Topic: The Second PresidentTopic: The Second President

Warm Up:

What characteristics does a person need to be a great president?

Who won the election of 1796?

John Adams

• John Adams • Term: 2nd President of the United

States (1797-1801)• Born: October 30, 1735, Braintree

Massachusetts• Nickname: "Atlas of

Independence"• Education: Harvard College

(graduated 1755)• Religion: Unitarian• Career: Lawyer• Marriage: October 25, 1764, to

Abigail Smith (1744-1818)• Children: Abigail Amelia (1765-

1813), John Quincy (1767-1848), Susanna (1768-1770), Charles (1770-1832), Thomas Boylston (1772-1832)

• Political Party: Federalist• Died: July 4, 1826, in Quincy,

Massachusetts

Events of Adams’ Presidency

• XYZ Affair- France was seizing American ships in the Caribbean. Adams sent three diplomats to France hoping to avoid war. Three agents for the French government demanded a personal bribe of $250,000 and a loan of $10 million for France. TalleyRand

• Building of the American Navy

• Federalist Party Splits- Federalists wanted war with France. Angered by Adams’ refusal to go to war with France the party split.

• Alien Act- Allowed the President to expel any alien, or foreigner, thought to be dangerous to the country.

• Sedition Act- Citizens could be fined or jailed if they criticized the government or its officials.

Events of Adams’ Presidency

Students Activities

• Political Cartoon and questions (XYZ Affair)

• Why did Republicans like James Madison believe the Sedition Act violated the Constitution?

SummarySummary

•Should Americans be aloud to criticize the government and leaders?