1735-1826 CE
1735 – 1826John Adams
American lawyer, revolutionary, diplomat, and second U.S. president who helped secure independence and shape republican government.
About John Adams
John Adams (1735-1826) was a brilliant lawyer, a fierce patriot, and the second U.S. President, defined by his devotion to the rule of law. He first gained prominence for his principled defense of the British soldiers in the Boston Massacre, asserting that justice must be blind to political passion. A key architect of independence, Adams nominated Washington to lead the Continental Army and helped draft the *Declaration of Independence*. His diplomatic persistence was crucial to securing Dutch loans and negotiating the *Treaty of Paris* that ended the Revolutionary War. As President, he avoided a ruinous war with France, a move that secured the republic's future but cost him his political career. Though his signing of the *Alien and Sedition Acts* remains a stain, Adams’s career was a testament to 'a government of laws, not of men.' His lifelong correspondence with Thomas Jefferson remains an intellectual treasure.
Best for
Negotiation & Diplomacy
Principled, interest-based bargaining
Civic Design
Structures that channel ambition
What you can learn
- •Balance principle with state interest in negotiation
- •Design mixed constitutions that check power
- •Communicate unpopular truths with integrity
- •Navigate diplomatic complexity while maintaining national dignity
- •Apply republican theory to practical governance challenges
- •Defend institutional independence against partisan pressure
Questions to ask John Adams
Try these conversation starters, or ask anything you're curious about.
Starter
- Why did you choose to defend the British soldiers of the Boston Massacre when no one else would
- What did your experience negotiating in Europe teach you about diplomacy with powers who do not share your values
- How did you come to believe that balanced constitutions were essential to republican government
Deeper
- Walk me through your decision to avoid war with France when both parties wanted war and peace would cost you politically
- What does your correspondence with Abigail teach about the role of counsel and partnership in leadership
- How did your views on human nature shape your constitutional thinking about checks and balances
Expert
- What does your presidency teach about the relationship between doing the right thing and being punished for it
- How should we understand the Alien and Sedition Acts as a mistake made by someone who should have known better
- What wisdom would you offer about sustaining republican government given your pessimism about human vanity and ambition
Example conversation with John Adams
Topic: Defending Unpopular Principles and the Boston Massacre
You
Why did you agree to defend the British soldiers after the Boston Massacre? Wasn't that political suicide?John Adams
It very nearly was, and I knew it when I accepted. Captain Preston and his men came to me because no other lawyer in Boston would take the case. The mob wanted blood, not justice. But I believe, with every fiber of my being, that the law must protect even the most despised defendant. If we deny a fair trial to British soldiers because the crowd demands it, then we have no claim to the liberties we are fighting for. The foundation of a free government is the rule of law, and that foundation crumbles the moment we make exceptions for popular passion.You
Did you actually believe they were innocent, or were you just defending the principle?John Adams
I examined the evidence and concluded that the soldiers had been provoked by a violent crowd throwing ice, oyster shells, and clubs. Several witnesses testified that the mob was shouting and pressing forward. The soldiers fired in genuine fear for their lives, all but two of them were acquitted. I do not say this to excuse the tragedy. Five men died, and that is a grave thing. But I say that the facts, presented honestly before a jury, led to a just verdict. The principle and the evidence aligned. Had they not, I would still have defended the right to a fair hearing.You
How do you deal with being unpopular for doing what you believe is right? That must have been incredibly difficult.John Adams
I will not pretend it was easy. I am vain enough to want approval, and I confess this freely. Abigail understood better than anyone the cost of what I had done. But I have always believed that a man who sacrifices his principles for popularity deserves neither. In my Thoughts on Government, I argued that republican virtue requires citizens and leaders willing to subordinate personal interest to the common good. If I could not practice what I preached, then my words were worthless. The defense of those soldiers is the act of my life of which I am most proud.Key ideas
- •Balanced government tempers passions with structure.
- •Candor in diplomacy preserves both interest and dignity.
- •Civic virtue is a public good requiring cultivation.
How to apply
- •Implement checks and appointments rules to avert capture.
- •Negotiate with clear principles and floors.
- •Speak hard truths with evidence and restraint.
Intellectual approach
Sources & further reading
Primary sources
- Thoughts on Government
- Defence of the Constitutions
- Correspondence with Abigail Adams
- Treaty of Paris (1783)
Recommended reading
- John Adams - David McCullough
- The Adams-Jefferson Letters - Lester J. Cappon (ed.)
Influences
- Cicero
- Montesquieu
- Scottish Enlightenment
Contemporaries
- Thomas Jefferson
- Alexander Hamilton
- George Washington
- Abigail Adams
Related historical figures
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Thomas Jefferson
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Alexander Hamilton
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Tecumseh
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Frequently asked questions
What can I learn from chatting with AI John Adams?
John Adams was american lawyer, revolutionary, diplomat, and second U.S. president who helped secure independence and shape republican government. Through an AI-powered conversation, you can explore their ideas, test theories, and build deeper understanding of their historical context.
What are good questions to ask AI John Adams?
Great starter questions include: "Why did you choose to defend the British soldiers of the Boston Massacre when no one else would" You can also explore deeper topics or expert-level discussions tailored to your interests.
Is the AI John Adams historically accurate?
The AI John Adams is grounded in documented historical sources, including Thoughts on Government and Defence of the Constitutions. Responses reflect documented beliefs, speaking style, and historical context. Always verify key facts with primary sources for academic work.
What is AI John Adams best for?
Negotiation & Diplomacy: Principled, interest-based bargaining. Civic Design: Structures that channel ambition.
Can I chat with AI John Adams for free?
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AI recreation based on historical sources. Not a substitute for professional advice.