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John Adams

Born: October 30, 1735 in Quincy, Massachusetts Died: July 4, 1826 in Quincy, Massachusetts

Political Party: Federalist Term of Office: March 4, 1797- March 4, 1801 Vice President: Thomas Jefferson (1797-1801)

After George Washington's decision to retire, the newly independent Americans elected his vice-president, John Adams, to assume the role as President of the country. George Washington had given John Adams his highest praises, and the stocky New Englander won the election race with three more Electoral College votes than his rival, Thomas Jefferson, who then served as his vice-president. Although always mentioned with irritated tone of voice, John Adams and his administration contributed much to the growth and prosperity of the young United States and fully deserves an “A-” rating. John Adams successfully continued the nurturing of the United States by making the right decisions in foreign policy- most notably seen in the XYZ Affair and the United States' eventual peace with France. Adam's biggest mistake, however, was the passing of the Alien and Sedition Acts, which was a step backwards for the principled Americans.

As the second President of the United States, John Adams' goal was to continue growth of the young American nation while adhering steadfastly to the Constitution and the citizens of America. The major concern was a possible war with France. For the most part, John Adams was successful. He lead the infantile nation away from the ravages of war- which are mainly associated with the revolutionary Europeans. With the peaceful mentality of the Founding Fathers, he helped the United States suffer minimal damage when it was stuck between the Old World affairs of Europe. However, hypocritical to his goal of being Constitutionally-based president, Adams signed the Alien and Sedition Acts in 1798. These acts made naturalization harder for immigrants, allowed the president to deport or imprison aliens, and punished basically anyone who badmouthed the government and its actions. Thus, these acts remain as flaws in Adams' administration.

John Adams was a Federalist and had the advantage of Congress being mainly Federalist. Out of the 32 seats available in Congress during John Adams' term, 22 (a little more than two-thirds) were occupied by his fellow Federalists. The Federalist party enjoyed multiple waves of increased popularity. Factors such as George Washington's approval of John Adams and the XYZ Affair gave Federalists popularity. However, John Adams often conflicted with his own Congress. An example would be the foreign affairs with France during 1798-1800. Congress pushed for war with France, whereas Adams urged for peaceful resolutions. Also, Alexander Hamilton, a powerful Federalist, disliked John Adams and had many Federalist connections that plotted against and opposed the President.

During John Adams' term as president, the world was much revolved around the French Revolution. With a weakened economy and army, Adams made a very wise decision by not resorting to war (and the popularity that comes with it). Because of Jay's Treaty from the Washington administration, France believed the Americans were allied with their former masters, Britain. This caused an unofficial war between France and the United States where the two sides seized opposing ships. The XYZ Affair occurred when French diplomats demanded $250,000 and a loan of 10 million dollars before American diplomats could even speak to French Prime Minister Talleyrand, furthering angering the dignified Americans. Regardless, Adams was patient and eventually acquired peace with France from the Convention of 1800. War would have put much burden on the American nation, and Adam's decision to avoid it resulted in a positive time of peace.

Contrastingly, Adam's most flawed action would be his signing of the Alien and Sedition Acts. As a response to the possibility of war with France, these acts, to repeat, made naturalization harder for immigrants, allowed the president to deport or imprison aliens who he deems dangerous, and punished anyone who slandered the government and its actions. The Sedition Act is a violation of the First Amendment, which Americans cherished so much. Therefore, Adams allowed an alienation of rights that is reminiscent of the British rule which the Americans so recently overcame. Prohibiting basic freedoms is not the American way, and Adams enforced this hypocritical act.

The defining aspect John Adams' presidential term is definitely how he handled foreign relations with France. Had he decided to declare war against them, the possibly results would have been devastating for the developing United States. Of course, John Adams insisted on peaceful resolutions and saved the American country a great amount of loss. He listened to the sagely advice of the Founding Fathers to avoid war, and thus exemplified the mindset. This way of thinking is very important to future presidential administrations and can be seen often as presidents have tried their best to remain neutral and to seek negotiations first before any drastic actions.

By the end of John Adams' presidential term, the country was certainly better off. Peaceful compromises like the Convention of 1800 allowed the United States to grow under normal, unstressed conditions. With determination to attain a civilized answer, John Adams showed upcoming leaders how to direct efficiently. A minor negative of his administration would be the Alien and Sedition Acts, which were not Constitutional, but were needed war measures. Therefore, an “A-” is appropriate for John Adams, who fought off unnecessary conflicts to help the young United States grow into what it is today.

__Bibliography__  "American President: John Adams." //Miller Center of Public Affairs//. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2011. .  DeGregorio, William A.. //The complete book of U.S. presidents//. New York: Dembner Books, 1984. Print.  Kennedy, David M., Lizabeth Cohen, and Thomas Andrew Bailey. //The American pageant: a history of the Republic//. 12th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2002. Print.  "U.S. Senate: Party Division." //U.S. Senate//. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2011. 