John Adams

On the 3rd November 1796, our 2nd President of the United States was elected, succeeding George Washington, and preceding Thomas Jefferson.

John Adams was a brilliant, fiercely independent, often hot tempered, but always honest Yankee patriot who spared nothing in his zeal for the American Revolution. He was also the first occupant of the White House, moving into the house late in his single four year term.

When he first passed through the entrance of the still unfinished building, he uttered a prayer which was ultimately carved over the fireplace in the state dining room by order of the one occupant of the house who has perhaps caused more debate than any other, Franklin D Roosevelt. 

"I pray Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House and on all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise Men ever rule under this roof."

He is credited with saving the country from blundering into an unnecessary war and was rightly celebrated for his integrity, although regarded by some as being "out of his senses". 

His marriage to the wise and valiant Abigail Adams is one of the most moving love stories in American history, but his relationship with his children paints a rather sad picture of a father tied to duty, as John believed that his life was not his own and that doing duty to God and to country were far more important than his family.  

It was a situation which likely hurt him immensely, but he wanted his children to understand that a person's life was not their own, but rather given to duty and to God. 

John Adams was first a great friend, then a great rival, then a great friend again of Thomas Jefferson. Their political differences are often a great debate in American history, as John Adams saw the horror of the French Revolution for what it was and predicted that it would end in depravity and violence - likely causing a savage reaction which would bring about the end of the French Republic itself. Jefferson on the other hand embraced the French Revolution as an expression of the people's desire for liberty. How wrong he was... Bonaparte quickly followed the French Revolution and war across Europe was the result.

Regardless of their political differences, their friendship lasted for 51 years, from their meeting in 1775 in the Continental Congress to their deaths on the same day, July 4, 1826 - the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

There are several old time radio shows which depict the life of John Adams on RUSC already, but I have added a new one today from Hallmark Playhouse, titled John Adams. It's a surprising story of one of the most important and fascinating Americans who ever lived.