President John Adams

Easton Press John Adams books

John Adams Biography - 2 volumes - Page Smith - 1988
The works of John Adams - 2 volumes - 1992
John Adams A Life - John Ferling - 2001
President John Adams - David McCullough - 2002

President John Adams biography

John Adams, the second President of the United States, left an indelible mark on American history with his unwavering commitment to liberty, principle, and public service. Born on October 30, 1735, in Braintree, Massachusetts (now Quincy), Adams was raised in a family of modest means but was instilled with a strong sense of duty and education by his father, a farmer and deacon. Adams pursued a career in law, attending Harvard College and later establishing a successful legal practice in Boston. His involvement in politics began during the tumultuous years leading up to the American Revolution. A fervent advocate for colonial rights, Adams became a key figure in the independence movement, playing a pivotal role in drafting the Declaration of Independence alongside Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin.

Following independence, Adams served as a diplomat in Europe, negotiating crucial alliances and treaties that bolstered the young nation's position on the world stage. He then returned to America to help shape the fledgling government, serving as Vice President under George Washington.

In 1796, Adams was elected as the second President of the United States, succeeding Washington. His presidency was marked by challenges both domestic and international. Adams faced pressure from political rivals, including the emerging factions of the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans, as well as navigating delicate relations with European powers, particularly France and Britain. One of the defining moments of Adams' presidency was his decision to pursue diplomacy rather than war during the Quasi-War with France, a move that helped preserve American neutrality and avoid a costly conflict. Despite his efforts to maintain peace, Adams faced criticism from within his own party and ultimately lost re-election to Thomas Jefferson in 1800.

After leaving office, Adams retired to his farm in Quincy, where he spent his remaining years writing prolifically, including a series of candid and insightful letters to his lifelong friend and political rival, Thomas Jefferson. Adams' correspondence offers a unique window into his thoughts on democracy, freedom, and the future of the nation he helped establish. John Adams passed away on July 4, 1826, coincidentally on the same day as Thomas Jefferson, the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Though often overshadowed by his more celebrated contemporaries, Adams' contributions to American independence and governance are celebrated as integral to the founding ideals of the nation, earning him a lasting legacy as a patriot, statesman, and advocate for liberty.

 

When was John Adams President?

John Adams served two terms as Vice President, becoming a leader of the Federalist Party and an opponent of support for Great Britain and opposition to France in international affairs. In 1796 he was elected President to succeed George Washington, defeating his opponent, Thomas Jefferson, by only three electoral votes. During his term of office, a conflict arose over control of the Federalist Party, with Adams and Alexander Hamilton as the leaders of rival factions. Eventually, Hamilton virtually controlled John Adams' cabinet, and John Adams' own administration consistently obstructed his plans. Adams refused to become involved in a war with France, even under extreme provocation, thus further alienating his party. Finally, the passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts, designed to suppress all criticism of the administration, provoked nationwide hostility toward the Federalists and against John Adams in particular. Though re-nominated for the Presidency in 1800, he was badly defeated by Thomas Jefferson. Thereafter he remained in retirement, a constant and often outspoken critic of national affairs.

Books by John Adams are as follows:
Thoughts on Government - 1776

Essays in support of independence and defense of the constitutions of government of the United States - 3 volumes - 1787 to 1788

Study of the State constitutions of the United States - written during service in England

John Adams by Page Smith

John Adams: A Biography by Page Smith offers readers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the life and times of one of America's most consequential founding fathers. With meticulous research and engaging prose, Smith delves deep into the complexities of Adams' character, tracing his journey from his humble beginnings in colonial Massachusetts to his pivotal role in shaping the young nation's destiny.

Born on October 30, 1735, in Braintree, Massachusetts, Adams was raised in a family deeply rooted in Puritan values and a commitment to education. His early years laid the foundation for a remarkable career marked by unwavering integrity, intellect, and dedication to public service. As a young lawyer, Adams emerged as a leading voice for colonial rights, advocating fiercely against British oppression and championing the cause of independence. His pivotal role in drafting the Declaration of Independence alongside Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin solidified his place in American history as a patriot and statesman of the highest order. Throughout his life, Adams faced numerous challenges and setbacks, both personally and politically. From his tenure as the first Vice President under George Washington to his presidency during a time of intense domestic and international turmoil, Adams navigated turbulent waters with courage and conviction.

Smith's biography offers readers a nuanced and multidimensional portrait of Adams, exploring his strengths, weaknesses, and the complexities of his relationships with fellow founding fathers and political rivals. Through Smith's insightful analysis and vivid storytelling, readers gain a deeper understanding of Adams' enduring legacy as a defender of liberty, a champion of democracy, and a visionary leader whose impact on American history reverberates to this day.

John Adams A Life by John Ferling

John Adams: A Life by John Ferling offers a captivating and comprehensive portrait of one of America's most influential founding fathers. With meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Ferling delves into the complexities of Adams' character, from his humble beginnings in colonial Massachusetts to his pivotal role in the struggle for independence and his presidency. Through Ferling's expert analysis, readers gain a deeper understanding of Adams' enduring legacy as a patriot, statesman, and advocate for liberty. This engaging biography brings to life the man behind the legend, offering insight into his triumphs, struggles, and lasting impact on American history.

President John Adams by David McCullough

John Adams by David McCullough is a magisterial biography that illuminates the life and legacy of the second President of the United States. McCullough, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, paints a vivid and intimate portrait of Adams, from his formative years in colonial Massachusetts to his crucial role in shaping the young nation's destiny. Born into a family of farmers and Puritan values on October 30, 1735, in Braintree, Massachusetts, Adams was imbued with a strong sense of duty, intellect, and integrity from a young age. His early education at Harvard College and subsequent career as a lawyer laid the groundwork for his entry into public service.

Adams emerged as a leading voice for colonial rights during the tumultuous years preceding the American Revolution. He played a pivotal role in advocating for independence, serving on the Continental Congress and contributing to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence alongside Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin.

Throughout his life, Adams remained steadfast in his principles, even when they put him at odds with his contemporaries. His tenure as the first Vice President of the United States under George Washington and later as the second President was marked by challenges, including navigating delicate diplomatic relations with European powers and contending with internal political divisions.

Despite facing criticism and setbacks, Adams' commitment to the ideals of liberty and democracy never wavered. His decision to pursue diplomacy rather than war during the Quasi-War with France demonstrated his steadfast leadership and dedication to preserving American neutrality. McCullough's biography offers readers a compelling narrative that delves into Adams' personal and political struggles, triumphs, and profound impact on the shaping of the American republic. Through meticulous research and engaging prose, McCullough brings to life the complexities of Adams' character, providing insight into the man behind the myth and his enduring legacy in American history.

 

John Adams quotes

"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."

"Liberty, once lost, is lost forever."

"Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for the profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men."

"I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy."

"There are two ways to conquer and enslave a nation. One is by the sword. The other is by debt."

"The happiness of society is the end of government."

"Power always thinks it has a great soul and vast views beyond the comprehension of the weak; and that it is doing God's service when it is violating all His laws."

"You will never be alone with a poet in your pocket."

"Democracy... while it lasts is more bloody than either aristocracy or monarchy. Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There is never a democracy that did not commit suicide."

"A constitution of government once changed from freedom can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever."