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

2. Where was the boarding school in which Adams enrolled his sons located?

3. Which American envoy was sending secret messages to London?

4. Why did Abigail think the Southern delegates were hypocritical?

5. What did Adams believe of the men gathered with him in Philadelphia?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What was Abigail's perspective on John's overseas assignment?

4. What did Adams do upon arriving in France?

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

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

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

8. What was Adams' relationship with John Quincy during this time?

9. How does Adams react when his ship is wrecked in a storm and he must be repaired in Spain.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

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.

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This section contains 1,120 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample