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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 was the assumed British knowledge about Adams?

2. What was the name of the ship on which Adams sailed to Europe?

3. In what year is the Second Continental Congress held?

4. What did Adams call Abigail in addition to being a choice wife?

5. What does Adams vow after the signing of the document?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Philadelphia at the time of the First Continental Congress in 1774.

3. What did Adams do upon arriving in France?

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

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

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

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

8. What are Abigail's first impressions of London after her arrival?

9. What were Adams' three main objectives for the Second Continental Congress?

10. Where is Adams headed when the book opens?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

John and Abigail ultimately lost four children before their own deaths. Name the children and the circumstances of their deaths.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

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