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John Adams

American Founding Father and 2nd President

John Adams was a key figure in the American Revolution, serving as the second president of the United States. He was known for his dedication to principles like the right to counsel and presumption of innocence. Adams played a crucial role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and negotiating peace with Great Britain. Despite facing criticism during his presidency, historians have positively evaluated his administration.

Related

John Quincy Adams Samuel Adams James Madison American Revolution John F. Kennedy James Monroe Thomas Jefferson Thomas Paine William Henry Harrison George Washington

Timeline

Birth of John Adams

John Adams, the second President of the United States, was born on October 30, 1735. He played a crucial role in the American Revolution and the early formation of the United States.

John Adams's Birth

John Adams, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the second President, was born on October 30, 1735.

John Adams and Abigail Smith Meet

John Adams and Abigail Smith meet for the first time, laying the foundation for their future relationship and historical significance.

John Adams marries Abigail Smith

On October 25, 1764, John Adams married Abigail Smith after a two-year courtship. This union played a significant role in shaping Adams' personal and political life.

Marriage of John Adams and Abigail Smith

John Adams and Abigail Smith are married in Weymouth, signifying the union of two influential figures in American history. Their partnership and contributions will have a lasting impact on the nation's founding.

Birth of John Quincy Adams

John Quincy Adams, the future sixth President of the United States, is born on July 11. He would later become a prominent figure in American politics and diplomacy.

Death of Daughter Susana

On February 4, 1770, John Adams experienced the tragic loss of his second daughter, Susana, who passed away at the age of 13 months.

Boston Massacre

British soldiers open fire on a mob, killing five colonists. John Adams accepts to defend the soldiers, advocating for the right to counsel and a fair trial in a free country.

Adams Reelected to Second Continental Congress

In May 1775, John Adams was reelected to the Second Continental Congress, which convened just after the outbreak of war with Britain at Lexington and Concord. This event further solidified his role in the push for independence.

Adams Nominates George Washington as Commander

In June 1775, John Adams nominated George Washington of Virginia to be the commander of the newly created Continental army. This nomination played a crucial role in shaping the leadership of the revolutionary forces.

Adams signs the Declaration of Independence

On July 4, 1776, John Adams signs the Declaration of Independence, which announced the thirteen American colonies' independence from the British Empire.

Adams secures $2 million loan from Dutch bankers

On June 11, 1782, Adams secures a $2 million loan from Dutch bankers, thanks to his efforts.

Signing of the Treaty of Paris

On September 3, 1783, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay signed the Treaty of Paris, which marked the official end of the War of Independence.

Adams becomes the first U.S. minister to Great Britain

Adams becomes the first U.S. minister to Great Britain on February 24, and in May the family moves to London, where they take up residence in the first American legation (embassy) in the coming months.

Adams has his first private audience with King George III

On June 1, Adams has his first private audience with King George III. Three weeks later, Abigail and Nabby are presented to Queen Charlotte.

Nabby's Marriage to Colonel William Smith

On June 12, 1786, Nabby, the daughter of John and Abigail Adams, marries Colonel William Smith, who was Adams' secretary, in London.

Adams' Third Loan from the Dutch

In May 1787, John Adams travels to Amsterdam to obtain a third loan from the Dutch, demonstrating his diplomatic and financial efforts.

Election as Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts

John Adams was elected as the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts on this date.

Adams Elected as Vice President

In December 1793, John Adams was elected as the Vice President of the United States, serving alongside President George Washington for his second term. This event had a notable impact on the early political landscape of the United States.

Adams travels to Quincy and returns to Philadelphia

In May 1796, John Adams traveled to Quincy to spend the summer working on his farm. He then returned to Philadelphia in November to preside over the Senate. This period reflected Adams' commitment to both his personal life and political responsibilities.

Adams narrowly defeats Jefferson in the presidential election

In December 1796, John Adams narrowly defeated Thomas Jefferson in the presidential election. The election outcome led to bitter divisions between their respective parties, particularly regarding relations with France.

John Adams Inaugurated as 2nd President

In 1797, John Adams was inaugurated as the second President of the United States, succeeding George Washington. His presidency faced challenges such as foreign relations and political divisions.

Electoral Votes Tabulated in Congress

On February 8, 1797, the electoral votes were tabulated in Congress, and John Adams, the Federalist nominee, received 71 votes, becoming the President. Thomas Jefferson, the Democratic-Republican nominee, received 68 votes and became the Vice-President.

Inauguration of John Adams as President

John Adams was inaugurated as the second President of the United States on March 4, 1797.

John Adams Negotiates with France

On May 19, 1797, John Adams engaged in negotiations with France, marking a crucial diplomatic event during his presidency.

John Adams appoints John Quincy minister to Prussia

On June 1, 1797, John Adams appointed his son, John Quincy Adams, as the minister to Prussia. This decision raised concerns about nepotism, as John Quincy hesitated before accepting the position due to fears of being charged with nepotism.

The three man American peace commission is received coolly and then asked to pay a bribe in order to speak with French Foreign Minister Charles Maurice Talleyrand. This episode becomes known as the 'XYZ Affair.'

Retirement as Governor

John Adams retired from his position as Governor on December 4, 1797.

XYZ Affair exposed

The XYZ Affair, which was a diplomatic incident between France and the United States, is exposed. It had significant implications for the relationship between the two countries and influenced the undeclared naval war with France.

Appointment of Benjamin Stoddert as Secretary of the Navy

President Adams appoints Benjamin Stoddert as the first secretary of the Navy for the newly formed Department of the Navy, established in preparation for potential war with France.

Adams signs Alien and Sedition Acts

On July 14, 1798, John Adams signed into law the four-part Alien and Sedition Acts, which included the Naturalization and Alien Acts curbing immigrants' rights and the Sedition Act restricting freedom of speech and press, making offenses punishable by fines and imprisonment.

Adams appoints second peace delegation to France

Against the wishes of his Federalist Party, on February 18, 1799, John Adams appointed a second peace delegation to France, a decision that went against the stance of his own party.

Nomination of Envoys to France

William Vans Murray, Oliver Ellsworth, and Patrick Henry are nominated as envoys to France. The Senate confirms the nominations on February 27, 1799. Patrick Henry later declines and is replaced by William Richardson Davie in June 1799. These envoys play a role in ending the Quasi-War.

Proclamation 9 to End Fries Rebellion

Proclamation 9 is issued to call forth military force to end the armed rebellion known as the 'Fries Rebellion' by Pennsylvania Dutch farmers. The rebellion was in opposition to a new federal property tax, and violence erupted on March 6, 1799 in Bucks County.

Conviction of Thomas Cooper

Thomas Cooper is convicted of libel under the Alien and Sedition Acts for publishing a broadside critical of Adams.

Treaty of Morfontaine

The Treaty of Morfontaine was signed, ending the hostilities between the United States and France during the Quasi War.

John Adams becomes the first president to live in the President's House in Washington, D.C.

John Adams makes history by being the first president to reside in the newly completed President's House in Washington, D.C.

Death of Charles Adams

John Adams' son, Charles Adams, passed away at the age of 30 due to liver cancer.

John Adams departs Washington before Jefferson's inauguration

Just hours before Thomas Jefferson is sworn in as president, John Adams leaves Washington to return home, with Abigail having preceded him in February.

Correspondence Initiated Between Adams and Jefferson

After 11 years, Adams initiates correspondence with Jefferson; it will continue until their deaths.

Death of John Adams

John Adams died on the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, 4 July 1826. His legacy as a founding father and his contributions to the early United States continue to be remembered and celebrated.

End of the Timeline
John Adams

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