Essentially, the American President is responsible for the USA’s foreign policy. Regarding domestic policy, the President coordinates all internal affairs issues with Congress and the states. Still, as for foreign policy, the Constitution gives the President broader powers: the President can command the armed forces and conclude agreements of the alliance. In general, a good president pursues a foreign policy that meets the national interests of their country. In this essay, the author describes and compares two presidents, George Washington, and John Adams, whose foreign policy is still considered significant in USA history.
Bibliographies and core policies contrast
Notably, George Washington is seen as one of the United States’ founders. George Washington is the first popularly elected President of the United States of America (1789-1797), Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, a participant in the War of Independence, and the founder of the American institution of the presidency (George Washington – The Founding Father). Meanwhile, John Adams is an American politician, a prominent figure in the US Revolutionary War, the first vice president, and the United States’ second president. John Adams served one term from 1797 to 1801 and was in the shadow of George Washington (Knowing the Presidents: John Adams). Nonetheless, John Adams is also considered one of the United States’ founding fathers.
In the field of foreign policy, Washington initially established the superiority of the executive over the legislature. Thus, the President advocated the non-intervention of the United States in the confrontation between the European powers, has proclaimed neutrality. From 1752 to 1758, he was in the British colonial militia, fought with the French and Indians, and rose to colonel (George Washington – The Founding Father). In 1775-1783, he participated in the American War of Independence (George Washington – The Founding Father). Consequently, George Washington was leading the Continental Army.
More favorable to politics was Washington’s attitude towards the Pinckney Treaty. In 1795, it formulated the boundaries between the United States and Spanish possessions and gave the Americans the right to freedom of navigation on the Mississippi (Treaty of San Lorenzo/Pinckney’s Treaty 1795). Thus, Washington managed to strengthen the position of the United States on the American continent and save the country from harmful interference in European affairs.
On the contrary, Adams’ presidency has been marked by crises and conflicts such as the XYZ affair, which is a diplomatic incident leading to an undeclared naval war between the US and French fleets, the enactment of aliens, incitement to mutiny laws, and confrontation with Jefferson supporters (Knowing the Presidents: John Adams). Therefore, Washington’s foreign policy has brought more significant benefits to state development.
Important to add that Washington was more prevalent among citizens than Adams. For instance, in 1789, Washington became the first popularly elected President in US history, receiving one hundred percent of the electoral vote (George Washington – The Founding Father). Notably, George Washington served two times, as in 1792, he was re-elected unanimously (George Washington – The Founding Father). In his post, he was involved in forming government bodies, consolidating the main provisions of the Constitution in practice. He advocated for the non-interference of the United States in European politics. Washington rejected running for a third term, laying the foundations of the constitutional custom, according to which the American President cannot serve more than two terms.
By comparison, John Adams also played a significant role in the USA founding and formation, political system creation, and gaining independence. John Adams was a follower of Republicanism; thus, he didn’t rely on public opinion, which resulted in being disliked by the majority of citizens (Knowing the Presidents: John Adams). However, he is regarded as the founding father of the American Navy (Knowing the Presidents: John Adams). Particularly, the core accomplishment is that John Adams avoided war with France during the severe international crisis.
Presidents’ speeches comparison
In order to compare and contrast George Washington and John Adams, it is necessary to analyze not only political practices but also presidents’ speeches. Significantly, George Washington and John Adams were not only the founders of the United States of America; they were men of principle and patriots. For instance, in the farewell address, George Washington highlighted his patriotism – “my feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep acknowledgment of that debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved country for the many honors it has conferred upon me” (George Washington’s Farewell Address 1796). Similarly, John Adams mentioned, “I have repeatedly laid myself under the most serious obligations to support the Constitution” (Inaugural Address of John Adams 1797). Both presidents illustrated their willingness to act for the sake of the United States.
In addition, Washington and Adams aimed at keeping neutrality regarding European wars. Thus, George Washington affirmed, “we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously respected” (George Washington’s Farewell Address 1796). Correspondingly, John Adams stated his opinion on relations with France – “to maintain that good understanding which from the commencement of the alliance had subsisted between the two nations and to efface unfavorable impressions” (Special Message to Congress on Relations with France 1797).
Essentially, both presidents supported the idea that the interests and desires of their fellow citizens were of high importance. George Washington promises “in the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free government” (George Washington’s Farewell Address 1796). In the same manner, John Adams relied “with entire confidence on the firm and enlightened support of the National Legislature and upon the virtue and patriotism of my fellow-citizens” (Special Message to Congress on Relations with France 1797).
To conclude, George Washington and John Adams were two of the most crucial American politicians. Important to summarize a few vital differences between politicians to demonstrate that Washington was a better president. First of all, George Washington was more appreciated as he served two terms compared to John Adams. Additionally, Washington protected the USA from disadvantageous interference in European affairs, while despite that Adams avoided the war, his presidency was full of conflicts and crises.
Works Cited
“George Washington – The Founding Father.” George Washington. Web.
“George Washington’s Farewell Address 1796.” George Washington. Web.
“Inaugural Address of John Adams 1797.” Yale Law School. Web.
“Knowing the Presidents: John Adams.” America’s Presidents. Web.
“Special Message to Congress on Relations with France 1797.” Historical Speeches. Web.
“Treaty of San Lorenzo/Pinckney Treaty 1795.” Office of the Historian. Web.