Jan-Feb 2022 issue Winter 2022 issue | Page 7

Jefferson was a better writer . Adams did sign the Declaration of Independence when it was finished and became an ambassador for the colonies . First , he was the Ambassador to France in 1778 , and later he was made ambassador to England in 1785 . Upon his return to what was now the United States , he became Vice President under George Washington . In 1797 , Adams successfully became the second President of the United States .

John Adams had a difficult presidency . In an attempt to stop the coming war between France and England , Adams sent two ambassadors . The ruler of France would not let them come without a bribe ; Adams saw this as an insult . An unofficial two-year naval war occurred , but finally , in 1800 , a peace treaty was signed . Adams gained popularity when he made peace with France . But he squandered it all when he signed the Alien and Sedition Acts into law . The law said that the government had broad powers to deport " enemy " aliens ( any foreigners ) and could arrest anyone who strongly disagreed with the law . According to the White House website , this cost him his presidency in 1800 when he lost to Thomas Jefferson .

Before Adams lost his popularity , he initiated many changes for his new country . In 1798 , he purchased the Mississippi Territory from Spain . He won the Naval war against France . He made Washington , D . C ., the capital of the U . S . He also became the first president to live in the White House .

Adams spent his retirement writing . He wrote books , columns , and letters . He even started writing to his former rival , Thomas Jefferson . John ' s wife Abigail , died in 1818 . But Adams lived long enough to see his son , John Quincy , become the sixth president . At age 90 , Adams died from a heart attack . According to History . com he died five hours after Thomas Jefferson died on July 4th . John Adams ? s last words were : " Thomas Jefferson still survives ." He didn ' t know Jefferson had already died .

ICA Spelling Champs Need

to " Bee " Ready !

By Kyle S .

There ? s something buzzing at ICA . Throughout the middle of March , ICA will host a spelling bee for elementary , middle , and high school students .

According to Mrs . Smith and Mrs . McConnell , students will get a broad list of words that could potentially be given during the live events . Students will sign up through a smart sheet prior to the spelling bee .

Be sure to watch your emails and Student Dashboard for more information .

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