John Adams was a Founding Father of the United States. He was one of the earliest advocates for independence in the American Revolution and helped draft the Treaty of Paris, which ended the war. He served as the first vice president and second president of the US.

What happened during John Adams' presidency?

John Adams' presidency saw the rise of political factionalism in the US (between the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans) as well as tensions with Revolutionary France, that erupted into the Quasi-War. Adams' presidency has been criticized for the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798.

Why did John Adams defend the soldiers who committed the Boston Massacre?

John Adams defended the soldiers who committed the Boston Massacre because he believed everyone was entitled to a fair trial.

When did John Adams serve as president?

John Adams was the president of the United States for a single, four-year term, from March 4 1797 until 4 March 1801.

John Adams Timeline

Definition

John Adams (1735-1826) was an American lawyer, statesman, and diplomat who was a prominent leader of the American Revolution (1765-1789) before going on to serve as the first vice president (1789-1797) and second president of the United States (1797-1801). He is considered a Founding Father of the United States, having helped lead the push for independence.

More about: John Adams

Timeline

30 Oct 1735
John Adams, future President of the United States, is born in Braintree, Massachusetts.
6 Nov 1759
John Adams is admitted to the bar in Boston, begins practicing law.
25 Oct 1764
John Adams marries Abigail Smith.
25 Sep 1765
John Adams drafts the 'Braintree Instructions' in opposition to the Stamp Act.
27 Nov 1770 - 4 Dec 1770
Trial of the eight British soldiers who participated in the Boston Massacre. Defended by John Adams, six soldiers are acquitted and two found guilty of manslaughter.
14 Jun 1775
Jonn Adams nominates George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.
2 Jul 1776
The Continental Congress votes for independence; the United States is born.
11 Sep 1776
The Staten Island Peace Conference breaks down after the Americans refuse to renounce independence.
Apr 1778
John Adams arrives in Paris to join Arthur Lee and Benjamin Franklin as diplomats to the Court of Versailles.
30 Oct 1779
John Adams drafts the Massachusetts state constitution.
19 Apr 1782
The Dutch Republic recognizes the independence of the United States, after months of lobbying by John Adams.
30 Nov 1782
The first draft of the Treaty of Paris is finished.
1 Jun 1785
John Adams has his first audience with King George III of Great Britain, after being appointed ambassador to Great Britain.
4 Feb 1789
In the first US presidential election, George Washington wins all 69 electoral votes; John Adams is elected vice president.
21 Apr 1789
Adams arrives in New York City to take his office as the first Vice President of the United States.
4 Nov 1796 - 7 Dec 1796
The Election of 1796 is held in the United States; John Adams is elected president, with Thomas Jefferson as his vice president.
4 Mar 1797
John Adams is inaugurated as the second President of the United States.
Oct 1797 - Apr 1798
The XYZ Affair; French diplomats demand bribes from American commissioners as a prerequisite for negotiations, increasing tensions between France and the US.
18 Jun 1798 - 14 Jul 1798
President Adams and the Federalist-controlled Congress enact the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts.
7 Jul 1798 - 30 Sep 1800
The Quasi-War, an undeclared naval conflict, is fought between Revolutionary France and the United States.
Jun 1800
The seat of the federal government in the United States moves to Washington, D.C.
31 Jan 1801
President John Adams appoints John Marshall as chief justice of the US Supreme Court; the appointment is soon confirmed by the Senate.
Feb 1801
After losing re-election, Adams makes a series of last-minute judicial appointments known as the 'midnight judges'.
4 Mar 1801
Adams' term as president expires, he retires to Quincy, Massachusetts.
28 Oct 1818
Death of Abigail Smith Adams, age 73.
4 Mar 1825
John Quincy Adams is sworn in as the sixth President of the United States.
4 Jul 1826
John Adams dies at home in Quincy, Massachusetts, at the age of 90.