Presidential birthday today: John Adams, second President of the United States, was born October 30, 1735 in Braintree, Massachusetts. He had a long and distinguished legal and political career that culminated with his election to the presidency. Adams made his name in colonial Boston as a lawyer. In 1770, he served as legal counsel to the British soldiers accused in the Boston Massacre because he so strongly believed in the right to counsel, even when disagreeing with the actions or persons to whom counsel was provided. Several years later, was a delegate to the first Continental Congress and spoke passionately in favor of American independence. He helped Thomas Jefferson draft the Declaration of Independence and advocated for it in the Congress. After service in the second Continental Congress, Adams was sent to the Netherlands to serve as U.S. minister to that nation. He was successful in securing critical Dutch loans to the fledgling U.S. after the Revolutionary War. From 1785-88, he was U.S. Minister to the Court of St. James (United Kingdom). He returned home and was elected as the nations first Vice President, serving under President George Washington for eight years. In 1796, Washington declined to run again and Adams was elected the nations second Chief Executive. As the White House was finished during his term, John Adams was the first president to live in that home. Adamss presidency was difficult. He faced intense criticism from Republicans led by his old friend Thomas Jefferson. He approved the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts and conducted an undeclared Quasi-War with France, which he managed to conclude peacefully. Adams ran for a second term in 1800 but lost to Thomas Jefferson. He then returned to Massachusetts and watched his sons, especially John Quincy Adams, attain prominence. John Adams is one of just two former presidents to see his own son elected to the presidency (George H.W. Bush being the other). John Quincy Adams was the sixth President of the United States. Later in life, Adams and Jefferson resumed their friendship through correspondence. Incredibly, both men died on the same day: July 4, 1826...the Declaration of Independences 50th anniversary. John Adamss achivements have received more recognition in modern times. Today, the National Park Service administers Adams National Historical Park in Quincy, Massachusetts to commemorate and interpret the lives and legacies of John Adams and his family.
Posted on: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 11:00:01 +0000
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