John Adams was a politician.
John Adams ( October 30 [ O.S. October 19 ] 1735 -- July 4 , 1826 ) was an American patriot who served as the second President of the United States ( 1797 -- 1801 ) and the first Vice President ( 1789 -- 97 ) . Adams 's credentials as a revolutionary secured for him two terms as President George Washington 's vice president ( 1789 to 1797 ) and also his own election in 1796 as the second president . The major accomplishment of his presidency was a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the face of Hamilton 's opposition .