John Adams, America’s second president, and his first cousin Samuel Adams both fought for American independence, but in different ways. The two cousins represent two sides of the movement for independence. Sam was the radical firebrand using thuggery, brutality and intimidation in the cause of Liberty. John was cerebral, rational and articulate; preferring words to violence. And of course, no account of John Adam’s life is complete without discussing his extraordinary wife Abigail Adams and their son, John Quincy Adams, later America’s sixth president and also a rebel in his own way.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

COURSE OUTLINE

• Setting the scene - 18th century Boston and the fight for Liberty
• Short biographies of John, Abigail, Samuel and John Quincy Adams
• Family dynamics and inter-personal rivalries
• Different directions taken by family members after Independence

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Describe the main accomplishments of the members of the Adams family
2. Outline the impact of their contributions to the development of the United States