John Quincy Adams' Role in the American Founding
John Quincy Adams is more than just a President that was the son of another President.
Adams had an astonishing political and diplomatic career that spanned decades and accomplished much during the formative years of the Early Republic.
Although it is tough to call him a Founder, because his presidency most certainly came after the American Revolution, his work during the first handful of presidential administrations certainly means he deserves a day.
John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams was still a boy when he boarded a boat with his father and sailed for Europe.
Adams received an important education there, both in schooling and in diplomacy, learning from the likes of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.
He returned to the United States to receive a law degree but was soon called upon to serve his country.
Foreign Minister
In his late 20’s, John Quincy Adams was appointed as Minister to the Netherlands by President George Washington.
Shortly thereafter, he was sent to Portugal as an Ambassador.
When his father became President, Adams was then moved to Berlin as the first Minister to Prussia. Furthermore, he was an unofficial advisor to the President on all matters concerning Europe.
Senator
When Adams returned home once again, he was quickly elected to the Massachusetts Senate.
John unsuccessfully ran for the House of Representatives, but was shortly thereafter appointed to the US Senate, so that worked out.
During his time in the Senate, Adams initially associated with New England Federalists but throughout the Jefferson Administration drifted toward the Democratic Republicans.
When he resigned from the Senate, now-president James Madison appointed John as the first Minister to Russia.
Peacemaker
While in Russia, John Quincy witnessed Napoleon’s failed invasion.
Additionally, he was nominated and confirmed for a seat on the United States Supreme Court...which John turned down!
He did, however, participate in the negotiations which led to the Treaty of Ghent, ending the War of 1812.
Secretary of State
Upon his returning, once again, to the United States, Adams was chosen as Secretary of State.
At the time, this position was seen as second only to the President in importance in the Federal Government.
Adams made several important arrangements during the Era of Good Feelings which still have an effect on the nation today. Most notable, perhaps, was as the primary author of the Monroe Doctrine.
A President in Congress
When his eight years as Secretary of State were complete, John Quincy Adams was elected as the sixth President of the United States.
His time in the office deserves entire books of their own, but suffice to say it was difficult and he only kept the position for one term.
Afterwards, Adams became the only President to take the lesser position of Congressman. He served in the House of Representatives for the next SEVENTEEN YEARS until his death in 1848.
If you made it this far you might also enjoy an article about John’s brother:
The Death of a President’s Son - Charles Adams’ Alcoholism
Want to learn more about JQA?
There are many biographies of John Quincy, but I just finished ‘The Lost Founding Father’ and it was really good (and inspired me to write this article).
Pick up a copy through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
