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John Adams, a lawyer by vocation and mathematician by avocation, graduated from Harvard University in 1755. Recognized as one of the towering figures of the American Revolution, he was a principal character throughout that drama.
An outspoken patriot, Adams embraced the idea of independence early. As a delegate to the First and Second Continental Congress and in 1776, he argued forcefully for total independence from Britain. Working with Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and others, he helped draft the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson said the Adams was "the pillar of support on the floor of Congress: and Stockton of New Jersey called Adams "the Atlas of American independence". It was Adams who in 1777 conceived the pattern for the flag that became the emblem for the new nation.
Not a natural leader of heroic figure, Adams was nevertheless elected as Vice-President to George Washington, and then President in 1797. Having experience as a diplomat, coupled with his years of service, ability, and commitment to the founding of the new republic, Adams won himself the respect and position he received.
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