1776

John Adams laments that the Continental Congress refuses to debate his motion for independence and instead focuses on trivial matters. He seeks counsel from his wife Abigail to steady his resolve and to keep his cause alive. The scene sets the pressure for a bold decision.

Benjamin Franklin suggests that someone else propose independence to avoid direct clashes with the Conservative faction. He convinces Richard Henry Lee to return to Virginia to seek authorization to introduce the resolution. The move signals a shift toward an official push for independence.

Lee rides home to secure authorization from Virginia to propose independence, then returns to Congress with the resolution. The debate intensifies as Dickinson and the Conservative faction balk at breaking from Britain. The stage is set for a historic clash over the future of the colonies.

During the heated debate, Caesar Rodney of Delaware collapses from illness and must depart, depriving Adams of Delaware's timely vote. His absence jeopardizes the push for an immediate independence declaration. The moment underscores the fragility of the coalition forming around independence.

A New Jersey delegation arrives in Congress and votes for independence, bolstering the pro-independence cause. Franklin also receives news that his son William has been arrested by the Royal Governor of New Jersey, adding a personal dimension to the political struggle.

John Dickinson proposes that independence be voted upon unanimously to appease the remaining holdouts, a tactical maneuver that risks stalling the momentum toward independence. The procedural gambit sharpens the fault lines between reconciliationists and hardliners.

To salvage the motion, Adams requests a postponement to draft a declaration of grievances. Hancock breaks the tie in favor of moving forward and appoints a five-person committee to write the document, naming Adams, Franklin, Sherman, Livingston, and Jefferson. The scene marks the birth of a written justification for independence.

Jefferson reluctantly agrees to be the primary author of the declaration. After a week of drafting trouble, Adams summons his wife Martha to Philadelphia; her charm helps win Jefferson's cooperation, and he completes the draft. The document finally takes shape under combined leadership.

To secure Samuel Chase's support for independence, Adams agrees to visit the Continental Army encampment in New Brunswick with Franklin and Chase. The mission tightens the alliance between political leaders and the army. The group returns with renewed purpose.

After the New Jersey trip, a military courier arrives at Congress with grim news of two friends killed at Lexington. The casualty report underscores the high stakes of the decision before Congress. The news further galvanizes Adams and his allies.

Back in session, the Declaration is read and many members seek to amend it. Edward Rutledge leads the Southern members in a walkout in protest, while Chase returns with Maryland's vote in favor. The debate tests the unity of the coalition on language and scope.

Franklin counsels Adams that compromise is essential to securing independence, while Abigail's saltpeter shipment and Georgia's sudden decision to support independence bolster the effort. These personal and logistical supports bolster Adams's resolve.

On July 2, the Congress votes to move toward independence, with key concessions and votes shifting in the balance. Delaware's Rodney is brought back to vote for independence by the three Delaware representatives, while Dickinson votes against it. Franklin and Wilson maneuver to secure a majority, setting the stage for a final declaration.

As McNair tolls the bell, one signer per state signs the Declaration, establishing the United States of America. Morris signs despite not being authorized, underscoring the personal costs involved. The moment marks the nation's birth and the culmination of years of struggle for independence.