America's elder statesman, Benjamin Franklin, descends on Paris to seduce the French to join the fight against their common enemy, England. British General William Howe delivers a crushing blow to George Washington's troops at the Battle of Brandywine taking Philadelphia, the American capital, as his prize. But to the north, another American general enters the spotlight--Horatio Gates defeats British General John Burgoyne at the Battle of Saratoga. It is this victory that convinces France to enter the fight, turning the American Revolution into a world war.

Congress begins to question Washington's leadership; Washington rebuilds his reputation by holding back the British at the Battle of Monmouth.

General Benedict Arnold turns his back on his cause and country; Washington takes his war to the frontier.

Failing to defeat Washington, the British turn their attention southward; siege at Charleston, S.C.

After the fall of Charleston, S.C., the Revolutionary War explodes into the Carolina backcountry.

Washington faces two mutinies; the French send their fleet to America; Cornwallis moves his army to Yorktown.

The American victory at Yorktown; John Adams joins Benjamin Franklin in France to negotiate the Treaty of 1783.

George Washington is called into service as the nation's first president.

George Washington completes his eight-day journey from Mount Vernon to New York City for his inauguration.