The Presidency of John Adams

By Robbie Cha

Basic Facts

• John Adams was the second President of the United States of America

• Born in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1735• Died in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1826• Years in office: 1797-1801

Foreign Policy

When John Adams was sworn in as president, he inherited a major problem with France that Washington had created by siding with the British with the Jay’s treaty when the British and the French were at war. Angered, the French began seizing American ships in French Harbors and in order to avoid war, Adams sent officials to Paris to negotiate. This negotiation led to the XYZ affair.

XYZ Affair

When the American officials had reached Paris, they were met by secret agents sent by the French foreign minister. These agents were later identified as X, Y, and Z and they demanded a bribe of $250,000 and a loan to the Frech of $10 million before the officials were even allowed to see the foreign minister.

The Result

The officials refused to pay the bribe and returned to America. When they reached home, they were met with an outraged public that was calling for defiance against the French. Both sides fired on and seized each other’s ships. John Adams, wanting to keep the policy of neutraility, chose to form a treaty with the French in order to maintain peace at the convention of 1800, where the Treaty of Mortefontaine was signed.

John Adams was a federalist; in other words, he believed and supported the strong government the Constitution provided.

The Alien and sedition act gave the president more power and allowed him to silence Republican opposition. John Adams lost support because the act took away the freedom of speech.

Domestic Policy

End of Presidency

Because John Adams had decided to make peace with France, he lost the support of Alexander Hamilton, who forced a split in the Federalist party which both Hamilton and Adams were a part of. This split weakened Adams and as a result, Thomas Jefferson won the election.

Fun Facts

• Died when he was 90 years old• Both John Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams

were both president of the United States of America. Until 2000 when George W. Bush was elected, Adams and his son were the only father and son who both became president. This has only happened twice in the history of America

• He lost most of his teeth and spoke with a lisp• He was the first president to live in the white house

aka the executive mansion.

Question #1

What kind of central government does a Federalist support?

A – A strong central government B – A weak central government\C – No government

Question #2

What was the name of the affair where the French demanded money in order for the American officials to see the French foreign minister?

A – ABC Affair C – XYZ AffairB – Bribe Affair

Question #3

The Alien and Sedition Acts were designed to

A – Promote the freedom of speechB – Harass and suppress Republican

spokepersons C – Encourage Foreign immigration

Question #4

In the election of 1800,

A – The House of Representatives elected Thomas Jefferson.

B – John Adams received enthusiastic support from Alexander Hamilton.

C – John Adams became the third President of the United States.

Question #5

To which political party did John Adams belong?

A – DemocraticB – FederalistC – Republican

Answers

1. A2. C3. B4. A5. B