John Adams

John Adams (October 30, 1735 – July 4, 1826) was an American statesman, diplomat and political theorist. A leading champion of independence in 1776, he was the second president of the United States from 1797 to 1801.  he was deeply read and represented Enlightment values promoting republicanism. A conservative Federalist, he was one of the most influential founding fathers of the United States!

 As a delegate from Massachussetts to the Continental Congress, he played a leading role in persuading Congress to declare independence, and assisted Thomas Jefferson in drafting the Declaration of Independance in 1776. As a representative of Congress in Europe, he was a major negotiator of the eventual peace traty with Great Britain. A political theorist and historian, Adams largely wrote the Massachusetts state constitution in 1780. One of his greatest roles was as a judge of character: in 1775, he nominated George Washington to be commander in chief.

Adams' revolutionary credentials secured him two terms as Washington's vice president and his own election in 1796 as the second president. During his one term, he made many attacks. Adams signed the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts, and built up the army and navy especially in the face of an undeclared naval war. The major accomplishment of his presidency was his peaceful resolution of the conflict in the face of Hamilton's opposition.

In 1800 Adams was defeated for reelection by Thomas Jefferson and retired to Massachusetts. He later resumed his friendship with Jefferson. He and his wife, Abigail Adams, founded an accomplished family line of politicians, diplomats, and historians now referred to as the Adams political Family. Adams was the father of John Quincy Adams, the 6 President of the United States.