John+Adams

John Adams realized the importance of unifying the North and South in the Revolutionary War. He selected George Washington as a leader both would support. 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 .John Adams wife, Abigail Adams, was a very important figure throughout the foundation of the American republic. Her impact of this first lady on her husband and the politics of the time should at no means be underestimated. Adams was sent to France in 1778 and later in 1782. During the second trip he helped create the [|Treaty of Paris] of 1783 with Benjamin Franklin and John Jay which ended the American Revolution. 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 who was the second president of the united states at that time. They served together for four years, the only time in America's history that political opponents served in the top two executive positions. [|John Adams][|John Adams Video]

1764-Moves to Boston, assuming a prominent position in the patriot movement. 1774-Chosen as a delegate to the First Continental Congress. 1775-Nominated Washington to be commander-in-chief of the colonial armies. 1776-Signed and was asked to draft the Declaration of Independence but deferred it to Thomas Jefferson. 1783-Participated in creating the Treaty of Paris of 1783 which ended the Revolutionary War. ||
 * Timeline