An exceptional description of an important extraordinary figure
Much of historical analysis of the role of Adams has been on his perception as a man or monarchy without regard to the conditions of the time and adherence to the expectations of the New Nation. Ellis (2000) refers to him and his contemporaries as having been engulfed in ideological and personality differences. This is a case of speaking out for the purposes of hearing on self speak with no consideration for evidence.
Ellis used anecdotes to delineate his character which is very misinformed. My take on him is biased towards his new recognition as is evident in most recent writings. If only more historians wrote with the same highly readable prose and vivid history supported with evidence as McCullough (2008) then many more people would have studied history at school. His description of this great man uses much of Adams and his wife’s letters as support evidence only and is incorporated into the text in a natural way by the author. Many historical happenings contributed to by Adams are explained in interesting detail, such as the negotiations with the European powers during the United States’ struggle for independence. All these virtues must be exalted in good proportions.
John Adams has often been blamed for various things beyond his control. He was a creative writer and essayist whose wife, family, and friends also wrote a great deal. It must be noted however that even the most successful people look to their personal lives for their real satisfaction. The hearts desire to explore deep relationships with remarkable people is far more rewarding than knowing lots of people or having lots of power. It should also be noted that serious mistakes and antagonisms will dog even the most successful person, so you have to take yourself with a feeling of confidence and ability that Adams portrayed.
Most historians’ perceptions of John Adams may have been limited to his role in defending the British soldiers after the Boston Massacre. Prior to this, it is recorded his encouragement of a break with Britain, his ambassadorships, and the passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts during his presidency; his contributions to the Massachusetts constitution and the bicameral legislation, negotiation of the peace treaty, opposition of the Stamp Act, opinions on tax and jury, introduction of parliamentary authority and contributions to declaration of independence among others.
This gives a perception of a man who saw his best days before 1776 and never again. While representing the soldiers, as a lawyer, Adams was reacting to a call of duty. He hesitated but later considered representing them; a legal course that he wasn’t paid for well.
John Adams also had a talent for making tough decisions. This was evident when he urged George Washington to become commander-in-chief, his advocacy for the Revolution, selecting Thomas Jefferson to draft the Declaration of Independence, his steadfastness in finding allies in Europe regardless of protocol, his focus on obtaining a sea power, and his attempts to avoid war with France while president.
All these traits negate any parochial beliefs that the man could have been backtracking on his record of fighting for independence of the US. On the other hand, his actions were misinterpreted. He believed so ardently in his dreams that he often upset people by the vigor of his pursuit of them. From those great actions, people saw secrecy, views in favor of authority and monarchy. This was not the case. The man had purity of his intentions.
His life also will inform an historical understanding of the US since his leadership suffered communications and travels delays more than any other American of his day. Political decisions were made out of limited and out-of-date information. So the man on the spot had to use his best judgment. This he did quite well for his era. Adams and his wife Abigail were among the very most talented of their age, were put under pressure by public life and politics, and reasserted themselves with leisure and retirement. Some consider this sensation and not sagacity. However, this indicated his pure conformity to social norms, a virtue exalted in the contemporary statesmanship.
However, one criticism that I hold for him was his assent to the Federalists passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts, which clearly could have destroyed our civil liberties. This was not proper for a man who had fought for liberty.
Works cited
McCullough, D. (2008) John Adams. NY: Pulitzer.
Ellis, J. J. (2000). The Revolutionary Generation. New York: Knopf, Inc.
Landis, M. (2003). Abuses of Presidential Ratings. N Y: Nova Science Publishers.