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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 illness strikes many, including Washington, in May of 1790?

2. To what does Abigail compare John when he is deluged with opposition in Philadelphia?

3. What is John and Abigail's position on political office after Adams leaves the presidency?

4. Who is Sally Hemings?

5. By what name do some of Adams' opponents call him?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the circumstances of Adams' meeting with King George III in which Adams is rightfully nervous.

2. Why is Chapter 9 so appropriately titled "Old Oak"?

3. Explain why keeping peace was a guiding principle for Adams in his presidency?

4. Explain the speculation options for Adams' political future.

5. Explain the poignancy of the deaths of Adams and Jefferson.

6. What did Adams observe about the new America that had emerged in his absence?

7. What did Adams learn was Jefferson's true position on slavery?

8. Explain why the Alien and Sedition Acts were so critical at this time when war with France was possibly imminent.

9. What were the Adamses first observations of life in London?

10. How could the first half of Adams' administration be described?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

The relationship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson had a curvy path during their lifetimes. Describe the nature of their friendship from the beginning, how it strengthened, how it eroded, and then finally solidified again.

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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