Defender of Independence

“People and nations are forged in the fires of adversity.” ~ John Adams Defender of Independence

Reading about our past presidents and political leaders led me to a book about our second president John Adams. His place in history and his legacy are less significant than some … well, let’s just say it was a little harder for me to find great shining moments or to harvest leadership insight and wisdom. Born in 1735 as the son of a Massachusetts Bay Colony farmer, John Adams’ journey took him from the classroom, where he worked as a teacher, to the courtroom as a highly respected Harvard-educated lawyer. But his most defining role? A passionate advocate for American independence. Over 250 years ago, Adams stood as a delegate for Massachusetts at the First Continental Congress. By the time of the Second Congress, he had become a pivotal figure in drafting the Declaration of Independence. According to Thomas Jefferson, Adams was “the pillar of [the Declaration’s] support on the floor of Congress, [its] ablest advocate and defender against the multifarious assaults it encountered.” In other words—if the revolution had a backbone, Adams was it!

Continuing the exploration of historical leadership, today’s focus is on John Adams, the second President of the United States and the first Vice President—though he absolutely despised the latter role. He famously called it “the most useless office ever created.” His job? To cast a tie-breaking vote in the Senate. Beyond that, no one wanted to hear from him (the senate even gave him the nickname ‘the rotundity’)—not even President Washington, who left Adams out of cabinet meetings entirely. This treatment may have set the tone for his own presidency, particularly in his strained relationship with his Vice President, Thomas Jefferson.

Adams and Jefferson were an odd political pairing, to say the least. Jefferson didn’t become Vice President as Adams’ choice of a running mate but instead because he had the second-most votes for President. Their differences in ideology ran deep, and Jefferson wasn’t shy about undermining Adams at every turn. A prime example? The so-called Quasi-War with France. While Adams sought to negotiate peace, Jefferson worked behind the scenes to delay and obstruct a possible treaty promising to negotiate in the future when he would become President.

Determined to resolve the crisis, Adams sent a three-person commission to negotiate with France. Instead of productive talks, they were met with demands for bribes. When they refused, they were swiftly expelled from France. The blatant disrespect led to the creation of the U.S. Navy—a move Adams had wanted all along. Eventually, the Treaty of Mortefontaine was signed, ending the conflict. But its confirmation came too late to help Adams in the 1800 election, where he was narrowly defeated by none other than Jefferson. It is well-known and documented that despite the back stabbing and acrimony, Adams worked to ensure a smooth and respectful transition of power.

So, what can we take away from Adams' legacy? Why does he often get overshadowed by the political titans who came before and after him—Washington and Jefferson? While his presidency lacked the flash and hero worship of theirs, Adams played a crucial role in shaping executive power and America’s place on the international stage. As historian C. James Taylor put it, “Adams’s legacy is one of reason, moral leadership, the rule of law, compassion, and a cautious but active foreign policy that aimed both at securing the national interest and achieving an honorable peace.”

But beyond politics, what can we learn from Adams’ messy, imperfect time as our second president?

• Be Passionate – Adams’ devotion to his country was unwavering, even when it cost him.

• Embrace Imperfection – He was a brilliant writer but often blunt and unfiltered in person.

• Honor Family – His wife, Abigail, was his rock and greatest confidante.

• Act with Integrity – Adams made decisions based on principle, not popularity.

While history may not always put Adams in the spotlight, his influence is undeniable. He was stubborn, brilliant, and fiercely committed to the ideals of the revolution. And maybe, just maybe, his messy imperfection is exactly what made him great.