658 min

John Adams centers his ambitions on becoming a lawyer of repute and marrying parson's daughter Abigail Smith.

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Episode 2

Chapter 2: John Adams, Revolutionary

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Jan 27, 197658 min

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

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Episode 3

Chapter 3: John Adams, Diplomat

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Feb 3, 197657 min

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

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Episode 4

Chapter 4: John Adams, Minister to Great Britain

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Feb 10, 197659 min

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

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Episode 5

Chapter 5: John Adams, Vice President

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Feb 17, 197658 min

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.

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Episode 6

Chapter 6: John Adams, President

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Feb 24, 197658 min

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

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Episode 7

Chapter 7: John Quincy Adams, Diplomat

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Mar 2, 197658 min

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

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Episode 8

Chapter 8: John Quincy Adams, Secretary of State

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Mar 9, 197658 min

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.

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Episode 9

Chapter 9: John Quincy Adams, President

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Mar 16, 197658 min

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

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Episode 10

Chapter 10: John Quincy Adams, Congressman

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Mar 23, 197658 min

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

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Episode 11

Chapter 11: Charles Francis Adams, Minister to Great Britain

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Mar 30, 197657 min

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.

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Episode 12

Chapter 12: Henry Adams, Historian

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Apr 6, 197657 min

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

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Episode 13

Chapter 13: Charles Francis Adams II, Industrialist

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Apr 13, 197657 min

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