John Adams served as the first vice-president and second president of the United States. Adams was a lawyer, delegate, and patriot. Adams played a key role in founding the new Republic of the United States of America.
Born in Braintree, now Quincy, Massachusetts, John Adams became one of the most influential figures in American History. Prior to his political career, Adams became an accomplished lawyer. As a lawyer, Adams would spend many of his nights away from home which began the long and loving written correspondences with his soon-to-be wife Abigail. As a lawyer, Adams lost much of his early reputation by defending the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre. Although Adams would be known for his American Patriotism throughout the American Revolution, his decision to defend these soldiers reflected a deeper sense of loyalty to ensuring fair justice and law for all.
Throughout much of the American Revolution, Adams was sent to Europe to obtain military and economic assistance from France and the Netherlands. Following the Revolution, Adams was part of a committee to negotiate the Treaty of Paris to end the war. Adams continued to help the young republic role as vice-president and future president. A member of the Federalist party, Adams’ political career is defined as one of mixed reviews. Adams support of the Alien and Sedition Acts which attempted to restrict the freedom of speech and press of American citizens greatly hurt his reputation as a defender of justice. Despite some controversies and loss of the Election of 1800 to Thomas Jefferson, John Adams was an integral member of the young United States of America.