Adams played a leading role in the Declaration of Independence, and was a signer of the historic document. He had spoken out boldly for separation from Great Britain at a time when most colonial leaders still hoped to settle their differences with the British. As President, Adams fought a split in his own party over his determination to avoid war with France. He kept the peace, but in the process he lost a second term as President. Adams was succeeded by Thomas Jefferson.
In appearance, Adams was short and stout, with a ruddy complexion. He seldom achieved popularity during his long political career. Adams was anything but a cold man, and those who knew him well, loved him. But his bluntness, impatience, and vanity made more enemies than friends. On the great decisions of his public career, history has proved him right and his opponents wrong. But his clumsiness in human relations often caused him to be misunderstood. Few persons knew about another part of Adams' personality. His diary and personal letters show his genial, affectionate, and often playful nature.
During Adams' term, Eli Whitney introduced the system of interchangeable parts in his firearms factory at Whitneyville, Conn. Whitney's wisdom led to the mass-production methods of today. The first woolen mills began operating in Massachusetts, and Congress established the Department of the Navy and the Marine Corps. Americans enjoyed such songs as "The Wearing of the Green" and "The Blue Bells of Scotland." People read and admired The Life and Memorable Actions of George Washington by Mason Locke Weems. On the frontier, Johnny Appleseed began wandering through Ohio and Indiana, planting appleseeds and teaching the Bible.
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