U podstaw edukacji politycznej i obywatelskiej Johna Adamsa (1755-1776)

Abstract

The article is devoted to one of the Founding Fathers, the second president of the United States, John Adams. In the historical sources he is shown as an experienced politician. Becoming one of the most important persons in the USA, for a man born on the farm, with no fortune and proper connections was a long and difficult process. Adams is a classic example of the American self-made man, a personification of Enlightenment ideals. He was active and pragmatic in his life and career, he knew how to control his fate in order to achieve his goals. Additionally, his personality and philosophy of life was shaped and influenced by many factors: family, people he met, his education or events taking place in Massachusetts that caused him to get engaged in politics. His parents made it possible for him to acquire formal education at Harvard University. Afterwards he chose a law as his profession. Being a lawyer enabled him to be an active participant of the life of the local community. He always sought company of people he could learn from. For Adams’ work was not only a means of self-education, the way to satisfy his ambition and to develop professionally but also an attempt at gaining trust of the community. He became famous after participating in a few controversial trials as a defense attorney. The events of the 1770s in Massachusetts involved him into public life and transfercd a lawyer into an active politician. A strong believer in Puritan ideals, he saw his mission to be acting for the well-being of the emerging American society. Undoubtedly, John Adams entered the political arena to create American history. The article was based mainly on John Adams’ diary which provides a comprehensive picture of the author’s personality and the reality in which he lived.