John Adams
Coverage of John Adams in the Nexus archive.
- The jobs US presidents had before taking office, from teachers to peanut farmers
The article highlights various jobs held by US presidents before entering the White House, including Jimmy Carter as a peanut farmer, Abraham Lincoln as a postmaster, and John F. Kennedy as a journalist. It notes that while some presidents had political careers, others worked in roles like tailoring, ranching, and law enforcement.
- Trump White House can reinstall its sanitized history of slavery at George Washington’s house, appeals court rules
A U.S. appeals court ruled that the Trump administration can reinstall interpretive panels at the site of George Washington’s home in Philadelphia, which critics argue downplay the history of slavery. The new panels, influenced by Trump’s 2025 executive order, focus on American achievements while omitting details like slave trade routes and critical headlines present in prior panels. The city of Philadelphia opposes the change and has filed a legal challenge.
- America’s Most Enduring Belief Is Also One of Its Most Dangerous
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, an event many Americans interpreted as a sign of divine favor. The article examines the enduring belief in American providentialism, tracing its roots to John Winthrop’s 1630 'city upon a hill' sermon and its continued influence in U.S. politics and culture.
- Today in History: July 4, Declaration of Independence adopted in Philadelphia
The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. Other events on this date include the opening of the United States Military Academy in 1802, the start of Erie Canal construction in 1817, and the deaths of former Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson in 1826.
- Happy 250th Birthday, America!
The article examines the historical rivalry between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, highlighting their contrasting personalities and political philosophies. Their differing views on government structure led to a significant falling out, culminating in the 1800 presidential election.
- As the US marks 250, does the special relationship still exist – or is the UK just irrelevant?
The article examines the evolving US-UK 'special relationship,' noting growing economic divides as Trump claims 'the UK is dying,' while cultural ties remain strong. It references historical diplomatic beginnings with John Adams meeting King George III in 1785.
- Semiquin- what? Why Independence Day is celebrated on July 4
Independence Day is celebrated on July 4, though the vote for independence occurred on July 2. The date became symbolic due to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Historians highlight how the spread of news and commemoration solidified July 4 as the nation's birthday.
- It Wasn’t Just the Founders
The article argues that American independence relied not only on Founders like Washington, Jefferson, and Adams but also on thousands of everyday Americans who drove the pre-Revolution political movement. It highlights Peter Force, a 19th-century printer who collected and preserved documents from 1774–1776 to showcase the collective role of ordinary citizens in the Revolution.
- July 4th: The Declaration of Independence is what we celebrate
The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, by 12 of the 13 colonies, with Thomas Jefferson drafting the document. It was formally signed on August 2, 1776, and two signers, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, died on July 4, 1826. The original signed copy is housed in the National Archives.
- Donald Trump hijacked America’s 250 and turned it into a ‘theatre of the absurd’
The article discusses how Donald Trump has transformed America's 250th anniversary into a 'theatre of the absurd' by undermining freedoms and truth. It highlights the historical context of the Declaration of Independence's signing in 1776, emphasizing the bravery of the 56 delegates who risked their lives to declare independence.
- The radicalism of our Founding Fathers
The article discusses the Founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence, highlighting their radical actions in 1776 to create a government of the people. It acknowledges their flaws but emphasizes the lasting impact of their fight for equality.
- 250 years of American independence: When John Adams predicted that democracy would commit suicide
The article discusses the 250th anniversary of American independence and highlights John Adams' prediction that democracy would commit suicide. It notes that John Adams was the second president of the United States.
- The Founding Fathers would sound the alarm on AOC, Mamdani and our slide into socialism
The article argues that the Founding Fathers would condemn the 2026 United States for its shift toward socialism, citing leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Zohran Mamdani as threats to the nation's founding principles. It highlights concerns about young Americans' declining belief in democracy and the cancellation of historical figures.
- The Founding Fathers had a real revolution to overcome before they could win the war
John Adams described the American Revolution as a transformation of colonists' minds and hearts, emphasizing it began before the war and extended beyond battles. The revolution involved overcoming religious diversity and distrust among colonies, with the Continental Congress struggling to unite due to differing beliefs.
- Third Circuit greenlights Trump removal of exhibit on Washington’s slaves
The Third Circuit Court allowed the Trump administration to proceed with altering an exhibit at the President’s House site in Philadelphia that detailed enslaved people held by George Washington and John Adams. The court ruled that the National Park Service had not yet finalized its replacement panels, which acknowledge slavery but are less critical of the presidents compared to the original exhibit.
- America 250 demands a return to the founders’ dream for higher education
The article discusses the closure of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices at universities following Alabama's SB 129 law, which prohibits taxpayer funding for such offices. It critiques the evolution of the DEI movement from promoting opportunity to enforcing ideological agendas hostile to merit and free inquiry, while emphasizing the traditional mission of public universities to recruit talented students from underserved communities.
- Every US president and first lady who worked as a schoolteacher
Former first lady Jill Biden and 19 other presidents and first ladies served as K-12 teachers. Two presidential couples, the Fillmores and the Garfields, both worked in education.
- John Adams quote projected on DOJ building to protest ‘anti-weaponization’ fund
A quote from John Adams was projected onto the Department of Justice building to protest the Trump administration's announcement of an anti-weaponization fund. The quote read 'A government of laws, not of men' and was displayed on a banner of President Trump. This protest was organized by Justice Connection.
- John Adams quote projected on DOJ building in protest of $1.8B fund
A protest projected a John Adams quote on the US Department of Justice building regarding a $1.8 billion fund. The quote appeared on the side of the Main Justice building on Tuesday night. The demonstration is in response to the significant allocation of funds.
- Melania Trump embraces AI education initiative in White House tech push: 'She's been a champion'
First Lady Melania Trump hosted a White House event featuring VR and AI technology for students, highlighting her 'Fostering the Future Together' initiative to expand global tech and education access. The event coincided with Queen Camilla's visit and showcased historical artifacts with real-time AI context.