Profession: Founding Father and Statesman
Biography: Samuel Adams was a politician in colonial Massachusetts and a leader in the movement that became the American Revolution. He was one of the architects of the principles of American republicanism that shaped the political culture of the nascent United States.
Adams was born in Boston in 1722 and was brought up in a religious and politically active family. By 1743, Adams had graduated from Harvard College. He then went on to become an influential political activist, focusing on the issues of British colonial policy.
Adams spoke out in particular against the British Parliament's efforts to tax the colonies without their consent. He argued that this violated the colonists' rights as British subjects.
Ultimately Adams helped organize resistance to the Stamp Act and played a vital role in organizing the Boston Tea Party. He was one of the first to argue for independence from Great Britain.
Later he was a delegate to the Continental Congress and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He would also help to draft the Articles of Confederation.
After the American Revolution, Adams helped write the Massachusetts Constitution and subsequently served as governor of Massachusetts. Throughout his life, he continued to argue against all that he considered harmful to the rights of his fellow colonists.
Born: September 27, 1722
Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Star Sign: Libra
Died: October 2, 1803 (aged 81)
Articles and Photos
Historical Events
- 1764-05-24 Samuel Adams writes instructions for Boston Town Meeting opposing the Sugar Act, laying groundwork for colonial resistance to taxation without representation
- 1768-02-11 Samuel Adams letter, circulates around American colonies, opposing Townshend Act taxes
- 1775-04-18 Paul Revere warns Samuel Adams and John Hancock that British troops are marching from Boston to Lexington
- 1780-05-04 American Academy of Arts & Science founded in Boston, James Bowdoin, John and Samuel Adams founding members
Personal Life
- 1749-10-17 US revolutionary Samuel Adams (27) weds Elizabeth Checkley
References
Famous Founding Fathers
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