John Adams (1735-1826) was the second president of the United States (1797-1801) and was the first vice president (1789-1797). He was also one of the most significant American Founders. Adams first became well known at the beginning of the American Revolution as a radical proponent of secession and as a delegate to the Continental Congress from Massachusetts. He was also responsible for helping draft and approve the Declaration of Independence, which is how he came to know Thomas Jefferson. As a European diplomat, he negotiated peace with Great Britain and helped secure loans from the Netherlands.