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John Quincy Adams July 11, 1767 (Braintree, Massachusetts) – February 23, 1848 (Washington, D.C.) Political Party: Federalist, Democratic Republican, Whig Term: March 4, 1825- March 1, 1829 Vice President: John C. Calhoun (1825-1829)

The American Identity during John Quincy Adam’s presidency was changing. His term marked the end of nationalism and the rise of sectionalism. The Missouri Compromise during Monroe’s term gave rise to the polarization of the United States into slave and non-slave states. This compromise would cause further sectional disputes for the remainder of John Quincy Adams’ presidency. Another installment that would further sectionalism in the United States is the Tariff of 1828. This tariff would protect northern industry, but in turn it harmed the south that had to buy goods from the north. This caused a great uprising in the south, most especially South Carolina. It further cemented the differencing of opinions between the northern and southern states.

John Quincy Adams is the son of the second president of the United States, John Adams; therefore he was brought up in an extremely political household. From a very young age he was engaged in the nation’s government. Adams was a prime example of a nationalistic president, but he served a term during a time when the nation did not have the same views as he did. Coming into office under scrutiny, Adams furthered disapproval by being involved in the “Corrupt Bargain.” Although Adams had great ideas for his ideal nation, they did not fit into the nation he inherited. His administration used him, and rival political parties drew opposition towards him, but Adams’ ideas showed integrity and bravery, therefore his presidency deserves a B-.

The broad goal of John Quincy Adams’ presidency was to unite the country in support of the common good. He stressed the importance of internal improvements; both through the people and the infrastructure. Adams supported Henry Clay’s American System and proposed a higher tariff and better infrastructure. Adams also proposed the establishment of both a #|national university and naval academy. Because of resistance many of Adams’ proposals went uncompleted. He was to extend the Cumberland Road and #|completed many other internal transportation improvements. He also signed off on the Tariff of 1828, but it did not perform as planned and caused conflict.

Having ideas that were radical for his time, Adams did not have much support from his administration. Taking part in the alleged “Corrupt Bargain”, Adams compromised his political standing. As a result many of his proposals as president went unapproved. His administration also played him a fool and used his term to satisfy their political agendas. Adams did have a few supporters in his administration, namely Henry Clay, whose American System Adams defended. With the passing of the Tariff of 1828, Adams lost the sole support of his vice president John C. Calhoun.

Contrary to popular belief, the Tariff of 1828 (more commonly known as the Tariff of Abominations), was perhaps the most positive action of Adams’ presidency. Although widely contested in the south, the tariff protected northern industry. The tariff also forced the south to buy from the north, increasing northern revenue, which in turn caused the growth of northern industry. Because of the tariff the United States’ gross domestic product (GDP) grew from 888 million dollars to 1.118 billion dollars in four years. The tariff also increased sectionalism. Without the increase in sectionalism the civil war would not have started so quickly, thus the abolishment of slavery would not have taken place. For the south the tariff was not taken well, but it helped shape our nation into what it is today. The most negative action of Adams was his involvement in the “Corrupt Bargain”. His actions concerning his election and that of Henry Clay greatly diminished his chances of success during his term. As a result of the bargain he was disrespected both by his administration and the people. Without respect Adams was not able to accomplish many of his presidential goals, most of which would have strengthened the United States.

One decision made by the president and his administration that impacted the future was the “Corrupt Bargain.” John Q. Adams had been elected as president and had appointed Henry Clay Secretary of State. It was said that Clay had gotten Adams elected and in turn Adams had given Clay the position. The American public made no attempt to stifle its outcry. But, “corrupt” dealing such as this had been going on in politics for quite a while. The outcry showed that there was a change in politics. Ultimately it was the first sign of the new populist democracy that was on the horizon.

At the end of John Q. Adams’ presidency the country was neither better, nor worse off. Adams faced much opposition from both his party and his administration. He also had to deal with governing a people who were moving on without him. If Adams was president 10 years earlier he would have made many great strides for our country. Sadly to say, Adams had the great misfortune of inheriting a country that no longer supported the same views and values as he did. His term was the transitional period of the early nation and its politics, and Adams was lost in the midst of it.

"John Quincy Adams." //Wikipedia//. Wikimedia Foundation, 10 July 2012. Web. 07 Oct. 2012. .
 * Works Cited**

Magill, Frank N. "John Quincy Adams." //The American Presidents:The Office and the Men //. Vol. 1. Danbury, Connecticut: Grolier Educational, 1986. 131-146. Print. 1789-1860.

"Miller Center." //American President: John Quincy Adams//. Ed. Margaret A. Hogan. University of Virginia, 2004. Web. 07 Oct. 2012. .

"Tariff of 1828." //Wikipedia//. Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Mar. 2012. Web. 07 Oct. 2012. .