If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more 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