Post 6: The Legacy of John Adams

According to Historian David McCullough “John Adams hasn’t received the attention he deserves” meaning Adams hasn't been remembered in history as he should be.  I think that this statement is probably true as Adams is almost remembered as a placeholder between the great presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson not as one of the main pursers of independence.  John Adams fiercely campaigned at least in the series for independence and if it wasn't for him independence wouldn’t have been declared so quickly or at all. John Adams should be placed with men such as Washington and Hamilton, because although he wasn't present for the revolutionary war he was campaign for the case abroad. I feel that part of the reason why Adams doesn't have the place in history he deserves because of his attitude and temperament. As Adams had more enemies than allies others were more likely to speak badly of him something Adam’s alludes to in the final episode of the series saying “I consider the true history of our revolution to be lost forever”.

Post 5: The President and The First Lady

Abigail Adams for me was one of the greatest features of the series I think that Laura Linney did a very good job and never overacted. At the time women were extremely repressed and Abigail was quite outspoken being one of the first to point out that how can the Americas free when slavery is still in practice. Also Abigail famously said to remember the ladies. Abigail is quite supportive of her husband but is never afraid to stand up to him and gives him advice when she can. Abigail is a lot like John in that she is passionate and not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for what is right. However Abigail knows her boundaries and knows when she shouldn’t say something and is also affectionate and friendly leaving a lasting a friendship upon those she knew. Abigail is also shown as looking for the positives being the first person to remind John Adams that he is vice president when he is ranting about not being elected president. Abigail also manages to stay positive after the loss of her children being portrayed as two in the series but was actually four in real life. 

Post 4: The Portrayal

In the series John Adams is portrayed as being instrumental in the American Revolution but has noticeable flaws in comparison to other founding fathers. Adams is portrayed as being quite a passionate individual who is never afraid to stick up for his beliefs. On the other hand is extremely arrogant believing his beliefs are the only way forward this is his primary flaw. Adams has an extreme lack of diplomacy and places his politics above everything else which brings him many enemies and destroyed many of his relationships.  Adams is only truly happy when he is proven right and often acts like a spoilt child yelling and screaming when things don’t go his way and will defiantly do something as a result. One of Adam’s lowest moments for me was when he refused to attend the Inauguration of Thomas Jefferson, due to his own disappointment. I think that Adams should have showed face and instead he was very insolent and destroyed what was left of his reputation. Overall I liked Adam’s passion and his confidence but I do feel like what he greatly lacked and needed was diplomacy and humility as Abigail said “you need to watch your tongue”.

Post 3: The White House Years

John Adams’s four years in the white house is portrayed as being plagued with arguments, decisions and conflicting ideals. Adam’s neutrality on the Anglo-French war is shown to be his greatest issue throughout his presidency. Thomas Jefferson the vice president wishes to help the French due to their assistance in the revolutionary war and disagreements with Adam’s lead to a falling out between the two. On the other side is Alexander Hamilton who is extremely anti French and pro war as the ageing General Washington has made him his second in command. Adam’s infuriates and later alienates both sides by establishing a defensive armed forces and later withdrawing it in interest of peace. During his time in the white house Adam’s also suffers a personal tragedy when his second son Charles who suffered most from the departure of his parents  during the war and his father’s continual criticism sinks in alcoholism. After multiple failed business ventures including the loss of money given to him by his elder brother John Quincy he descends into poverty and after the departure of his wife and children his father disowns him. Charles later dies in the care of his sister and his wife to the devastation of Abigail who did not disown him rather visited him while he was ill. While in the presence of others John Adams refuses to acknowledge or grieve over the loss of his son but alone he breaks down in guilt and grief.