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2024-11-08 00:07:16

John Quincy Adams

American statesman and sixth US president
John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams
American statesman and sixth US president

John Quincy Adams was a diplomat, lawyer, and diarist who served as the sixth president of the United States. He was known for his diplomatic skills and his efforts against slavery and for women's rights.

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1767-07-11
Birth of John Quincy Adams

John Quincy Adams, the second child and eldest son of John and Abigail Adams, was born on July 11, 1767.

1775
Second Continental Congress

In 1775, the Second Continental Congress was convened in Philadelphia to continue debating the issue of independence from England's Colonial Government. John Quincy Adams' father, John Adams, participated in this Congress.

1778
John Quincy Adams Travels to France

Eleven-year-old John Quincy travelled with John Adams to France in 1778, where his father served as a diplomatic envoy. It took them six weeks on board of the Boston to cross the Atlantic.

1779
Enrollment in L’École des Mathématiques

In 1779, John Quincy Adams enrolled in L’École des Mathématiques, a private academy.

1780-02
Journey to Holland and Diary Keeping

In 1780, John Quincy traveled to Holland to attend Leyden University and began keeping a diary that became a vital record of his and his contemporaries' activities over the next 60 years of American history.

1781
John Quincy Adams accompanies Francis Dana to Russia

In 1781, John Quincy Adams accompanied Francis Dana to Russia as his private secretary and interpreter of French. This mission led Adams on two more journeys across Europe and provided him with the opportunity to pursue his studies of history, sciences, and languages.

1782
Appointment as U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands

In 1782, President George Washington appointed John Quincy Adams as the U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands, a position previously held by his father. He served in this role until 1797.

1783
John Quincy Adams serves as an additional secretary in the negotiation of the Treaty of Paris

In 1783, John Quincy Adams served as an additional secretary to the U.S. commissioners in the negotiation of the Treaty of Paris that concluded the American Revolutionary War.

1787
John Quincy Adams' Decision to Return to the United States

In 1787, John Quincy Adams expressed his discouragement at the prospect of returning to the United States to pursue further education and a career in law. He contemplated the idea of accompanying his father to London, but was determined to be independent and provide for himself in America.

1790
Earned Master of Art Degree from Harvard

John Quincy earned his Master of Art degree from Harvard.

1791
Admitted to the Bar and Started Law Practice

John Quincy was admitted to the bar and commenced practicing law in Boston.

1793
JQA's Articles Against Interference in France-Britain War

In 1793, John Quincy Adams wrote a series of articles under the name of Marcellus, exposing the lawlessness, injustice, and criminality of Americans wanting to side with Britain in order to make money by trade during the war between Britain and France. He argued that the United States had the imperious duty to maintain impartial and unequivocal neutrality.

1794
John Quincy Adams appointed as U.S. Minister Resident to the Netherlands

In 1794, John Quincy Adams was appointed as the U.S. Minister Resident to the Netherlands by President George Washington. This marked the beginning of his diplomatic career.

1796
Portrait of John Quincy Adams at 29

John Singleton Copley's oil on canvas portrait of John Quincy Adams at the age of 29 is housed in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

1797-07
Marriage to Louisa Catherine Johnson

On 26 July 1797, in London, John Quincy Adams married Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter of the U.S. consul.

1801-04-12
Birth of George Washington Adams

John Quincy Adams and Louisa Catherine Johnson had their first child, George Washington Adams, on April 12, 1801. He tragically died at the age of 28 from apparent suicide.

1802
Election to the United States Senate

John Quincy Adams was elected to the United States Senate in 1802 after serving as a lawyer and Minister to the Netherlands and Berlin Legation.

1803
Election to the U.S. Senate

In 1803, the Massachusetts General Court elected John Quincy Adams as a Federalist to the U.S. Senate.

1807-08-18
Birth of Charles Francis Adams

On August 18, 1807, John Quincy and Louisa Catherine had their third child, Charles Francis Adams.

1808
Resignation from the U.S. Senate

In 1808, John Quincy Adams resigned from his seat in the U.S. Senate and became a Democratic-Republican.

1809-04
John Quincy Joins Republican Party

In April 1809, John Quincy Adams joined the Republican party, marking a significant political shift and aligning with his father's rival.

