[1] Following the Civil War, Union veteran Cyrus Trask has two sons: Adam, a gentle, idealistic soul; and Charles, a hellraiser.
Cyrus, by now an influential diplomat who has amassed a fortune by embezzling from the government, pulls strings to get Adam into West Point.
Following Cyrus' death, Adam returns to the family farm in Connecticut and mends his relationship with Charles, with whom he shares a large inheritance.
The series also concerns the life of Cathy Ames, an evil woman who delights in manipulating and destroying people.
Adam is devastated, but eventually recovers with help from his loyal Cantonese servant Lee and his old friend Samuel Hamilton.
Cal's goodness and professed love for his father makes Kate uncomfortable, and she spitefully tells him that he is just like her.
When Adam goes nearly bankrupt after a bad investment, Cal resolves to prove his worth by making the money back.
He goes into business with Samuel Hamilton's son Will growing beans, with the expectation that crop prices will skyrocket when the U.S. declares war on Germany.
Tragedy strikes, however: Adam receives a telegram saying that Aron has been killed in battle, and suffers a debilitating stroke.
Lee tells the dying Adam that he must give his only remaining son his blessing so he can live a good life.