Early Life and Education

John Quincy Adams was born on July 11, 1767, in Braintree, Massachusetts, to Abigail and John Adams. His father was deeply involved in the American Revolution, leaving much of his upbringing to his mother. During the war, John Quincy feared for his family’s safety because his father signed the Declaration of Independence. Living near Boston, he saw soldiers march through his yard and witnessed the war up close. At age ten, he traveled to Europe with his father, visiting Prussia, the Netherlands, England, and Paris, where he studied alongside Benjamin Franklin’s grandsons. He even worked as a translator in Russia before returning to America in 1785. He graduated from Harvard in just two years and opened a law firm but soon turned to politics.

Early Political Career

Adams admired Thomas Jefferson and supported President George Washington. Washington appointed him to negotiate with the Netherlands, and his father later made him minister to Prussia. When Thomas Jefferson became president, Adams was recalled to the U.S. He practiced law, served in the Massachusetts State Senate, and later the U.S. Senate, but grew tired of partisan politics and became a professor at Harvard.

Diplomat and Monroe Doctrine

President James Monroe appointed Adams ambassador to Russia. He later negotiated the Treaty of Ghent, ending the War of 1812. As Monroe’s Secretary of State, Adams created the Monroe Doctrine, warning European nations against colonizing in the Americas. This policy marked a major step in U.S. foreign relations during the Era of Good Feeling.

John Quincy Adams as Secretary of State

Presidency and the Corrupt Bargain

In 1824, Adams won the presidency after a disputed election against Andrew Jackson. Congress chose Adams after an alleged “corrupt bargain” with Henry Clay, angering Jackson’s supporters. As president, Adams faced opposition from Jackson’s allies, limiting his legislative success. He did oversee industrial growth and helped reduce the national debt.

Later Life and Abolitionist Work

Defeated by Jackson in 1828, Adams returned to Massachusetts. He served in the House of Representatives, where he became a strong voice against slavery. John Quincy Adams died in 1848, remembered as a skilled diplomat, president, and tireless abolitionist.

Discussion Questions

1. How did John Quincy Adams’ early experiences in Europe shape his political career?
2. Why was the Monroe Doctrine important for the United States?
3. What was the “corrupt bargain,” and why was it controversial?
4. How did Adams continue to serve the country after his presidency?

Glossary

• Partisan politics – Political activity strongly influenced by party loyalty rather than public interest.
• Minister – An official representative of a government in another country.
• Treaty of Ghent – The 1814 agreement that ended the War of 1812 between the U.S. and Britain.
• Monroe Doctrine – A U.S. foreign policy warning Europe not to colonize in the Americas.
• Abolitionist – A person who works to end slavery.

Most Famous Quote

"Duty is ours; results are God's."

Five Interesting Facts

1. Adams graduated from Harvard in just two years.
2. He was the son of President John Adams.
3. He spoke multiple languages fluently.
4. He was the first president to be photographed while in office.
5. He served in public office until his death.

Timeline

• 1767 – Born in Braintree, Massachusetts.
• 1778–1785 – Travels and studies in Europe.
• 1787 – Graduates from Harvard.
• 1814 – Helps negotiate Treaty of Ghent.
• 1824 – Elected sixth U.S. president.
• 1828 – Defeated by Andrew Jackson.
• 1831–1848 – Serves in the U.S. House of Representatives.
• 1848 – Dies in Washington, D.C.