Presidential Chronicles

Thomas Jefferson #4: Diplomat (1783-1789); Topics covered include: Congressman, Minister to France, Bonding with John Adams and his family, social and family activities in France, relationship with M…

Thomas Jefferson #3: The War at Home (1776-1783); Topics covered include: Revolutionary War, Monticello, Virginia House of Delegates, political ideology, attacks the aristocracy, Virginia Statute for…

Thomas Jefferson #2: The Declaration (1776); Topics covered include: Second Continental Congress, Declaration Committee, and the Declaration of Independence

Key People: Richard Henry Lee, John Adams,…

Thomas Jefferson #1: Youth to Rebel (1743-1775); Topics covered include: Youth and education, lawyer, marriage, inherited wealth, enters politics, supports the rebellion against the crown, and become…

John Adams #10: Retirement (1801-1826); Topics covered include: Post-presidency, Peacefield, Obsession with how he would be viewed by posterity, Rapprochement with Thomas Jefferson, Death on the 50th…

John Adams #9: Monarchist? (1776-1826); Topics covered include: Assesses charges of monarchism throughout Adams's career, References include his published works

Key People: Thomas Jefferson

For more …

John Adams #8: President (1797-1801); Topics covered include: President of the United States: Inauguration, Focus on relations with France, the XYZ Affair, Challenges with his Cabinet and the High Fe…

John Adams #7: The Most Insignificant Office (1789-1797); Topics covered include: Return from Europe, Election as Vice President, Roles of the Vice President, and Conflict with Thomas Jefferson

Key P…

John Adams #6: Family (1735-1826); Topics covered include: Relationships with his father, wife, and children

Key People: Deacon John Adams, Abigail Adams, John Quincy Adams, Abigail (Nabby) Adams, Ch…

John Adams #5: Diplomat (1783-1788); Topics covered include: Family time in Europe, Becomes close to Thomas Jefferson, Minister to Great Britain, "A Defense of the Constitutions of Government of the …

John Adams #4: War Duty Abroad (1778-1783); Topics covered include: American Minister, Journeys to France, Negotiations with The Netherlands, Revolutionary War (and victory), and the Treaty of Paris

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John Adams #3: Independence (1774-1777); Topics covered include: First Continental Congress, Battles of Lexington and Concord, Second Continental Congress, Nominates George Washington to be the Comma…

John Adams #2: Path to Rebellion (1765-1774); Topics covered include: Stamp Act, Sons of Liberty, Boston Massacre, Lawyer, Rebel, Boston Tea Party, and the Intolerable Acts

Key People: Sam Adams, Tho…

John Adams #1: Upbringing (1735-1765); Topics covered include: Youth, Puritan ethic, Attends Harvard, Marriage, Lawyer, and the Stamp Act

Key People: Deacon John Adams and Abigail (Smith) Adams

For m…

George Washington #10: Farewell and Legacy (1797-1799); Topics covered include: Farewell Address -- Topics: Union, Political Factions, Separation of Powers, U.S. Constitution, Morality, Education, an…

George Washington #9: Slavery (1743-1799); Topics covered include: Slavery: Views and personal practices, Last Will and Testament

Key People: Martha Washington and Billy Lee

For more information on t…

George Washington #8: Second Term (1793-1797); Second Term (1793-1797) Topics covered include: President of the United States (second term), Neutrality Proclamation, Genet Affair, Conflict in the Cab…

George Washington #7: President and Precedents (1789-1793); Topics covered include: President of the United States, Cabinet, Putting the Constitution into Practice, Presidential tours, Economic plans…

George Washington #6: First in Peace (1784-1789); Topics covered include: Post-war gentleman farmer, Shays's Rebellion, Annapolis Convention, Constitutional Convention, U.S. Constitution, First Presi…

George Washington #5: Victory (1778-1783); Topics covered include: Revolutionary War, Collaboration with the French, Victory at Yorktown, Treaty of Paris, Reflection on his military career, Resigns h…