John Adams (1735–1826) was the second president of the United States and a leading Federalist. A lawyer, diplomat, and Founding Father, he helped secure American independence and served as George Washington's vice president.
Adams was a prominent advocate for independence, a diplomat who helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris (1783), and an influential early statesman who helped shape constitutional government.
As president he strengthened federal institutions, appointed John Marshall to the Supreme Court, and steered the nation away from full-scale war with France; his support for the Alien and Sedition Acts, however, left a contested legacy on civil liberties.
Negotiated the 1783 Treaty of Paris; Served as George Washington's vice president; Elected second U.S. president (1797–1801); Signed the Alien and Sedition Acts; Avoided all-out war with France during the Quasi-War; Appointed John Marshall as Chief Justice
Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.
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American and French negotiators signed the Convention of 1800 (Treaty of Mortefontaine) on September 30, 1800, formally ending the undeclared naval Quasi-War between the two nations.
President John Adams signed an act of Congress creating a library for the use of the federal government (the Library of Congress).
President John Adams appointed John Marshall to serve as Secretary of State, installing him in the cabinet on January 27, 1800.
George Washington's funeral was held and he was interred at Mount Vernon on December 18, 1799, attended by family, local officials, and members of the public.
President John Adams issued a proclamation directing federal observances and official mourning following the death of George Washington.
Former President George Washington died at his Mount Vernon estate on December 14, 1799, during John Adams's presidency.
On 1799-11-09 (18 Brumaire, Year VIII), Napoleon Bonaparte's coup d'état toppled the French Directory and established the Consulate with Napoleon as First Consul.
On 1799-02-09 the U.S. frigate Constellation, commanded by Thomas Truxtun, engaged and captured the French frigate L'Insurgente off Nevis during the Quasi-War.
On December 24, 1798, the Virginia General Assembly adopted the Virginia Resolutions, authored by James Madison, formally protesting the federal Alien and Sedition Acts and asserting a theory of state interposition against unconstitutional federal laws.
On November 16, 1798, the Kentucky legislature adopted the Kentucky Resolutions—drafted by Thomas Jefferson—asserting that states could interpose against and refuse enforcement of unconstitutional federal laws, specifically condemning the Alien and Sedition Acts.
President John Adams signed legislation establishing a federal fund and measures to provide medical care and support for American seamen.
President John Adams signed the act providing for a temporary augmentation of the United States military establishment during the Quasi‑War with France.