Presidential Biographies No. 6: John Quincy Adams

     Hello everybody and welcome back to another edition of Nations Made Fun! I'll be your host, Mr.Nations, your tour guide to this massive world we all call home! Today on Presidential Biographies, we'll be taking a look at the life of John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States of America. Well, what are we waiting for? Let's dive straight into it!

     John Quincy Adams was born in Braintree, Massachusetts and in 1767, he watched the Battle of Bunker Hill above his family farm. He is also known for the fact that he was the first president who was the son of a president.

     After graduating from Harvard College, he became a lawyer. At the age of 26, he was appointed Minister to the Netherlands, then promoted to the Berlin Legation. In 1802, he was elected to the United States Senate. Six years later, then-president Madison appointed him Minister to Russia. Serving under President Monroe, Adams was one of America's greatest secretaries, obtaining Florida, arranging the joint English-American occupation of the Oregon country.

     Upon becoming president, Adams appointed Henry Clay as Secretary of State. Andrew Jackson and his angry followers charged that a "corrupt bargain" had taken place and immediately began their campaign to usurp the presidency from Adams in 1828. Adams was well aware that he would face hostility in Congress, but nevertheless pressed on and proclaimed his first Annual Message, a spectacular national program.

     Admas was the one who proposed that the Federal Government bring the budding states together with a series of highways and canals and that it develop and conserve the public's land, and using funds from the sales of public lands. Admas also urged the U.S. to take a lead in the development of the arts and sciences through the establishment of a national university, the financing of scientific expeditions, and the erection of an observatory.

     After Adams was defeated by Andrew Jackson for the position of president, he spent the remained of his life on his farm, reading books. Adams's death happened in 1848 when he collapsed on the floor of the House of Representatives due to a stroke.

     Fun Facts: 

• Adams was an avid skinny-dipper. He often enjoyed skinny-dipping in the Potomac River.
• Adams enjoyed playing pool. He installed a billiards table in the White House shortly after becoming president.
• Admas was great at giving speeches but was apparently terrible at small talk.

     John Quincy Adams:

     

     Sources: https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/john-quincy-adams/

     https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/502637/9-fascinating-facts-about-john-quincy-adams