George Washington's exploits as commander of the Continental Army, including his first victory in Boston and subsequent defeat in New York, are examined.

Thomas Jefferson becomes the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, which is used as a rallying cry by George Washington for his troops, during a desperate 1776 campaign to keep New York from falling into British hands.

America is a sovereign nation after the Revolution but is beset by squabbling factions and financial debt. George Washington comes out of retirement and is elected president, and works to guarantee the rights for which he and his comrades fought so hard.

The season finale chronicles the dawn of the 19th century under two-term President Thomas Jefferson and the duel between his vice president, Aaron Burr, and one of his chief rivals, Alexander Hamilton, in 1804.