Resources about John Adams

1. Adams, John. "The Political Writings of John Adams." Google Books. Google. Web. 26 June 2010.
This source, given to me by the instructor and on Google Books, contains John Adams' major political writings.

2. “Adams, John.” Funk and Wagnalls New Encyclopedia. 2008. World Almanac. Mesa Community College. Web. 17 June 2008.
John Adams is seen today as a “Founding Father” of America. He served as the country’s first vice president and second president. Born in Massachusetts in 1735, Adams trained as a lawyer and became a powerful speaker. Adams wrote various arguments against England’s imposition of taxes on the colonies, such as Braintree Instructions in 1765, which criticized the Stamp Act. Adams was an influential member of the First and Second Continental Congress and served on the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence. His 1776 writing Thoughts on Government explained the importance of “virtue and objectivity” in government, and was used in the formation of some early states’ constitutions. After America achieved independence, Adams served as an ambassador to Europe. As president, Adams worked to maintain peace with France and tried to establish a large standing army. This source provides a brief summary of Adams’ thoughts on government and introduces issues such as foreign policy and Adams’ relations with other founding fathers. This source can be reached through the World Almanac database at MCC’s library.

3. McCullough, David . “The Life and Mind of John Adams.” General OneFile. Gale. Mesa Community College. Web. 10 June 2009.
The main purpose of this website is to describe the life and background of John Adams. He was a child of Enlightenment. He believed in natural rights and sound constitutionalism however his views were overpowered with theories of collectivism and power politics. It also describes how John Adams labored for our country. The website compared and contrasted the similarities and differences of John Adams with Thomas Jefferson. It was questioned if John Adams understood the epistemology of Enlightenment science. Mr. Adams fought to secure a stable system of freedom for the United States. He was also a defense lawyer. Mr. Adams is important to this period of time because he was born into Enlightenment. He expressed interest in this period of time and he fought for what he believed in. This text was helpful to understand the reasoning behind John Adams. It clarified his beliefs and his actions. This is a credible website because two authors of the books discussed in the resource were named. This resource was also found on the community college library website.

4. Nelson, Michael. “John Adams, in Brillant Colors.” The Chronicle of Higher Education 54.28 (March 21, 2008): NA. General OneFile. Gale. Mesa Community College. Web. 10 June 2009.
The main purpose of the website is to describe the early life and background of John Adams. It explains how Adams was not properly recognized in Washington and now after the fact he is beginning to be recognized. Adams was described as always being preoccupied with work or study, even when he was at home. The article describes how ambition had a negative impact on America during the time of Adams presidency. Ambition represented money, status, and power. This author is important for the Enlightenment period because he was President during this time and he made a big impact on America during this time. He was President during the Boston Massacre. This resource was helpful in understanding the time of John Adams in regards to his presidency as well as the period of Enlightenment. This is a credible website because the resource was found on the Mesa Community College Library website.

5. "John Adams." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. Web. 27 June 2010.
This source is a great place to find a basic background on John Adams. It gives information about his childhood, politics, writing, and his role in Congress. It has links to other resources that give good information as well.

Texts by John Adams

Thoughts on Government
A Dissertation on the Canon and Feudal Law

"American Social and Intellectual." Texas A&M University - Texarkana. Web. 27 June 2010.


"John and Abigail Adams: Love and Liberty." Biography. A&E Television Network. A&E, 2 July 2002. Hulu. Hulu, LLC. Web. 26 June 2010

Relevant Literary Periods

Enlightenment

Relevant Literary Themes

The American Dream
Identity
Eccentricity

Relevant Literary Terms

Symbol
Tone and Style
Word Choice