From John Adams Policy to Elbridge Gerry Essay

Introduction

Struggles for equality and justice have a long history. One of the figures that made a significant contribution to the destruction of slavery as a social phenomenon was John Adams, the second American president. Before the Civil War, he was elected to the State Congress and participated in the development of the Declaration of Independence. He manifested himself as a conservative politician, and during his political career, he more than once came into conflict with the supporters of Thomas Jefferson, the famous American reformer of that era. Adams corresponded with his friend Elbridge Jerry, the American diplomat and the representative of the Democratic-Republican Party. One of such letters¹ will be the basis of the study aimed at analyzing historical events and significant facts of that time. Additional materials will be used as supplementary resources. It is supposed that the political position of Adams largely influenced the formation of American democracy and the development of the society as a whole.

Significant Events of the Time Described

Despite large-scale changes that took place in the political life of America since the signing of the document on the granting of freedoms, difficulties still existed. According to Locke and Wright², a few years after the revolution, thousands of farmers were in distress due to economic problems in the country. The government was unable to fully recover from the financial crisis caused by numerous conflicts. Therefore, various difficulties with the organization of the labor market and the distribution of resources were constantly manifested. As a consequence, it led to the uprising in Massachusetts, and the riots in the country were the typical feature of that era.

The country’s legislation has undergone significant changes. As Locke and Wright³ remark, the Constitution that was proposed for the introduction could influence the political structure of the country and change some orders, in particular, land law and the right to freedom. Adams showed great interest in achieving justice, as the politician wrote in his letter to Mr. Jerry. The US Constitution introduced the post of the elected president, established the presidential republic as the form of government, and consolidated the federal form of the country’s management. These essential changes led to the fact that the new order was established in the US, and the policy of strengthening domestic politics and economy was taken.

The financial system and ownership became important topics for discussion during the period under consideration. Locke and Wright⁴ note the position of Hamilton, the Secretary of the Treasury, who believed that the government played an essential role in the formation of commercial relations within the country. In his letter, Adams⁵ mentions the current political system as a mechanism that stops innovations and changes. Nevertheless, despite Adams’ criticism, the future president was not against amendments that could positively influence the way of life of the Americans. Establishing statehood and a normal rhythm of life was one of his main goals, and probably these ideas helped Mr. Adams to become the American president and deserve people’s recognition.

Position in the Letter

Even though Adams is sometimes considered to have been a conflicted politician, he made a significant contribution to the formation of the American democracy and became one of the first figures to proclaim freedom as an inalienable component of life. According to Locke and Wright⁶, initially, Adams was loved less than Washington, his predecessor. However, it did not stop the new president from establishing a new order in the country and maintaining contact with his opponents. Thomas Jefferson who opposed some new head of state’s methods was able to accept his position, and the two men corresponded regularly. It may indicate that Adams managed to gain credibility.

The target audience of the document under consideration was the people of America as the nation that deserved freedom and the possibility to develop normally after a series of uprisings and political turmoil. To earn the trust of the electorate and receive support, the future president was ready to go to great lengths and enlist the support of his allies to prevent further bloodshed. This fact proves that Adams did everything possible to make the US a new state that could be free of racial and other prejudices and ready for changes.

The letter⁷ sent to the diplomat Elbridge Jerry was important for that time and showed the interest of the political elite in taking urgent measures aimed at restoring order in the country. The new legislation and the formation of the previously unused state system invariably left a mark on the country. The task of the authorities was to achieve the fastest and at the same time effective system that would correspond to a civilized society. Adams’ position on the changes of that time proves that the politician had every reason to take part in the new program and do everything possible to make the system work for the benefit of the American people.

Bibliography

“From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 28 April 1785.”National Archives.2018. Web.

Locke, Joseph, and Ben Wright. The American Yawp: A Free and Online, Collaboratively Built American History Textbook. Edited by Tara Strauch, Marco Basile, Nathaniel C. Green, Brenden Kennedy, Spencer McBride, Andrea Nero, Julie Richter, Cara Rogers, Tara Strauch, Michael Harrison Taylor, Jordan Taylor, Kevin Wisniewski, and Ben Wright. Web.

Footnotes

1. “From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 28 April 1785.” National Archives, Web.
2. Joseph Locke and Ben Wright. The American Yawp: A Free and Online, Collaboratively Built American History Textbook, ed. by Tara Strauch et al., Web.
3. Joseph Locke and Ben Wright. The American Yawp: A Free and Online, Collaboratively Built American History Textbook, ed. by Tara Strauch et al., Web.
4. Ibid.
5. “From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 28 April 1785.” National Archives, Web.
6. Joseph Locke and Ben Wright. The American Yawp: A Free and Online, Collaboratively Built American History Textbook, ed. by Tara Strauch et al., Web.