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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. With whom does Abigail become good friends while in Paris?

2. Why did John Adams go to Philadelphia in 1774?

3. Who accompanies Adams to England?

4. For what attribute of his does Adams thank God?

5. What was the main method of communication between John and Abigail?

Short Essay Questions

1. Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" went a long way to rally New Englanders to war. Explain how John Adams found weakness in Paine and his document.

2. What were the circumstances of the actual signing of the Declaration of Independence?

3. Why did Adams move to Holland?

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

5. What did Adams do upon arriving in France?

6. What finally makes Abigail change her mind about going to France?

7. Who did Adams marry?

8. What was Adams' overall opinion of the First Continental Congress?

9. How did Adams spend his time while in Paris in the spring and summer?

10. What fortuitous meeting did Abigail have before sailing from Boston?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Describe John Adams' personality in both his personal and professional interactions. Also cite examples where these traits are beneficial. When are the traits a liability?

Essay Topic 3

Abigail Adams was a strong woman and well-positioned for John and the new United States. What was her influence on her husband? What was her position on slavery? What was her position on women's rights? How was she ahead of her time? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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