GOP 101: John Adams

“Yesterday the greatest question was decided which ever was debated in America; and a greater perhaps never was, nor will be, decided among men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony, ''that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.'' 

John Adams

Birth: October 30, 1735

Location: Quincy, Massachusetts

Death: March 4, 1801

Location: Quincy, Massachusetts

Educated at Harvard University

Profession: Lawyer

Major accomplishments:

• Signer of the Declaration of Independence
• Served on committee to draft the Declaration of Independence
• 2^nd President of the United States of America, 1797-1801
• 1789, elected as first Vice President under George Washington. Reelected in 1792.
• Represented Massachusetts at the First Continental Congress
• In 1776, proposed to Congress that colonies adopt individual governments
• 1777, head of the Board of War and Ordinance

John Adams was a man who did not hesitate to jump into the controversial side of an issue. Early in his career, he represented British soldiers accused of killing civilians in what we know to be the Boston Massacre. 

Adams passionately believed in liberty, but he was also a man of solid character. Among being a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Adams played an important role in negotiating for the United States in matters of war. He helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris, which would bring the end of the Revolutionary War.

As President, Adams faced a potential war with France when they refused to receive diplomats to discuss issues the end of commercial relations. France only agreed to talk if a “bribe” was paid. Of course, Adams refused. He increased the power of the military with new ships to protect American interests at sea. Ultimately, a full-blown war was avoided.

Adams would lose his reelection campaign in 1800 to Thomas Jefferson. The two signers of the Declaration of Independence and close friends would die within hours of each other on the 50^th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration. Adams last words were, “Thomas Jefferson survives.” However, Jefferson died a few hours before Adams.

By SB

© 2013 BiGWand. All rights reserved.