John Adams

Leading Patriot and President

John Adams was the will that compelled Congress to adopt the Declaration of Independence.

Born in Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1736, Adams was the son of a modest preacher. Like many of the Founding Fathers, Adams came to exemplify what common men could accomplish in a land of freedom. He became a school teacher, renowned lawyer, leading revolutionary, Vice President, and second President of the United States.

During the revolutionary era, he challenged British oppression in Boston.  He served in the First and Second Continental Congress.  He also, however, successfully defended several of the British soldiers who were accused of murder in the Boston Massacre.

Fellow Founding Father Benjamin Rush wrote that “Every member of Congress in 1776 acknowledged him to be the first man in the House. Dr Brownson (of Georgia) used to say that when he spoke, he fancied an angel was let down from heaven to illuminate the Congress.”  Adams forceful and well reasoned arguments led the colonists to declare independence and the American Revolution.

After the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, he was sent to France and Holland, and aided in negotiating the peace treaty with England.  After the American Revolution, he served as minister to the Court of St James in England.  After his return he was elected as Vice President under George Washington.

After Washington voluntarily retired after two terms as President, Adams was elected the second President of the United States.  In 1800, he lost his bid for re-election to his political rival Thomas Jefferson.  

In their later years, Adams and Jefferson reconciled and enjoyed a famous, years’ long correspondence.  Adams and Jefferson both passed away on July 4, 1826 – 50 years to the day of the Declaration of Independence.

For more about our Founding Fathers and their importance to our liberties today, buy a copy of America’s Survival Guide.

  Picture:  Gilbert Stuart c. 1800/1815

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