Until today, very few people come close to John Adams when it comes to speaking their minds and telling things as they are. The Massachusetts-born politician was known for his philosophies and extraordinary attorney skills; of course, he was the second president of the United States.
Apart from being one of the earliest United States’ presidents, you have to dig deep to know the type of man John Adams was. This is understandably so because he was born and reigned at a time when resources were limited. Don’t worry, though; we bring you every John Adams fact you might not know.
1. He Served As Vice President Before Becoming President
Those who knew John Adams described him as intelligent, patriotic, opinionated, and blunt. With these qualities, it was only a matter of time before he made an impact in world politics – and an impact he made!
After serving as a delegate to the Continental Congress in the early 1780s and helping negotiate the Treaty of Paris, John Adams became the country’s first vice president. He served from 1789 to 1797 before vying for the presidency, which he won.
2. John Adams Was the First President to Live in the White House
After serving as vice president for 8 years, John Adams became the country’s second president. He was also the first president to reside in the official president’s premises before it was even named “White House.”
By the Way, Irish architect James Hoban designed the White House. John Adams first resided in the official presidential home, but it is President Theodore Roosevelt named the building “White House.”
3. He Had a Son Who Also Became an Elected President
John Adams schooled and graduated from Harvard College in 1755. 9 years later, he married Abigail Smith — they bore 6 children. However, only 4 of the 6, including John Quincy Adams, made it to adulthood.
They say lighting doesn’t strike the same tree twice, but blessings can double. Not only did John Adams serve as the first vice president and the second president of the United States, but his son Quincy also led the country. He was the 6th president and left a positive mark, just like his father.
4. Letters Between John Adams and His Wife Are Famous
John Adams and his wife, Abigail Adams, conversed mainly through letters. This was not strange because scrolls ruled the 1700s and long after. However, what was unusual was the contents of the letters that the two exchanged.
The most popular letters between these two are the ones that Abigail urges her husband to make better and more favorable laws for women now that the country has attained its independence. Abigail told her husband that he needed to be better than his predecessors.
Even though John Adams didn’t agree with everything his wife suggested, it’s interesting to know that many people consider Abigail Adams as one of the first feminists in the world. The letters sure had their impact.
5. John Adams Was a Bigger Philosopher than He Was a Politician
Take nothing away from John Adam’s political legacy; he was phenomenal! However, many agree that he was more impactful as a philosopher than a politician. His ability to speak freely without filters made him more prominent.
For instance, in one of the letters addressed to John Taylor, one of Virginia’s delegates, he described democracy as something that can’t last. He thought the idea of democracy was unviable because it “murders itself” in the end.
6. When He Picked a Side, He Remained Loyal to It
John Adams is probably one of the politicians who could be hated and loved equally. Usually, when he picked a side, he remained loyal to it. This was regardless of how the general public felt.
For instance, when the British soldiers were arrested and charged with shooting civilians in mass action, Adams stood by them. He represented them like the attorney he was. People felt that what the soldiers had done was wrong; John only wanted them to have a fair trial.
In a case that earned him support from the people, he refused to deal with corrupt France leaders. In 1797, John sent a delegation to France to help him negotiate a treaty. However, one of the French officials demanded, and John pulled the plug. This was one of the biggest bribery scandals at the time.
