If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a
leader. 1.
This is a quote from the sixth president of the United States of America. Do you
know who the sixth president of the United States was? Well it was none other than, John
Quincy Adams. Before we can declare him president, we must first see his pathway to
presidency. What he was known for, how he shaped America and what he is remember
for.
John Quincy Adams was the son of John and Abigail Adams. He was born on
July 11, 1767 Braintree, Massachusetts. Mr. John Quincy Adams grew up during the
American Revolution. In fact, it is reported that he was able to watch the Battle of Bunker
hill at age nine, from above his family’s farm in Penn’s Hill. Mr. Adams received his
education from both his mother and his tutor Mr. John Thaxter. The reason he was
tutored at home, was because his parents feared he would get influenced by rude children
at public schools.
He spent much of his young childhood in France while his Father, John Adams
worked as a French Minister. However, on June 1779, John Adams and John Quincy
Adams returned back to the United Sates because the U.S. congress appointed Benjamin
Franklin as the French Minister. Soon afterwards congress Appointed John Adams as
French Minister and they returned to France once again. At age twelve, John Quincy
2
Adams attended a boarding school in Passy. He had a vigorous schedule of learning
Latin, Greek, geometry, writing, drawing, and geography.
Momentarily, in July of 1780 John Adams was sent as a diplomat in Amsterdam,
Holland. There John Quincy Adams studied with private tutors at the University of
Leyden and learned to speak Dutch. At age thirteen the University of Leyden admitted
him as a student. However, before age fourteen he moved to Saint Petersburg to help
Francis Dana his fathers secretary translate French to English to Catherine the Great, and
recognize The United States as the royal court. Catherine did not recognize the U.S. so he
left Holland on October 30, 1782. There he traveled Around Russia and retuned home in
the spring of 1783.
John Quincy Adams worked as his fathers new Secretary and traveled with him to
Paris for the Treaty of Paris to be signed. There in Paris, John Quincy Adams spent time
with Thomas Jefferson and other important people.
Similarly, he said I love to be with [Jefferson], because he is a man of very extensive
learning and pleasing manners. 2
In July of 1785 John Quincy Adams returned to the United Sates to finish school
at Harvard and get a start as a lawyer. There, he stayed with Richard Henry Lee and then
moved from New York to Boston. Adams was well prepared to enter Harvard as a junior
and joined a literary club called Phi Beta Kappa. Out of Fifty one students, John Quincy
Adams graduated second best in the summer of 1787. Unfortunately his family and others
pushed him to become a lawyer. He did not like that lifestyle nor did laws interest him.
He studied under Theophilus Parsons. It is rumored that he became depressed. Currently,
there were no medicines or doctors who treated this clinical depression. So he moved
with his aunt Elizabeth.
3
In the spring of 1789 John Quincy Adams began a romantic relationship with
Mary Frazier. Soon enough they were talking about marriage. Except his parents did not
approve of marriage and they broke it off by the end of 1790. Moreover he completed his
apprenticeship and set up a law practice in Boston, Massachusetts. His first case was not
successful.
In early 1791, John Quincy Adams dined with the George Washington and his
wife. This visit to Washington D.C. sparked an interest in Politics. Surprisingly, when he
returned home he began writing articles about the Federalist and Republicans in The
Boston Chronicle. Before the trip he declared he was not interested in politics, but he
eventually changed his mind. All these factors started preparing him for politics. In my
opinion, thinking for himself, standing up for what he believes in and offering solutions
shaped him to becoming a leader.
As a result, he wrote legislation to transform Braintree into a separate town; the
town changed its name to Quincy! Soon afterwards, in May 1794 George Washington
appointed John Quincy Adams as the United Sates Minister to the Netherlands. At age
twenty six he was earning well over $4,500 as a diplomat; more than what he made as a
lawyer.
In spite of this accomplishment, John was not happy. In his diary we wrote I wish I could
have been consulted before it was … made, I rather wish it had not been made at all. 3
Whatever his reason was, he accepted his nomination. Time was of the essence
and on September 17, 1794 John Quincy Adams sailed from Boston to the Netherlands.
There, the French Army controlled the Netherlands with reasons to control all the
European countries bordering France. This dilemma was during the French Revolution.
John Quincy Adams was responsible to keep the United States informed and to have
4
contact with all the changes. During his stay he published all his findings which helped
the United States stay informed of what was occurring.
I would fain[rather]be the man of my whole country. Here John expresses his hope to serve
his nation rather than just one particular party. This was when he was first starting his political
career. 4
In the spring of 1796 George Washington again appointed him minister, but to
Portugal! This was considered a promotion. Not only was his salary was increased, but he
also had full power and authority from the United States government. There was a change
in course and John Adams was elected president of the U.S. because George Washington
refused to serve his third term. Therefore, instead of going to Portugal John Adams
appointed John Quincy Adams minister plenipotentiary to Prussia. At the same time he
married on July 26, 1797 with Louisa Catherine.
