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Born
John Adams was born to John Adams and Susannah Boyston in Quincy, Massachusetts. He was raised a Congregationalist, but disagreed with their beliefs and became a Unitarian, a person who maintains that God is one being, rejecting the doctrine of the Trinity. -
Graduated
John Adams graduated from Harvard University with a degree in law. He had recieved a scholarship to Harvard at the age of 16. -
Married
John adams married 19-year-old Abigail Smith at the age of 29. They had six children together: Abigail, John Quincy, Susanna, Charles, Thomas Boylston, and Elizabeth. Due to his carrer, John Adams was often away from his family, but he and his wife wrote many letters to each other. -
Stamp Act
The beginning of John Adams' political career was his opposition to the Stamp Act of 1765. He was a Federalist. The Federalists were a political party formed by Alexander Hamilton. They supported strong central government and favored industry, landowners, banking, merchants, and close ties with Great Britain. -
Boston Massacre
When the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre did not have someone to defend them at their trial, John Adams stepped up to defend them even though he was a devoted Patriot. He knew that it was the right thing to do because everyone should have the right to a fair trial. -
Continental Congress
John Adams was a member of the Continental Congress from 1774-1778. -
Declaration of Independence
John Adams signed the Declaration of independence. -
Constitution
John Adams helped write and signed the U.S. Constitution. -
Minister to France
John Adams was appointed Minister Plenipotentiary, who's job was negotiating a treaty of peace, amity and commerce with peace commissioners from Britain. -
Minister to the Netherlands
John Adams was appointed America's first Minister Plenipotentiary to Holland. -
Ambassador to England
John Adams was appointed the first American ambassador to England. -
Vice President
George Washington was elected the first President of the United States. John Adams, the runner-up, became Vice President. -
President
In an election between Thomas Jefferson and himself, John Adams became the second president of the United States at the age of 61. Thomas Jefferson became his Vice President. -
XYZ Affair
Four American diplomats were sent to France to discuss issues that were threatening to start a war. The french minister demanded bribes and a loan before negotiations could begin. The Americans were offended and a quasi-war broke out. It was ended by France in 1800. -
Alien Sedition Acts
The Alien Sedition Acts were four laws imposed by John Adams as president that restricted aliens and press critisism of the government. It was aimed at immigrants/aliens who were French or pro-France. -
End of Presidency
John Adams' term as President ended due to his loss of the election between himself and Thomas Jefferson. He was very bitter about his defeat, but he and Jefferson became friends again and exchanged many letters. -
Alien Sedition Acts Repealed
The Alien Sedition Acts were repealed by President Thomas Jefferson, who had been opposed to them all along. -
Death of Abigail Adams
Abigail Adams died of typhoid fever. -
John Quincy Adams
John Adams' son became president. -
Died
John Adams died in Quincy, Massachusetts of a heart failure and pneumonia at the age of 90. His last words were, Thomas Jefferson lives." However, this was not true. Thomas Jefferson had died earlier that day.