1814-12-24
Signing of the Treaty of Ghent

The Treaty of Ghent was signed on December 24, 1814, marking the end of the War of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom. John Quincy Adams, as head of the American delegation, played a significant role in the negotiations, which resulted in the restoration of pre-war borders and the cessation of hostilities.

1815
Commercial Convention of 1815

John Quincy Adams concluded the Commercial Convention of 1815, which included a mutual import non-discrimination measure that would serve as a model for future trade agreements.

1816
John Quincy Adams at 49

The painting 'John Quincy Adams at 49' by Charles Robert Leslie depicts Adams at the age of 49. It is an oil on canvas portrait created in 1816, and it is housed in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC.

1817-03-05
John Quincy Adams appointed Secretary of State

John Quincy Adams was appointed as the Secretary of State by President James Monroe on March 5, 1817. He served in this position from September 22, 1817, until March 3, 1825. Adams was known for his unique training in diplomacy and became one of the most influential diplomats in U.S. history.

1817-09-22
Entry on Duty as Secretary of State

John Quincy Adams officially started his role as the Secretary of State on September 22, 1817.

1818
Convention of 1818

The Convention of 1818 set the boundary between the United States and western British North America at the Rocky Mountains and stipulated joint occupation of the Oregon Country.

1819
Adams-Onís Treaty

John Quincy Adams' successful diplomacy with Spain resulted in the Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819, leading to the acquisition of Florida and the U.S. assumption of Spain's claim to the Oregon Country.

1820
Adams' Belief on Slavery in Oregon Country

John Quincy Adams believed that slavery would not reach Oregon Country and that the coastal territory would benefit foreign trade.

1822
John Quincy Adams supports President Monroe's recognition of new republics

In 1822, John Quincy Adams supported President Monroe's recognition of several new republics, showing his diplomatic and political involvement in international affairs.

1823-12-02
Writing of the Monroe Doctrine

On December 2, 1823, as Secretary of State in the administration of James Monroe, John Quincy Adams wrote the Monroe Doctrine, which declared that the United States would not interfere in European affairs and existing colonies, but would oppose new military involvement in the Americas. This doctrine had a significant impact on American foreign policy.

1824-12-01
Electoral votes counted

On December 1, 1824, the electoral votes were counted, leading to the election of John Quincy Adams as the President of the United States.

1825-01-25
Alleged Bargain between Henry Clay and John Quincy Adams

The Columbian Observer publishes a letter alleging that Henry Clay reached a bargain with John Quincy Adams, described as 'one of the most disgraceful transactions that ever covered with infamy the republican ranks.'

1825-02-09
John Quincy Adams Elected President by the House of Representatives

John Quincy Adams wins the presidential election with 54% of the votes in the House of Representatives. The Senate majority is composed of Jackson & Crawford Republicans, while in the House, Adams Republicans are the largest party.

1825-02-10
President Elect's Response to Notification of Election

The President Elect, John Quincy Adams, expresses his desire for generous support from his fellow citizens, stating that if the Constitution allowed, he would submit to a second popular vote.

1825-03-03
Termination of Appointment as Secretary of State

John Quincy Adams' term as the Secretary of State ended on March 3, 1825.

1825-03-04
Inauguration of John Quincy Adams

John Quincy Adams was inaugurated as the 6th President of the United States, succeeding James Monroe.

1825-03-07
John Quincy Adams Inaugural Address

In his inaugural address, John Quincy Adams calls for unity and reconciliation among the individuals who have previously been divided by political party affiliations. He urges the nation to discard animosity, embrace each other as fellow countrymen, and place confidence in talent and virtue rather than party allegiance.

1825-07-07
Captain Porter Court-martialed

On July 7, 1825, Captain Porter was court-martialed during the presidency of John Quincy Adams.

1825-07-11
John Quincy Adams Facts

John Quincy Adams Facts is a collection of information about the life and achievements of John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States.

1825-10-26
Appointment of Henry Clay as Secretary of State

Henry Clay was appointed as the Secretary of State by President John Quincy Adams. This appointment was significant as it had implications for political support.

