Opening amidst the chaos of a rain-soaked New York City, a frenzied mob is in the process of dismantling a statue of the King of England. Amidst this turmoil, Tom Dobb and his young son Ned are making their way into the harbor aboard a small boat loaded with furs. An extravagant carriage struggles through the crowd, inside which are the wealthy Mrs. McConnahay and her daughters. As a man throws several pages into the carriage, proclaiming, "The Declaration of Independence!", Daisy, one of the daughters, begins to read it until her mother snatches it away, dismissing the demonstrators outside as "scum."
Upon reaching the dock, Tom and Ned are confronted by the mob, which demands their boat and cargo. Despite resistance, the mob takes possession of both, leaving Tom and Ned with nothing but a 'note' for payment, rendering them homeless and destitute. Seeking answers about the boat, Tom enters a raucous hall filled with angry men, instructing Ned to wait outside. Above the commotion, a voice from a balcony addresses the crowd, explaining that the funds have been allocated to the war, escalating the anger as they brandish their notes for lost possessions. The wealthy Mr. McConnahay is mentioned as someone who will repay them with gold once the British have been defeated.
Returning outside, Tom discovers that Ned has enlisted in the United States Continental Army as a drummer for five shillings and a promise of land post-war. In a desperate attempt to keep his son safe, Tom joins the army, voicing his plea to the recruiters but to no avail. With no uniforms to wear, the men find themselves loading onto boats, greeted by a cheering crowd shouting, "Liberty!"
Meanwhile, Daisy pledges her support to the Patriots by assisting at a medical tent, witnessing the brutal realities of war as she aids in surgery amidst fields of blossoming yellow weeds. She encounters Tom and Ned, who share their hardships, and Daisy expresses her admiration for Tom's bravery. However, back at home, she overhears her father's business dealings, which reveal his unethical plans to profit from the British occupation of New York.
In the midst of this conflict, Tom and Ned prepare for battle against the British Red Coats. Clad in plain clothing, they take shelter behind natural cover while the British march confidently in formation. When the fight ensues, the Americans suffer tremendous losses, leading Tom to reconsider their involvement in the war, expressing a desire to return to New York and work in the rope factory.
As anticipated, the British take control of New York. Tom, seeking refuge for Ned, encounters Daisy again, who scorns him for abandoning the fight, despite his protestations about the army's retreat. Stuck in a lavish world of parties and expectations, Daisy grapples with her allegiance to her family or the rebel cause.
Ned, lured by a gang known as the Mohawks, gets into trouble when British soldiers raid the factory, forcing Tom into a humiliating position. In a subsequent hunting game organized by the British, Tom and another man are made to drag an effigy of George Washington as the officers pursue them for sport. Despite their best efforts, the brutal nature of the hunt takes its toll on Tom, who finds himself broken and exhausted.
As the story unfolds, the struggles intensify when young drummer boys, including Ned, are captured by British forces. With Daisy's heart aching for her friend, she tracks down Tom, who is determined to rescue his son. In a dramatic nighttime encounter, Tom infiltrates the British camp and liberates Ned, but they face relentless pursuit from the British forces.
Finding sanctuary with the Hurons, they are sheltered and their wounds treated, yet they remain anxious to return to the fight. In Valley Forge, amidst snow and despair, Daisy delivers supplies, crossing paths with Ned, who has evolved into a resilient scout alongside his father. Their shared moments highlight newfound bonds and expressions of love, but tragedy looms as Daisy's fate hangs in the balance during a chaotic British cavalry charge.
Three years later, at the climactic Battle of Yorktown, father and son stand side by side, armed with resolve and vengeance against British officers. As victory is declared, the mood shifts dramatically to the streets of New York, where celebrations erupt, yet Tom's newfound freedom yields disappointment as he confronts the harsh reality of unfulfilled promises regarding land.
As he bids farewell to Ned and his companions embarking on new journeys, he encounters Daisy in the vibrant, celebratory chaos of the city. Their emotional reunion amidst the jubilant crowds serves as a poignant reminder of resilience and hope amid the backdrop of war.
