John Adams, the first Vice President and second President of the United States, played a pivotal role in the birth and early development of the nation. Often discussed alongside more celebrated figures, understanding exactly What Did John Adams Do reveals a career marked by tireless service and significant contributions to American independence, diplomacy, and governance. From his early days as a lawyer to his time in the highest offices, Adams dedicated his life to shaping the young republic.
Born in Braintree, Massachusetts in 1735, John Adams’ journey began on a family farm. His early education laid a strong foundation for his future intellectual pursuits. He attended local schools before entering Harvard College at the age of fifteen. Initially considering a career in ministry, Adams ultimately chose the legal profession, working as a teacher briefly before immersing himself in the study of law. Establishing his own legal practice marked the beginning of his public life and set the stage for his involvement in the burgeoning movement for American independence. In 1764, he married Abigail Smith, a partnership that would become legendary for its intellectual depth and mutual support, spanning over five decades and navigating the challenges of a revolutionary era.
Adams’ reputation as a lawyer grew significantly in October 1770 when he undertook the defense of British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre. Despite the political tensions of the time, Adams believed in the importance of due process and defended the soldiers, a move that demonstrated his commitment to justice and principle, even when unpopular. This act of courage and integrity further solidified his standing within the Massachusetts legal community.
However, it was his entry into the political arena that truly defined John Adams’ legacy. As a delegate from Massachusetts to the First Continental Congress in 1774, Adams quickly emerged as a powerful voice advocating for American independence. He became a leading figure within the pro-independence faction, arguing passionately for separation from British rule. A key strategic move was his nomination of George Washington to command the Continental Army, recognizing Washington’s leadership qualities and the need for a unified military command. In 1776, Adams was appointed to the committee tasked with drafting the Declaration of Independence, a document that would articulate the philosophical and political foundations of the new nation. His involvement in this pivotal moment, alongside numerous other committees – reportedly ninety in total – underscores his tireless work ethic and commitment to the revolutionary cause.
Recognizing the crucial need for international support, Congress dispatched Adams to Europe in 1778. His diplomatic missions first took him to France and then to the Netherlands, seeking vital financial and political assistance for the struggling American war effort. In the Netherlands, Adams successfully negotiated a significant loan and established crucial trade relations, opening up new avenues for the fledgling nation’s economy. He then joined Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens in Paris to negotiate the Treaty of Paris in 1783. This landmark treaty officially ended the Revolutionary War and secured international recognition of American independence, a testament to the diplomatic skills of Adams and his fellow negotiators. During this extended period abroad, Adams returned to Massachusetts only once for a brief few months in 1779, during which time he authored the Massachusetts state constitution. Remarkably, this constitution remains the oldest functioning state constitution in the United States, a lasting example of his commitment to sound governance.
From 1781 to 1788, Adams continued his diplomatic service, holding various formal posts, most notably as the first United States Minister to Great Britain. This role, while prestigious, was also challenging as he navigated the complexities of post-revolutionary relations with the former colonial power. Upon his return to the United States, Adams was elected as the first Vice President in 1789, serving under President George Washington for two terms. Despite his high office, Adams found the Vice Presidency to be a period of relative political obscurity. As Washington’s second-in-command, he was largely excluded from cabinet meetings and substantive policy discussions. His role as President of the Senate proved frustrating, and his opinions were often dismissed, leading some senators to derisively nickname him “His Rotundity.”
However, Adams’ career was far from over. Following Washington’s retirement in 1796, John Adams was elected as the second President of the United States. His presidency was complex and consequential. One of his initial actions was to attempt to maintain Washington’s cabinet, hoping for continuity and stability. Unfortunately, these secretaries were more loyal to Alexander Hamilton and often undermined Adams’ policies, particularly in foreign affairs. Adams’ presidency was further complicated by the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798. These controversial laws, aimed at immigrants and political opponents, remain a contentious aspect of his administration, raising concerns about civil liberties.
Despite these domestic challenges, Adams achieved a significant diplomatic victory by averting war with France. This was a primary objective for Adams, who understood the dangers of entanglement in European conflicts for the young nation. The Treaty of Mortefontaine, signed in 1800, resolved the Quasi-War with France and established peaceful trade relations. Although this diplomatic success came too late to bolster his reelection campaign, it is considered a major accomplishment of his presidency, prioritizing long-term peace and stability over short-term political gain.
After losing the 1800 election to Thomas Jefferson, Adams retired to his home in Quincy, Massachusetts, named Peacefield. His retirement was far from inactive. For the next quarter-century, he engaged in extensive correspondence with friends and family, most famously with Thomas Jefferson, renewing their friendship and exchanging profound insights on politics, philosophy, and life. He became a respected elder statesman, offering wisdom and commentary on national affairs. A particular joy in his later years was witnessing his eldest son, John Quincy Adams, win the presidency in 1824, marking the continuation of the Adams family’s legacy of public service. John Adams passed away on July 4, 1826, the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, on the same day as Thomas Jefferson. His reported last words, “Thomas Jefferson survives,” poignantly reflected his enduring connection to his fellow Founding Father, unaware that Jefferson had preceded him in death by a few hours.
In conclusion, what did John Adams do? He was a lawyer, a revolutionary, a diplomat, a Vice President, and a President. He was instrumental in the fight for American independence, skillfully negotiated crucial international treaties, helped shape the foundations of American governance, and consistently prioritized the long-term interests of his nation. While his presidency faced challenges and controversies, John Adams’ unwavering commitment to public service and his profound contributions across multiple facets of American history solidify his place as one of the most important, if sometimes underappreciated, Founding Fathers.
