How Successful Was John Adams Dbq

The United State’s second President, John Adams, began his political career by helping in the Continental Congress representing Massachusetts. Adams was very contentious, which is not usually a valued trait, however, it made him very well equipped to handle foreign politics. His main goal though, was simply to “advance the cause of the United States.” Adams was responsible for, and successful at, persuading the Dutch to grant the U.S. diplomatic recognition. His first major role in American politics though came in 1789 when he became Vice President to Washington. Adams thrived in the role as Vice President because, although he was not very personable, he was a very effective politician. So having Adams as arbiter of the Senate meant that things got done. Having John

At this point in time however, France and Britain are enemies, so in retaliation, France started seizing American ships. Two months into his presidency, Adams called a special session of Congress to discuss what should be done about the French’s ongoing actions. Just like Washington did, Adams met with his advisors prior to meeting with Congress, to discuss their potential course of action, and then informed Congress of his plans to negotiate with France by sending three American diplomats over to France to negotiate. However, when the diplomat’s arrived in France, they were told that they would only be able to initiate negotiation with the French Foreign Minister in exchange for a bribe. The diplomat’s took this attempt at bribery offensively, and the diplomat’s left France before any formal negotiations took place. Adams forwarded the message that he had received from the diplomats, putting XYZ in place of the French diplomat’s name. This display of nationalism on behalf of the diplomats created a whirlwind of support in