John Adams: #2 on your Puke List

1. John Adams: #2 on your Puke List John was an obnoxious, brilliant, Intense, headstrong person.

2. Pre-President Stuff • Served as Defense attorney for the British soldiers at the Boston Massacre. Though he supported the rebellion, this demonstrates his commitment to justice, despite the grief he took. • Worked behind the scenes to garner a unanimous vote on the Declaration of Indy, called the “Colossus of Independence.” • Helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris • First Minister to Great Britain (under Articles of Conf) • GW’s VP- known as “his rotunduncy”. Jokes about the VP began with the 1st one.

3. On our boy, Johnny…… Historian Robert Rutland concludes, “Madison was the great intellectual ... Jefferson the ... unquenchable idealist, and Franklin the most charming and versatile genius... but Adams is the most captivating founding father on most counts." You Know Adams had outstanding character because Peter foisted him off to Dickson. Adams was too boring.

4. Adams’ Presidency: 1797-1801 • 1789, Quasi Naval War w/France, Adams steered clear. Helped nation, split the Feds. High Federalists (led by Hammy) refused to back Adams in 1800 Election. • XYZ Affair- “Millions for defense, not one cent for tribute” • Appointed John Marshall as Sec of State, then appointed him Chief Justice of SC • Passed Alien and Sedition (Patriot) Act which led to Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

5. 1800 Election: Peaceful Revo. • Adams lost election, TJ beats Burr