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John Quincy Adams

July 11, 1767 in Braintree (currently Quincy) Massachusetts-February 23, 1848 U.S. Capitol Building, Washington D.C.

Political Party: Democratic Republican (strong Federalist background)

Terms: March 4, 1825-March 4, 1829

Vice President: John C. Calhoun (1825-1829)


 * Thematic Context **
 * Following the so-called “Era of Good Feelings”, America’s hidden tensions were beginning to rise to the surface. Slavery and economic policy were just a few of the topics that the American people were starting to choose sides for. In addition to this, political involvement and political parties were rapidly changing. Rather than having a clear presidential candidate in the past, the presidential campaign was now an increasingly competitive event. Beginning near 1824, politics began to focus on one thing in order to ensure they would be elected, the people. It was during this time period that things such as banners, pamphlets, and “sucking up” became a strategy during campaigns. Unfortunately, what also evolved was the act of “mud-slinging”, a prime example being the election of 1828. With all these sudden changes the American people were pressured to identify with a political party or a candidate. The supposed “Corrupt Bargain” of 1824, in which it was proposed that Adams bribed Henry Clay into ensuring him presidency, truly showed that the American people were identifying themselves with the nation’s politics and that secret political deals no longer appealed to the rapidly growing ideas of democracy. **


 * Thesis **
 * Only serving a single term, John Quincy Adams and his administration deserve a B. Adams was a man of interesting character, and made choices that were meant to benefit the nation as a whole rather than just favor a select group of people. He was disliked for his stubborn views, even by his own party, but he did nothing that harmed the nation unlike the “popular” president who followed him. At a time where America claimed to reprimand political bargains but in secret encouraged them, Adams persistently clung to his integrity and honor. He did not remove able politicians of an opposing party, though it was suggested by members of his own. He also advocated for the fair treatment of Native Americans, a rarity in this time period. These actions should be taken into account for his grade because it set a proper example for future presidents to follow. Also during his term, Adams introduced nationalistic ideas such as canals and roads and a national university. He attempted to improve the American economy with the Tariff of 1828, but met an immense amount of Southern opposition. Because of his intent to greatly improve America but the fact that his efforts did not have much impact, Adams deserves a B. **


 * Goals **
 * There is no doubt that John Quincy Adams was a strong nationalist and had high hopes that during his term he would be able to implement some of his ideas into America. In his inaugural speech Adams hints at his Federalist upbringings, often referring to the preservation of the Constitution. He stressed the belief that although there were minor differences in political parties and candidates, government always serves the people and is supposed to protect the original Constitutional ideals. He describes changes and events that has caused America to transform into what, at the time, was its current state of an expanding nation. A focus of Adams was keeping the Union intact, and this he believed could be done through increased nationalism. **


 * Relationship with Congress **
 * While having no “official” opposing parties, there was a clear majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives, the Jacksonians. It was obvious that Adam’s and his unpopular views would certainly cause clashes to break out in Congress. Adam’s elaborate nationalistic plan met much protest from members of Congress, even those of his own party. Adam’s was, however, partially successful with his ideas for roads and canals, some examples being the extension of the Cumberland Road and the construction of the Chesapeake Canal. This was though, for the most part, the extent of his success, as state’s rights supporters and Southerners shot down nearly the rest of his ideas, one being the attempt of American participation at the Panama Congress 1826. **


 * Positive Event **
 * Though no events really shine during Adam’s presidency (his greatest successes being before and after his term), a general positive event that came from Adam’ presidency was the idea of reform. Adam’s desperately tried to implement nationalism in order to help preserve the Union, and though his plan was considered a failure, he created a general hopefulness for America. Adam’s renewed ideas of a national university and was also a strong supporter of an astronomical observatory. Many people, specifically Southerners, questioned the practicality of these institutions, but it showed that there was a possibility for more modernization and advancement in America. **


 * Negative Event **
 * The Tariff of Abominations was meant to protect the fragile Northern Industries from the ever-looming threat of European goods. However, it simultaneously devalued Southern goods such as cotton. Despite his original goals of Unionism, Adams support of this tariff only helped strengthen the tensions of sectionalism. The South were angered that they were being forced to pay for something that benefited the North. But even worse, the Southern paranoia of the Federal government interfering with slavery began to surface yet again. Protest came swiftly and fiercely, most frighteningly The South Carolina Exposition, which was in fact secretly written by Adam’s own vice president, John C. Calhoun. This tariff also led to problems that would impact Adam’s opponent, Andrew Jackson, who would eventually have to confront the Carolinian “nullies”. **


 * Influential Decision **
 * John Quincy Adams is definitely not the most known president, as he is often considered one of the least successful. However, throughout his presidency he portrayed a sense of honor. It’s been said that Adam’s was president in the wrong time period, and this is certainly true as he seems to be more similar to his early presidents than the politics in the 1820’s. Much like his father, Adam’s went against the “people’s views” and did things that he believed would benefit the nation. He was criticized for trampling on democracy, but rather he was working in the people’s favor rather than against them. His lack of personal ambition, fair treatment of Native Americans, and unwillingness to do secret political deals make John Quincy Adams one of the best role models of presidents in terms of morality. **


 * Conclusion **
 * By the end of Adam’s term, it was clear that reelection was not a likely outcome. Attacking his strong nationalistic views and encouragement of federal power (which sometimes seemed to infringe on the principles of democracy) Jacksonians had the clear upper hand for the next presidency. Quincy’s honor and noble principles had become his downfall, and he lost popularity with the people. He managed during his term to reduce the national debt from $16 million to $5 million and spark ideas of nationalism and American advancement, but constant opposition from Congress and Jacksonians caused his term to be overall unsuccessful. Therefore, focusing mainly on the fact that during his term America did not get worse, Adam’s and his administration deserve a B. **


 * Bibliography **


 * "American President: John Quincy Adams: Domestic Affairs." Miller Center. Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia, 2013. Web. 11 Mar. 2013. . **


 * DeGregorio, William A.. The complete book of U.S. presidents. 7 ed. Fort Lee: Barricade Books, 2009. Print. **


 * "John Quincy Adams: Inaugural Address. U.S. Inaugural Addresses. 1989." Bartleby.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2013. . **


 * "John Quincy Adams." The White House. Usa.gov, 2009. Web. 11 Mar. 2013. . **


 * "Party Division in the Senate, 1789-Present." U.S. Senate: Art & History Home Origins & Development Party Division. Www.senate.gov, n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2013. . **


 * "Presidential Accomplishments." History Bookshelf. AP US Timeline, n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2013. . **


 * "The Tariff of Abominations." US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2013. . **