Here are 10 key and interesting facts to know about John Adams, the second president of the United States.
1. Defended British Soldiers in the Boston Massacre Trial
In 1770, Adams defended British soldiers accused of killing five colonists on Boston Green in what became known as the
Boston Massacre. Even though he disagreed with British policies, he wanted to ensure the British soldiers got a fair trial.
2. John Adams Nominated George Washington
Credit: Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division LC-USZ62-7585 DLC3. Part of Committee to Draft the Declaration of Independence
John Adams was an important figure in both the First and Second Continental Congresses in 1774 and 1775. He had been a staunch opponent of British policies before the American Revolution arguing against the Stamp Act and other actions. During the Second Continental Congress, he was chosen to be part of the committee to draft the
Declaration of Independence, although he deferred to
Thomas Jefferson to write the first draft.
4. Wife Abigail Adams
John Adams wife, Abigail Adams, was an important figure throughout the foundation of the American republic. She was a devoted correspondent with her husband and also in later years with Thomas Jefferson. She was very learned as can be judged by her letters. Her impact of this
first lady on her husband and the politics of the time should not be underestimated.
5. Diplomat to France
Adams was sent to France in 1778 and later in 1782. During the second trip he helped create the
Treaty of Paris with Benjamin Franklin and John Jay which ended the American Revolution.
6. Elected President in 1796 with Opponent Thomas Jefferson as Vice President
According to the Constitution, candidates for President and Vice President did not run by party but instead individually. Whoever received the most votes became president and whoever got the second most was elected vice president. Even though Thomas Pinckney was meant to be John Adams' Vice President, in the
election of 1796 Thomas Jefferson came in second by only three votes to Adams. They served together for four years, the only time in America's history that political opponents served in the top two executive positions.
7. XYZ Affair
While Adams was president, the French were regularly harassing American ships at sea. Adams attempted to stop this by sending ministers to France. However, they were turned aside. The French then sent a note asking for a bribe of $250000 in order to meet with them. Adams was afraid war would arise so he asked Congress for an increase in the military. His opponents would not agree so Adams released the French letter asking for the bribe, replacing the French signatures with the letters XYZ. This caused the Democratic-Republicans to change their minds. Fearing a public outcry after the release of the letters would bring America closer to war, Adams tried one more time to meet with France and they were able to preserve the peace.9. Midnight Appointments
The Federalist Congress while Adams was president passed the Judiciary Act of 1801 which increased the number of federal judges that Adams could fill. Adams spent his last days filling the new jobs with Federalists. These were collectively called the "midnight appointments." These would be a point of contention for Thomas Jefferson who would remove many of them once he became president. They would also cause the landmark case
Marbury v. Madison that resulted in
judicial review to arise.
10. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson Ended Life as Devoted Correspondents
John Adams and
Thomas Jefferson had been fierce political opponents during the early years of the republic. Jefferson believed staunchly in protecting state's rights while John Adams was a devoted federalist. However, the pair reconciled in 1812. As Adams put it, "You and I ought not to die before we have explained ourselves to each other." They spent the rest of their lives writing fascinating letters to each other.
