John Quincy Adams 1825 - 1829

Born: 1767, Quincy, MA
Died: 1848

Like his father, President John Adams, John Quincy Adams was steadfast in his principles. But he had a prickly personality that earned him few friends. The Harvard-trained lawyer served as a U.S. Senator and the nation's first Ambassador to Russia. He excelled as Monroe's Secretary of State, helping to formulate the Monroe Doctrine and negotiating the acquisition of Florida.

Adam's election to the Presidency was decided by the House of Representatives since neither he nor his political nemesis, Andrew Jackson, had won a majority (although Jackson received more electoral and popular votes). Jackson and his followers in Congress opposed Adams throughout his Presidency, criticizing him as a monarchist and blocking his efforts to create a National Bank and university, and to improve the nation's infrastructure. Adams did succeed in opening the Erie Canal and established the Smithsonian Institution, but he remained unpopular throughout his term and was soundly defeated in his re-election bid. Returning to Massachusetts, he was elected to Congress, where, for 17 years until he died, he opposed slavery and supported civil liberties.

Sixth President
Republican