#6 John Quincy Adams- The Diplomat President

#6 John Quincy Adams- The Diplomat President

John Q. Adams was the son of the second President; John Adams. They became the first father and son duo to have served as Presidents.  Historians believe he was one of the greatest diplomats and Secretaries of State in American History due to the Treaty of Ghent which ended the War of 1812, the annexation of Florida, the negotiation with Britain over the northern border with Canada and his drafting of the Monroe Doctrine. His successful diplomacy as Secretary of State helped extend United States from Atlantic to Pacific coasts.

1825; 

• John Q Adams wins the controversial Presidency over Jackson at the age of 57, John C. Calhoun becomes his V.P.
• Erie Canal is completed

ERIE CANAL

1826;

• Military training manuals created
• Founding Fathers Jefferson and Adams both die on Independence Day.

JOHN AND ABIGAIL ADAMS TOMB IN QUINCY, MA

THOMAS JEFFERSON TOMB IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA

• Adams finalized restitution settlement with Britain through the Treaty of Ghent.

1827;

• Adams proclaims ports closed to British, suspending trades.
• European states incorporated into MFN Trade System

1828;

• Mexican Boundary Settlement agreed upon
• Adams signs the Tariff of Abominations, Calhoun does nothing expecting it to fail and make the North look bad, but it passes.
• VP Calhoun anonymously pens South Carolina Exposition and Protest in objection to Tariff of Abominations

Although Adams was a leader in foreign-policy and played important roles of negotiating treaties, he was blocked by a Congress of his enemies time and time again, Some accused him of winning the White House through corruption so he was plagued by accusations of misdeeds throughout his presidency, which is why he only served one term. Calhoun’s deeds towards the end of the term helped seal it as well but Adams achieved far greater acclaim after his Presidency when he was elected a U.S. Representative from Massachusetts for nine terms, where his growing revulsion against slavery helped him become a leading opponent against slave power.

Famous quotes:

“Posterity: you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.”

“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.”

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”