John Adams
Second president of the United States
Short Family History
Mother, Susanna Adams was a descendent of the Boylstons of Brookline, a very important family during this time.
Cousin, Samuel Adams, was one of the first to argue for independence in the colonies.
John Adams, born October 30, 1735 in Braintree Massachusetts, was the second president, also first Vice President, and earned a scholarship to Harvard at the age of 16. Also helped draft the Declaration of Independence.
Political affiliations/ loyalties with explanation of views
Contribution to/ participation in colonial development/ colonial independence
In 1761, John Adams began to act against British actions that he believed put a limit on colonial freedom and the right of Massachusetts and other colonies to self-government.
Adams was a delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses, Adams was a leader in the movement for independence for the colonies. Adams made speeches for independence from England. The Congress voted for independence which meant they were choosing to go to war with England but Adams stood strong with his opinion and kept fighting for independence. He served on the committee that was in charge with preparing the Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson. In 1779, Adams drafted the Massachusetts Constitution which would serve as a model for the U.S. Constitution. From 1785 to 1788 he was Minister to the Court of St. James's where he was an American ambassador to Great Britain. He helped create a basis for the many fights/attempts to gain independence from England and because of this gained a lot of respect from his peers.
Integrity
Did John Adams haven integrity?
John Adams shows his integrity when he agrees to represent the 5 soldiers who were accused of shooting civilians known as the Boston Massacre. He was able to free 6 of the 8 soldiers that were on trial and after the trial, civilians realized that Adams was a very fair and courageous man and that they probably would have done the same thing as the soldiers if they were put into a situation like that. His integrity portrayed to the people because we won the election for presidency against Thomas Jefferson, and you can't be a president without being consistent and trustworthy to citizens. He also was there to help his fellow people whenever they needed him and never said no because he was willing to help and did not mind it, even when he wasn't in his presidency.
Citizenship
The character of an individual viewed as a member of society; behavior in terms of the duties, obligations, and functions of a citizen: an award for good citizenship.
Did John Adams have citizenship?
John Adams proved in his time that he had citizenship in that he devoted himself to independence and fight against Britain. At the First and Second Continental Congresses, Adams used his writing and speaking skills to persuade other colonists to realize the need to go against Britain and the cause for independence. He served on the committee which drafted the Declaration of Independence and during the Revolutionary War he ran the Board of War raising and making sure the army was equipped and created a navy. Adams was also looked at as a great man with good principles, shown when he stood up for British soldiers after the Boston Massacre. Even though they were against the colonists Adams did what he thought was fair.