In 1800, Adams ran for the presidency for a second term but was defeated by Thomas Jefferson.Īdams's political and personal Jurisprudence was characterized by intense nationalism some consider him the most influential designer of the new nation's government and identity. 566, 570, 577, 596), which increased the restrictions concerning Aliens and imposed harsh penalties on any person who attempted to obstruct the government system averted war with France and selected the eminent John Marshall as chief justice of the U.S.
During his term of office, Adams advocated naval strength approved the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 (1 Stat. He was the second man to hold this position, following the retirement of the first president, George Washington. In 1796, Adams was elected president of the United States. He was the first person to serve in this office and was reelected for a second term in 1792. minister to Great Britain.Īdams returned to the United States in 1788 and began service to the new government with his election to the office of vice president of the United States. In 1783, Adams went to Paris with John Jay and Thomas Jefferson to successfully negotiate the Treaty of Paris with Great Britain, which officially ended the Revolutionary War and established the United States as an independent nation. "F ear is the foundation of most governments."Īfter the war, Adams entered the field of foreign service, acting as commissioner to France in 1777. In 1776, he signed the newly created Declaration of Independence. He entered the judiciary during this period and rendered decisions as chief justice of the Superior Court of Massachusetts from 1775 to 1777. He also joined the Sons of Liberty-a group of lawyers, merchants, and businessmen who, in 1765, banded together to oppose the Stamp Act.įrom 1774 to 1778 Adams served as the Massachusetts representative to the Continental Congress. During the pre–Revolutionary War years, Adams spoke out strongly against many acts enforced by the British government, including the Townshend Acts, which unjustly taxed items such as glass and tea. He was admitted to the Boston bar in 1758 and established a prestigious legal practice. Upon graduation in 1755, the strong-willed Adams instead decided to teach and study law. His parents encouraged him in his studies, and pushed him to enter Harvard College to study for the clergy. Known for his sharp diplomatic skills, his flair for words, and his spirited activism, he was an instrumental figure in forging the fledgling nation that would become the United States of America.Īdams was born on October 30, 1735, in Braintree (now Quincy), Massachusetts, the son of a farmer. John Adams achieved prominence on many levels-as jurist, statesman, and as the second president of the United States.