Presidential Resources Online
John Adams 1797 - 1801
John Adams was born into a well-to-do Massachusetts
family in 1735. He studied at Harvard as a young man, and upon graduation
he worked as a lawyer. Adams was a staunch patriot, and served in
the Continental Congress as one of the leaders of the revolutionary cause.
During the war he served in a number of diplomatic posts in Europe, and
after the war he continued his role as U.S. diplomat. In 1788
he became Vice-President under George Washington. In the 1790's he
emerged as a leader of the Federalist party, which sought a centralized
state and a promotion of business interests. Elected president in
1796, Adams served one term. His administration focused primarily
on foreign affairs. Relations with France deteriorated significantly
in 1797, and the U.S. briefly engaged in an undeclared naval war with France,
which was supported by Adams and his party. Ultimately Adams sought
peace with France, and hostilities ceased in 1800. Adams lost his
bid for re-election in 1800, but continued to be a popular public figure.
He died on July 4, 1826.
Online John Adams Resources:
John Adams:
Critical Review - An online examination of the Adams presidency.
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