There in Prussia, John Quincy delighted other delegates, royals, citizens and also
King Frederick William III. More importantly he was able to set a treaty of Friendship
and trade with Prussia. This helped the United States expand, trade, and communicate
with foreign affairs. On April 12, 1801 his first son was born and named George
Washington Adams. In March of 1801, Thomas Jefferson became president and John
Adams decided to terminate his sons’ job. Therefore John Quincy Adams and his family
decided to move back to the United States of America.
In March, Mr. Quincy Adams was elected a Federalist Senator in Massachusetts.
His desire was improve the court system of Massachusetts but was not able to. Also, he
tried fighting a lot of the bribes senators. This corruption angered him. He there served
less than one year. In February 1803 the state legislature appointed him to replace the
retired senator. There in the senate John Quincy Adams was able to acquire experience
needed with laws, politics, people and the court system.
5
Afterwards, Thomas Jefferson held a meeting to decide whether or not they would
purchase the Louisiana Territory and the senate was invited. John Quincy Adams agreed
with President Jefferson. This allowed the United States to gain global power and
territory. Interestingly enough it was a total of $15 million for 830,000 square miles.
Unfortunately he was not able to make it to the vote on time. Even though he did not vote
people realized how this mind agreed to expand the U.S. in a wise manner.
The Leopard, a British warship fired the U.S. ship, Chesapeake. It is estimated
that twenty sailors died that day. John Quincy Adams was extremely upset. He joined
protestors and rallies. However, others were too afraid to speak against Britain because
they were putting a threat to a relationship with Britain; so they did nothing. This showed
great patriotism from Quincy Adams part. Soon afterward, Thomas Jefferson proposed an
embargo on international shipping ports to the U.S. ports. John Quincy Adams helped
write this law. It eventually was called the Embargo Act of 1807. This law stopped the
attacks of foreign ships on the United States ships. This helped America improve its
safety. In addition to its safety, this allowed Mr. Adams to get closer with the American
citizens. Quincy Adams resigned in June of 1808 because he was going to get replaced.
Yet Again John Quincy Adams gets appointed as a U.S. minister to Russia. John
Quincy Adams and his family arrive to Russia on October 23, 1809.
I am forty five years old. Two-thirds of long life are past, and I have done nothing to
distinguish it by usefulness to my country or to mankind. 5
John Quincy Adams was returning to Russia twenty eight years after he visited it
with Francs Dana. Remember, he was there as a boy to translate to Catherine the Great to
recognize the United Sates as an independent nation, but she did not choose too. While
6
this may be, Alexander I, recognized the United States as an independent nation by 1809.
There they formed a strong bond and united Russia with America.
John Quincy Adams as well as other delegates went to a conference in Ghent
Belgium to discuss the Treaty of Ghent. This treaty ended the War of 1812 and restored
the relationships between The United States and Great Britain. President Madison was
impressed and assigned Quincy Adams as a minister to Britain. Under his job John
Quincy Adams made a huge impact and had the treaty, Rush Bagot Agreement of 1817.
This helped the United States minimize the number of soldiers bordering around the
Great Lakes.
In addition, James Monroe, was elected to office and sent John Quincy Adams a
letter asking to please fill that position. Many people believe John Quincy Adams was a
great Secretary of State. John began his career as secretary of state on September 1817.
Working there he met with other diplomats, associated with foreign affairs and continued
to try to expand the United States. His knowledge in language improved the ability for
the United States to get recognized and understood.
Likewise, one of John Quincy Adams major accomplishments as secretary of state
was negotiating the Treaty of 1818. Both Canada and the United states were still in
conflicts about whether the United States could extend to the Pacific Ocean; and where to
separate Canada from the United States. The Northwestern border separated Canada from
the Lake or woods inside the territory of Minnesota and west towards the Rocky
Mountains.
Moreover, to the expansion of the United Stated territory, it improved Americas
fishing. You may wonder how this treaty affected Americas fishing. There seemed to be a
7
lot of fishing in the waters off by the British Newfoundland. Because this was part of the
United Sates territory it allowed America to fish freely and gain more food. If this treaty
was not signed them the U.S. would have no say in where it was allowed to fish.
The Florida Treaty was the most important incident in my life, and the most successful negotiation
ever consummated by the Government of this Union. 6
Furthermore, another accomplishment that John Quincy Adams made that
affected the United Sates was gaining Florida. Florida at that time was claimed by
Spanish leaders under Spanish rule. Besides the Spanish rule there were many Native
American controlling Florida. As an ambition to always expand the United States, John
Quincy Adams became interested in the territory of Florida. Even though Spanish leader
and Native Americans resided there, so did some English people.
