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John Adams (October 30,1735 – July 4, 1826) was the first Vice President of the United States (1789–1797), and the second President of the United States (1797–1801). He was a major sponsor of the American Revolutionary War in Massachusetts, and a key diplomat in the 1770s. He was a driving force for independence in 1776—the "Colossus of Independence" declared Thomas Jefferson. As a statesman and author Adams helped define republicanism as the core American political value, meaning overthrow of monarchy and, especially, rule by the people, hatred of corruption, and devotion to civic duty. Regarded as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, he became the founder of an important family of politicians, diplomats and historians, and his reputation has been rising in recent years. Historian Robert Rutland concludes, ''"Madison was the great intellectual ... Jefferson the ... unquenchable idealist, and Franklin the most charming and versatile genius... but Adams is the most captivating founding father on most counts." p 230.
Early life
John Adams was born the eldest of three brothers on October 30, 1735 (October 19 by the Old Style, Julian calendar), in Braintree, Massachusetts, though in an area which became part of Quincy, Massachusetts in 1792. His birthplace is now part of Adams National Historical Park. His father, a farmer, also named John (1690-1761), was a fourth-generation descendant of Henry Adams, who immigrated from Barton St David, Somerset, England, to Massachusetts Bay Colony in about 1636.
Young Adams graduated from Harvard College in 1755 and, for a time, taught school in Worcester and studied law in the office of James Putnam. He also had a tutor. In 1758, he was admitted to the bar. From an early age, he developed the habit of writing descriptions of events and impressions of men. The earliest known example of these is his report of the 1761 argument of James Otis in the superior court of Massachusetts as to the legality of Writs of Assistance. Otis’s argument inspired Adams with zeal for the cause of the American colonies. Years later, when he was an old man, Adams undertook to write out, at length, his recollections of this scene.
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Adams, Abigail :: First Ladies
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Adams National Historic Site - Overview of birthplace of John Adams, second U.S. president, and his son, John Quincy Adams, 6th U.S. president. Information on activities, facilities, and how to reach the park located in Quincy, Massachusetts.
AmericanPresident.org: John Adams - Fact file, images and links to related documents, and comprehensive biographical sketch from the Miller Center of Public Affairs.
Meta Description: [ In-depth essays created by the University of Virginia on John Adams’s life and administration. ]
Encyclopedia Americana: John Adams - A detailed biography written for students. Includes Adams' inaugural address and a fact file.
John Adams - Short biography from the official White House site.
Meta Description: [ Biography of John Adams, the second President of the United States (1797-1801). ]
John Adams - Provides information about and biography of American President John Adams. Includes his portrait and list of his Supreme Court appointments.
Meta Description: [ John Adams (October 30, 1735 - July 4, 1826) was the first (1789 - 1797) Vice President of the United States, and the second (1797 - 1801) President of the United States. ]
John Adams: Unsung Hero of the American Revolution - Examines the role Adams played during the Independence movement.
Medical History of President John Adams - Describes medical background of President John Adams.
Meta Description: [ Medical history of President John Adams ]
Plain Speaking - Review of David McCullough's biography entitled, John Adams, by Pauline Maier published in New York Times on May 27, 2001. Link to first chapter of book, and interview with author. Free registration required.
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The Adams Papers - Collection of the Massachusetts Historical Society comprised of over a quarter million manuscript pages of the letters and diaries of generations of John and Abigail Adams.
USA: Biography of John Adams - Includes essays on 7 important periods in his life, as well as a bibliography.
Meta Description: [ USA-project, presidents-area, a biography on John Adams ]
Virtualology: John Adams - Provides a biography of the second president of the United States, with links to related sites.
Meta Description: [ John Adams
Signer of the Declaration of Independence
2nd President of the United States of America An 19th century biography of this signer of the Declaration of Independence, including a handwriting sample, illustration, and student publishing opportunities ]
Wikinfo - John Adams - Encyclopedia article which reviews the life of the first President Adams.
Wikiquote - John Adams - Offers a collection of quotes attributed to President John Adams.
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