John Quincy Adams

Short-term defeat does not end long-term influence.

A new Library of America edition of John Quincy Adams’s writings demonstrates the enduring appeal—and real shortcomings—of his revolutionary conservatism.

We must stand by the principles of the open society, pluralism, freedom, and mutual toleration.

Historians may never speak of an “Age of Adams” to rival Andrew Jackson, but Randall Woods’s new biography reveals the sixth president’s greatness.

Since 1823, when the Monroe Doctrine was first introduced to the world, the US has regarded Cuba as key to its designs for Latin America.

The story of John Quincy Adams’ forgotten epic poem—and its most critical reader.

Adams, whose 250th birthday is today, did not end slavery but his battle against the House "Gag Rule" helped pave the way.

On the occasion of his 250th birthday, the making of our sixth president in his own words.

The sixth president, long derided as a hapless elitist, is suddenly relevant again 250 years after his birth.

Fred Kaplan's new book asks why it took Abraham Lincoln so long to embrace emancipation.

The idea that citizenship extends to everyone born on U.S. soil has precedents stretching back to the Founding.

Lewis and Clark's influence on a nascent American literature.

What William Grimes wanted John Quincy Adams to know about freedom on the 50th anniversary of the country’s founding.

The US president has twisted the 1823 doctrine to suit his quest for domination. It originally had a very different vision for the Americas.

A refresher on the original intent of John Quincy Adams's 1823 policy statement in the wake of the recent announcement of the "Trump Corollary."

Two stories from the 19th century about government records being falsified to foment distrust of nonwhite Americans.

John Quincy Adams challenges the idea of an expanding American frontier. 

The rejection that ended Morse's art career eventually led to the invention of the telegraph.

The political upheaval of 1824 changed America. The same could happen in 2024.

Over the course of U.S. history, presidential rematches have signaled momentous political upheavals.