University of Groningen
American History: Presidents: John Adams
Read the inaugural address of John Adams and his speech to the Congress concerning the XYZ Affair. Be sure to read his State of the Nation Address in 1800, the first delivered in Washington, D.C., the new capital.
Library of Congress
Loc: Thomas Jefferson: Establishing a Federal Republic
This Library of Congress article states that Jefferson, although serving as U.S. minister in France while the U.S. Constitution was being written, still influenced its outcome and wording through correspondence. Read this brief overview...
University of Groningen
American History: Presidents: James Madison
Included are James Madison's two inaugural addresses, his State of the Nation speeches, as well as other writings related to the Constitution. Of particular interest is his speech of 1812.
George Washington University
George Washington University: First Federal Congress: Expansion of the Empire
A look at the challenges that faced the new government especially in regard to the vast territory it won from Britain. Read about how the first Congress addressed these issues and set precedents for years to come. From a project of...
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: Age of Jefferson and Madison
[Free Registration/Login Required] After a brief description of Thomas Jefferson's and James Madison's contributions to the early ideology and government of the new United States in their authorship of the Declaration of Independence and...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Federal System
Outline of the principles embedded in a Federal System of government attempting to balance states' rights with the need for a central government.
Digital History
Digital History: The Presidency of John Adams
John Adams, early revolutionary and founding father, became the second president of the United States, only to face difficult foreign policy problems. Read about the XYZ Affair and the Federalists' preparation for war with France.
The White House
The White House: Biography of Abigail Adams
Profile of First Lady Abigail Adams (1744-1818), wife of the second President of the United States, John Adams.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: American Presidency: John Adams
Brief biographical sketch of America's second president includes background information on the era in which he served and linked-to objects from the Smithsonian's collections that help define the man and his presidency.