John Adams

“John Adams.” __History Empire__. 2007. 1 June 2007. < http://www.american-presidents.com/john-adams >.

“The science of government is my duty to study, more than all other sciences; the arts of legislation and administration and negotiation ought to take place of, indeed to exclude, in a manner, all other arts. I must study politics and war, that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history and naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain.” (John Adams, The American Enlightenment, p. 163.)

This website looks at the history of American presidents and government. John Adams was one of the most influential leaders during the Enlightenment. He tackled controversial issues about government throughout his life. Adams wanted to end the struggle between individualism and corporate authority. He felt that colonies had the right to be free and independent states. A member of the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence, Adams was the most vocal member. During the Enlightenment, he influenced major changes as an author, communicator, and defender.

This resource was not one-sided. It looked at the life of John Adams, his accomplishments, but also his downfalls. The biography presents Adams as a real person, who although was a major voice of change, also had his flaws.

This website was published through a media company that stands behind the information it publishes.

Texts by John Adams

• Thoughts on Government