1825-12-06
John Quincy Adams Becomes President of the United States

John Quincy Adams assumed office as the 6th President of the United States on December 6, 1825, succeeding James Monroe. His presidency lasted until 1829.

1826-02-16
John Quincy Adams' Special Message to the Senate

John Quincy Adams provides confidential information about the 'congress at Panama' to the Senate and leaves the decision to make them public to the Senate.

1826-12-05
Second Annual State of the Union Message

John Quincy Adams delivered the Second Annual State of the Union Message.

1827-02-05
Addresses Congress on the rights of the Creek Indians

John Quincy Adams addressed Congress on the rights of the Creek Indians.

1827-03-17
Proclamation to close trading ports to the British

John Quincy Adams issued a proclamation to close trading ports to the British.

1827-03-19
Negotiating 'instructions' communicated to the Senate

Negotiating 'instructions' were communicated to the Senate on December 20, 1826.

1827-12-04
St. Petersburg Convention to the Ghent Treaty Proclaimed

In the 1827 State of the Union Message, the proclamation of the St. Petersburg Convention to the Ghent Treaty was noted. This event signified the official announcement of the transition from the St. Petersburg Convention to the Ghent Treaty.

1828-10-31
Presidential Election of 1828

Andrew Jackson of the Democrats defeated incumbent John Quincy Adams of the National Republicans in the presidential election, marking the last election before national party conventions. Jackson's victory with 68% of the electoral vote and 56% of the popular vote was significant, and the campaign was notable for the use of slogans and buttons, earning Jackson the nickname 'Old Hickory.'

1829-03-04
John Quincy Adams' Presidency Ends

John Quincy Adams' presidency ended on March 4, 1829, after serving as the 6th President of the United States from 1825 to 1829.

1830
John Quincy Adams elected to the U.S. House

Adams was elected to the U.S. House in 1830, where he continued his political career by fighting for the abolition of slavery. He played a significant role in advocating for human rights and social justice.

1832
John Quincy Adams's Antislavery Petitions in Congress

John Quincy Adams presented antislavery petitions in Congress, showing his opposition to slavery. This event marked a significant step in the fight against slavery in the United States.

1836
Fight Against the 'Gag Rule'

In 1836, southern Congressmen passed a 'gag rule' which automatically tabled petitions against slavery. John Quincy Adams tirelessly fought against this rule for eight years, ultimately succeeding in obtaining its repeal.

1841-01
John Quincy Adams Represents Amistad Captives

Former US President John Quincy Adams was enlisted by abolitionists to represent the Amistad captives' petition for freedom before the Supreme Court. Despite his reluctance due to feeling incompetent, Adams spoke for nine hours and successfully persuaded the majority of the Court to decide in favor of freeing the captives. The Court ordered the surviving captives to be returned to their home in Sierra Leone.

1841-03
John Quincy Adams defended the slaves of the ship Amistad before the Supreme Court

In February-March 1841, John Quincy Adams defended the slaves of the ship Amistad before the Supreme Court, contributing to a significant legal and human rights case.

1843
John Quincy Adams at home

The photograph 'John Quincy Adams at home' by A. S. Southworth and J. J. Hawes is based on a lost daguerreotype by Philip Haas, created around 1843. It is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

1845
Opposition to Annexation of Texas

John Quincy Adams opposed the annexation of Texas due to his disapproval of the expansion of slavery.

1846
Opposition to War with Mexico

John Quincy Adams opposed the war with Mexico, showing his disapproval of the expansion of the United States territory through military conflict.

1848-02-21
John Quincy Adams' final speech and death

On February 21, 1848, Adams was on the floor of the House of Representatives arguing for the government to honor U.S. Army officers who had served in the Mexican-American War. He suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and was taken to the Speaker's Room, where he died two days later.

1848-02-23
Died

John Quincy Adams passed away on February 23, 1848.

1915-05
Negotiation of Limited Trade Agreement with Britain

In May 1915, John Quincy Adams, with the aid of Clay and Gallatin, negotiated a limited trade agreement with Britain. Following the conclusion of the trade agreement, Adams dedicated much of his time as ambassador to assisting stranded American sailors and prisoners of war.

End of the Timeline
John Quincy Adams
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