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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 an important topic of debate related to the Articles of Confederation?

2. What is the name of Jefferson's Virginia home?

3. In what city was the Declaration of Independence approved?

4. Who accompanies Adams to England?

5. Why did Benjamin Franklin go to Canada during this time?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where is Adams headed when the book opens?

2. What happens to Adams just as he is about to give up his life as a public servant for the government?

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. What were Abigail's overall impressions of Paris?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In addition to war on their homeland, the colonists were also very vulnerable to the threat of serious illnesses such as smallpox. Cite some examples from the book in which people die or are in serious danger of their lives due to diseases that can be managed today.

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

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.

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