John Adams Jr. was elected the Vice President of the United States in 1789-1797. After he served as Vice President, he then got elected as President. His Presidential term lasted four years, from 1797-1801.
John Adams was involved in many important events before, during, and after his president. Some of these things are things like the XYZ Affair. John Adams played a major part in the XYZ Affair. Many believe that it led up to his presidency. During the XYZ Affair, he was trying to stop France from attacking America's ships, so he sent American ministers to France. The French wouldn't let the ministers see the government officials of France unless they paid a bribe as many called it of $250,000. John Adams didn't want war, but he wanted to be prepared in case any major outbreaks were to occcur. He asked congress for money so that he could better prepare the U.S. military. The Democratic-Republicans didn't like this idea. Being a lawyer, Adams wasn't going to settle for no. He then released a bribe letter, but changing the officials signatures to XYZ. That changed the Democratic-Republicans mind. After, much more controversy they made a resolution with France peacefully.
Another important event that John Adams played a major role in was the Declaration of Independence. Adams was part of the First and Second Continental Congress. The Continental Congress lasted only two years. It took place in 1774-1775. John Adams proposed the idea of the Declaration of Independence. Although he had Thomas Jefferson write it, John Adams was one of the 56 Founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence has carried out laws for hundreds of years.
There are also some cool facts about John Adams and his presidency. Did you know, that John Adams was the second president of the United States but he was the first president to live in the White House? Also, John Adams set a very high standard for all future generations of presidents.
Finally, in 1801, John Adams returned to his farm, family, and home in Braintree. 25 years laters on July 4th, John Adams died from a flu epidemic. Thomas Jefferson, political rival, close friend, and work mate, also passed away on this same day. John Adams was known for many things. He was dedicated to serving our country and the ways he helped form and change our nation for the better.
