John Quincy Adams

John Quincy Adams ( 1767-1848) was probably America's greatest diplomat
and one of our greatest defenders of civil liberties. His career in foreign affairs
reached its climax when as secretary of state under President Monroe he was
primarily responsible for formulating the policy known as the Monroe
Doctrine. In later years "Old Man Eloquent" served long and honorably in the
House of Representatives as a champion of free expression and a leader among
the antislavery members. Adams' term as sixth president of the United States
proved a bitter and frustrating interlude between these two careers. As his
first "state of the union" message makes clear, Adams espoused a vigorous
role for the federal government. But the objectives outlined here were not
palatable to his political enemies who controlled Congress. They succeeded
in blocking most of his initiatives and defeated him for reelection, installing
Andrew Jackson in his place.

The vision of a strong central government promoting technology, education,
and economic development persisted. The new Whig party that would come
into being after Adams left the White House reaffirmed it. But because of the
strong military and naval posture here advocated, the message may be read as
foreshadowing the aggressive foreign policy of the Jacksonian Democrats as
well as the domestic program of the Whigs.

Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives:

In taking a general survey of the concerns of our beloved country
with reference to subjects interesting to the common welfare, the first
sentiment which impresses itself upon the mind is of gratitude to the

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