Raphael+-+JA+-+SP09

John Adams Term: 1797-1801 Party: Federalist Vice President: Thomas Jefferson Our early president John Adams was good for his time. He was even better because he was the second president. He avoided a war with both France and Brittan. But, the fact that he contributed to the split of his Federalist Party hurt his overall grade. For these reasons Jefferson earns a B+. Jefferson was a former vice president and a semi-popular federalist. But, because he was vice president he already had the exposure he needed to get the spot as the next president. Though Adams failed to get reelected in the race against his former vice president, he used his time in the presidential seat to the best of his ability. He was not the savviest politician but he had good intentions. He showed it with his handling of foreign policy and the XYZ fever and also his Alien Sedition acts. Adams was president during a period where Brittan and France were not on good terms. During the war between France and Brittan Adams made an effort to try and keep relations with both. France was beginning to distance itself from us and that put pressure on Adams to do something. So Adams tried sending delegates to speak with French officials but the officials refused. So Adams took action. The XYZ Affair was what it was called. This was in reference to the French officials who refused to speak with Adams’ delegates. The result of this was a national boost in Federalist popularity and war fever which eventually died down. He handled it with poise even though his own party member Hamilton opposed him on war decisions leading to controversy and somewhat division in his party.Another part of Adams presidency was his Alien and Sedition Acts. This only happened because of France and how their colonies eluded to potential revolution. These acts were directed at immigrants who entered the country and became Republicans. In the end Adams’ presidency can be looked back on as an overall successful one. He maintained poise under pressure and good job with foreign policy. Although he opposed his party leader he stood behind his beliefs and it worked out well. Adams was a good United States president and rightfully earned himself a B+.

Bibliography http://millercenter.org/academic/americanpresident/adams http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/johnadams/ American Pageant