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.
Showing 12 of 42 entries.
On July 14, 1798, Adams signed the Sedition Act, criminalizing the publication of 'false, scandalous, and malicious' writings against the federal government or its officials.
President John Adams signed an act of Congress on July 11, 1798, creating a standing United States Marine Corps organized for service with the navy.
John Adams signed the Alien Enemies Act on July 6, 1798, authorizing the president to detain or deport male citizens of hostile nations in times of declared war or invasion.
President John Adams signed the Alien Enemies Act on June 25, 1798, authorizing the detention, removal, or restriction of male citizens of a hostile nation during times of declared war or invasion.
John Adams signed the Alien Friends Act, giving the president power to detain and deport non-citizens deemed dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States.
Congress enacted the Naturalization Act, extending the residency requirement for immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship from five to fourteen years.
On June 18, 1798, Congress passed an act authorizing the creation of a provisional army and other measures to strengthen the nation’s defenses amid rising tensions with France.
President John Adams appointed Benjamin Stoddert as the first Secretary of the newly established Department of the Navy.
On April 30, 1798, Congress passed and President John Adams approved an act creating the Department of the Navy to oversee naval affairs.
President John Adams transmitted his first annual message to Congress, reviewing the state of the union and urging measures to protect American commerce and strengthen naval defenses in response to French seizures of U.S. shipping.
The frigate USS Constitution was launched at Boston on October 21, 1797.
The Senate voted to expel William Blount from the Senate following the allegations of conspiring with Britain to influence territory seizures and betray U.S. interests.