Forgotten President: A Biography of John Adams

Author: Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: John Adams (1735–1826) was the second Vice President of the United States and later succeeded Washington to become the second President. Adams was always overshadowed by Washington and Jefferson. His impulsive and irritable personality made him seem unsuitable for the presidency, but in many ways—such as ability, experience, and prestige—he was Washington's successor. During Adams' presidency, in addition to maintaining neutrality and restoring peace, he established the Department of the Navy, solidifying its foundation and leaving behind a vast treasury. Although he was a member of the Northern Federalist Alliance, he worked to build a moderate party system. In the end, this proved to be Adams' greatest failure and a lesson of great significance that later leaders accepted. This book narrates the political career of this seemingly forgotten president.