John Quincy Adams

John Quincy Adams Annika Bennion The sixth president of the United states, John Quincy Adams, was also a diplomat, a Senator, and member of the House of Representatives. Adams was the son of the second president, John Adams, and his wife, Abigail Adams. Instead of going to school, Adams was tutored by several teachers, most notably James Thax. He traveled with his father often, which brought him to France, Sweden, the Netherlands, Russia and other European countries. During his travels, Adams learned Greek, Latin, French, and Dutch. He later entered Harvard university and translated Aristotle, Horace, and Virgil. Adams finally earned his Bachelor's degree, and eventually his M.A. Adams was first recognized when he published a series of articles supporting Washington's decision to keep America out of the French Revolution. A few months after, George Washington invited Adams to be minister to the Netherlands. After some coaxing from his father, he accepted. When his father became president, he was appointed as minister of Prussia due to Washington's urging. As the minister, he signed the treaty of Amity and Commerce. Adams served the post for four years. In Adams first election, his main opponent was Andrew Jackson. Although Jackson escalated to more votes, due to certain circumstances, the decision was decided by the House of Representatives. The head of the House, however, disliked Jackson and favored Adams, and thus Adams was elected to office by the court. Adams had a successful term. He reduced national debt from $16 million to $5 million, established several canals, and expanded the Cumberland Road, the first road ever to be made into a highway. Adams signed the Monroe doctrine, which declared the U.S. would fight against any European country seeking to take the freedom of Latin American colonies. After his success, he became a representative in the House of Representatives. He was elected to this position