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.