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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. What does John find it difficult to do when writing to Abigail?

2. What British officer did Adams and Franklin travel to meet?

3. What is the name of Abigail's sister with whom she shares her innermost feelings?

4. What is ultimately signed on September 3, 1783?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the nature of the meeting requested by British General Howe with Adams, Franklin and Rutledge?

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

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

4. Where is Adams headed when the book opens?

5. What did Adams do upon arriving in France?

6. Who did Adams marry?

7. What were the three factions vying for power at the Second Continental Congress?

8. What was the final perception of Adams' role in the fight for independence?

9. Explain how the winter of 1776-77 were times that stretched the limits of the patriots' forebearance.

10. After all the debate, what was the final vote for independence on July 4, 1776?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The act of declaring independence from Britain took tremendous courage for this group of men who could have been hanged for treason. Using John Adams as the primary example, explain some of the reasons why the belief in independence was strong enough to put their lives on the line for it.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. In what ways were they similar? In what ways were they different? Why did they grow apart during their diplomatic period in France?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the role of religion in Adams' life. What was his father's plan for his life? Why did he alter the plan? How did his religious beliefs guide him as he guided the country?

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