In order to conquer Florida John Quincy Adams had to do a lot. For example, at
that time the Spanish governed the eastern half of Florida. By putting lethal force he was
able to take out the Spanish leaders. Also, in order to clear the area of Native Americans
John Quincy Adams, invaded Florida and took hostage to Indians. There was however,
questioning and of course he had reasoning. His reason number, one was to stop the
attacks from runaway slaves against the citizens of Georgia. His reason number two was
to stop the Native Americans from attacking the citizens of Georgia. In that time period
both slaves and Native Americans were treated harshly and had no rights. Because they
were different from the American society they were excluded and treated in that way.
Except, not everyone was satisfied with the decision John Quincy Adams made.
Some suggested giving back Florida to Spain so they would not ruin that nation to nation
relationship. Quincy responded by saying he saw opportunity rather than a threat.
Imagine if John Quincy Adams would have backed down and given Florida back to the
8
Spaniards. Then, the sate of Florida will not only, not be part of the United States but, it
would have affected the view of slavery, voting rights and the power and influence over
the United States. SO they ended with a resolution called the Transcontinental Treaty.
Florida was bought back for $5million.
Likewise, Central and Southern America were separating from both Spanish and
European rule. President Monroe saw them as independent countries. The Spaniards nor
did the Europeans liked their decision. Therefore, the Spanish king formed a group called
the Holy Alliance. Great Britain did not join this group and asked the United States to
deny the invitation. At that time, Great Britain was considered he most powerful naval
force. All of the members of the Cabinet, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison wanted
to join Great Britain, except John Quincy Adams. He opposed greatly. He was able to
convince the whole cabinet and President Monroe to say no and not interfere with the
decisions of foreign countries. On December 2, 1823 President Monroe sent a letter to
congress saying that the United Sates will not choose either side and will not be
interfering with Europe and for Europe to do the same.
At the same time, what would have happen if the Unites Sates would have joined
the European side? The rest of the world would not have seen how serious the U.S. was.
Maybe until this day the United States would have still interfered with the Western
Hemisphere. This action became know as the Monroe Doctrine. Thomas Jefferson shaped
America by standing up for what he believes, supporting his arguments, persevering and
by giving America the chance to rule under its own rules and by saying out of the
business of other countries. This helped prevent Spanish attacks and helped prevent
Russia from claiming land.
9
After serving as secretary of state, for both terms of President James Monroe,
John Quincy Adams wanted to become president. The president was not elected president
by popular vote, but by being elected by the Electoral College. General Andrew Jackson,
Clay of Kentucky and William Crawford were his opponents. In December of 1824, the
Electoral College voted John Quincy Adams with a total of ninety-nine electoral votes.
This was not enough for him to win. Officially on February 9, 1825 The House of
Representatives voted Quincy for President.
In the start of his presidency, John Quincy Adams wanted to build roads, canals,
astronomical observatories, and much more. Congress did no approve of his projects. He
affected America because he wanted to see advancement, and through his proposals he
was able to get his views across; even thought they were rejected. Even though the Native
Americans and Quincy did not view eye to eye, he still respected their land. For example,
in Georgia the governors wanted to take away land from the Creek Indians but he
rejected that request. This showed that there has to be equality within the Native
Americans. John Quincy Adams wanted to have a meeting with Latin America and the
Caribbean nation in 1826. They outlawed slavery. This contributes greatly to a change in
the United Sates. It stared influencing people to understand that slavery can not be
permitted in the U.S.
Additionally, John Quincy Adams signed the Tariff of 1828. This document
increased the fees of goods bough from foreign countries. This favored America because
these foreign products would be more expensive than the American goods. This helped
America’s economy. In fact the Erie Canal became a shipping route between the Atlantic
Ocean and the Great Lakes.
10
Advancements were made. The Ohio Railroad was built under John Quincy
Adams and it was the first railroad for passengers only. Mr. Adams ran for Presidency for
his second term and did not win. However, he did get elected to the House of
Representatives. During that time periods Slavery was allowed. However, there was a
movement to end slavery once and for all. The House of Representatives kept receiving a
lot of letters demanding to end slavery but they decided to put it aside forming the Gag
Rule. John Quincy Adams became angry, and said their actions violated the rights of the
citizens to freedom of speech and their freedom to petition their government. Finally on
December 3, 1844 congress repealed the Gag rule. Texas who later separated itself from
Mexico wanted to be part of the United States. John Quincy Adams did not want Texas to
be another country for slavery. Texas eventually joined the U.S. After the Gag rule was
repealed, James Smithson gave $ 500,000 to the United States will intend to create some
kind of institute that would increase knowledge. Congress, decided to create the national
museum and research center called Smithsonian Institute
John Quincy Adams eventually died two days later after a stoke on February 23,
1848. Mr. Adams was known for more than just his travels. John Quincy Adams was also
known greatly for the Monroe Doctrine, his diplomatic accomplishments, for his fight to
end slavery and for taking the initiative to expand American research and knowledge.
Beside John Quincy Adams adds,
Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and
obstacles vanish into air. 7
11