1761: When American Independence was Born
βAmerican Independence was then & there born.β John Adams wasnβt talking about July 4, 1776, and the Declaration of Independence.Β He was referring to the beginning of the real American Revolution that kicked off years earlier on February 24, 1761. Thatβs when...
War Powers: The True History of John Adams and the Quasi-War with France
Many people believe presidents have a great deal of authority to make unilateral decisions about war without the approval of Congress. To support this conclusion, they often point to actions taken by early presidents such as John Adams. But this narrative doesnβt...
Free Speech on Trial: Jailed But Re-elected
In a time of political turmoil, when criticism of the government could land you behind bars, Matthew Lyon, a congressman and fierce critic of the Federalist administration of John Adams, dared to defy the Sedition Act, a law that criminalized free speech. This would...