In this episode of Public History with Justin, Jake, and Molly, Jake and Molly return to HBO’s John Adams miniseries – this time following the American Revolution far beyond Boston and Philadelphia.
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John Adams sails for Europe with young John Quincy Adams at his side, stepping into the chaotic world of Revolutionary diplomacy. In Paris he clashes with Benjamin Franklin, struggles to win allies for the American cause, and begins the long, exhausting work of convincing Europe that the United States is a nation worth betting on.
Back home in Massachusetts, Abigail Adams is fighting a very different war. With John gone for years at a time, she manages the farm, raises the family, and navigates the constant uncertainty of wartime.
Jake and Molly unpack the history behind the series, from Adams’ awkward diplomacy in France and the Netherlands to Abigail’s resilience and entrepreneurship on the Massachusetts home front.
This episode of Public History with Justin, Jake, and Molly explores:
- John Adams arriving in Europe as America’s most stubborn diplomat
- Benjamin Franklin’s very different approach to winning French support
- Young John Quincy Adams witnessing the Revolution up close
- Abigail Adams running the farm – and the household war effort – alone
- Awkward scenes with European royalty
Listen to our previous podcast episode about John Adams
Podcast | Rewatching John Adams: Law, Revolution, and Abigail’s America (Episodes 1–2)
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