John Adams
The Real Revolution: James Otis vs the Writs of Assistance
The revolution started years before the war commenced – a change in the views and sentiments of the people. And we can trace the beginning of the controversy between Great Britain and America to James Otis Jr, and his arguments against the Writs of Assistance in...
Founding Four: First Inaugurals from Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison
How did the Founders treat an inaugural address? We can get a pretty good idea from their own words: Adherence to the Constitution, peace, principles – and more. An overview of the first addresses of 4 leading founders – who were also the first four...
John Adams: From Revolutionary to Monarchist?
One of the leading voices for liberty and independence in his earlier years, there was certainly a change of approach once John Adams became president. A cautionary tale of the corrupting influence power – or politics in general? Path to Liberty: September 2,...
Principle over Party: We Were Warned About “Factions”
“I would quarrel with both parties, and with every individual of each,” John Adams wrote in 1763, “before I would subjugate my understanding, or prostitute my tongue or pen to either.” He sure didn’t mince words. And neither did many other leading founders who warned...