John Adams: A Founding Father's Legacy in American History

John Adams is among the most known figures associated with the American Revolution. His contributions to the formation of a brand-new democratic nation cannot be emphasized. Adams' tenacious adherence to and comprehension of the law set the stage for his ascent to positions of authority among New insurgents. Together with his cousin, Samuel Adams, John left a legacy that is still held in high respect today.

Adams' contribution to the founding of the United States was without question invaluable, despite the fact that he first took a much more moderate revolutionary stance. Without his shrewdness and staunch advocacy of the Declaration of Independence, a halted revolt was imminent. In spite of all the advances Adams accomplished on his route to the White House, his presidency was marked by controversy and instability. Why was this promising democratic cornerstone unable to establish a successful presidency? Historians appear to identify several deficiencies.

Hopeful Beginnings and Executive Exposure

John Adams was born on October 30, 1735 in Braintree, Massachusetts parents John Adams Sr. and Susanna Boylston. John, who was born into a Puritan household, was raised with its cultural, religious, and legal values. Despite his family's hopes that he would follow in his father's footsteps as a minister, Adams decided to pursue a legal career, thereby commencing his ascent to the pinnacle of political relevance. In the years after his admission to the Massachusetts bar in 1759, Adams put his legal skills and expertise to good use. Adams developed a love and appreciation for writing and political policy while he pursued his fledgling legal profession, abilities he would continue to employ. As a young attorney, Adams spent the most of his time writing about political theory for several Boston newspapers. He continued this practice by writing against the reviled Stamp Act of 1765. With his impressive handwriting and persuasive ideas, Adams grew in popularity. In 1770, when Adams decided to protect soldiers engaged in the Boston Massacre, he would become completely involved. This daring venture lifted Adams' legal standing to new heights. In 1774, he was a member of the First Continental Congress and was tasked with compiling a list of complaints to convey to King George III. In the subsequent years, Adams would play a pivotal part in the American Revolution. From his independence rallies through his diplomatic missions in France, Adams' influence and notoriety continued to soar. After the conclusion of the war, Adams even assisted in the negotiation of the Treaty of Paris, which guaranteed American independence. At this stage in his life, all indicators indicated that Adams would continue to ascend the political ladder and eventually enter the White House.

Adams became vice president under George Washington in 1789. At the time, the vice president's primary responsibility in the Senate was to break ties, a role that Adams exploited to great effect. During the presidency of George Washington, Adams began to adhere to the principles of the newly forming Federalist Party and frequently clashed with budding Democratic-Republicans (Republicans) such as Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, who would prove to be Adams' political adversaries for the majority of his career. As 1796 drew near, the esteemed general needed a successor. During the election, political supporters of Vice-President Adams and top opponent Thomas Jefferson would take turns criticizing the other in newspapers and pamphlets. The election's intricacy and ferocity foreshadowed the turmoil that would surround the victor. Between Adams' mistrust and contempt of Washington's golden child Alexander Hamilton, the Virginian Jefferson, and Adams' own party, the Duke of Braintree appeared to be in for a difficult road ahead. Despite the pandemonium, John Adams narrowly defeated Thomas Jefferson, 71 to 68, to win the president.

French Strains and XYZ Affair

Adams assumed office amid tense ties in Europe. The purpose of the John Jay Treaty of 1794 with Great Britain was to reduce trade tensions with the emerging nation's former colonial authority. However, the pact had the opposite effect on the French, fostering mistrust and resentment towards the Americans. France, engaged in its own revolution, considered the treaty as a backstab after having supported the American cause only a few years before. Additionally, the French were deliberately detaining American ships in neutral waters to restrict trade with which escalated tensions. Early in his reign, Adams convened a special session to examine the matter. It was determined that an entourage consisting of Charles Pinckney, Elbridge Gerry, and John Marshall should be dispatched to France in order to clear up the confusion. Adams increased the number of militia members in preparation for a French onslaught. Both Federalists and Republicans were enraged by Adams' attempt to toe the line.

Americans were outraged when they were asked to pay a bribe to talk with French Foreign Minister Charles Talleyrand upon their arrival in France. In lieu of gaining direct access to the minister, the French sent representatives to meet with the American team. These three Frenchmen were eventually designated by President Adams as 'X, Y, and Z.' Adams made repeated attempts to negotiate, but also chose to activate the small navy that the U.S. had been steadily cultivating, thus implying conflict once more. At this juncture, the American people was leaning toward anti-French views. Federalists desired all-out war, whilst Republicans were left gasping in horror at the humiliation. Even though popularity for Adams was at an all-time high at this moment in 1798, the United States was engaged in a naval quasi-war with its revolutionary ally.

Acts on Aliens and Sedition, Voting in 1800

During the summer of 1798, the government of John Adams pushed through many very controversial laws. Despite the frequent anti-French rhetoric, the majority of Republicans continued to reject the war. Federalists suggested a series of bills aimed at curbing public protest and immigration to suppress anti-war rhetoric. The primary objective of the measures was to prevent immigration from France, which resulted in a decline in public disapproval of the war and a fall in potential new members of the Republican Party. In addition, the government under Federalist rule prohibited the publication and dissemination of anti-government literature. Five of the six main Republican newspapers were sued prior to Adams' departure from office. Some politicians, such as Vermont Representative Matthew Lyon, were even sentenced to jail time. Even though Adams was not a staunch proponent of the Alien and Sedition Acts, he was the final signatory required to put them into action. The enactment of these restrictions provided Republicans with a desperate rallying point. The Federalists did not enjoy these spoils and their ranks actually splintered further, anticipating the party's downfall.

After the House of Representatives broke the 73 deadlock between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr, the Republicans were able to take the White House on the strength of Thomas Jefferson, since the Federalists were divided into groups. Adams placed third in the vote with 65 points. Adams left Washington for Massachusetts after Jefferson's triumph, opting to miss the new president's inauguration.

Closing Reflections

In his lifetime, John Adams accomplished more than his fair share. Before becoming President of the United States, Adams cemented his place in history as a distinguished attorney and revolutionary statesman.