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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who did Adams say depended on Congress' decision to split from England?

2. What is Novangelus?

3. Who accompanied Adams to France?

4. What was the Olive Branch Petition?

5. Which of the following did Abigail not find Paris to be?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Adams acclimate himself to Holland?

2. Where was John born and who were his parents?

3. What historic event severely wounded Adams' law practice in Boston?

4. What did Adams come to realize about the tensions among the American envoys in Paris?

5. How does Adams react when his ship is wrecked in a storm and he must be repaired in Spain.

6. Who did Adams marry?

7. What was Adams' relationship with John Quincy during this time?

8. Explain some of Adams' immediate issues as Head of the War Department.

9. What was Adams' experience at the Second Continental Congress which began in February of 1776?

10. Explain the toll that Adams' work in Congress is taking on his personal life.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

John and Abigail had four surviving children--Nabby, John Quincy, Charles and Thomas. Describe the Adamses' relationships with each of their children. Is it evident that one is the favorite? Who is the black sheep? Cite examples.

Essay Topic 2

Myths and legends have always surrounded the stories of the Founding Fathers of the United States. How does McCullough's book dispel or validate any such predisposed thoughts. Cite examples of which men are viewed a little differently after reading this book.

Essay Topic 3

Thomas Paine wrote that "These are the times that try men's souls." Explain how the times also tried the souls of the women left behind to keep the homes intact and raise the children. Use Abigail Adams as a prominent example.

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