John Quincy Adams - "A citizen of the United States"

July 11, 1767 – February 23, 1848

 

In this 50 minute program, Mr. Salicco, portrays elderly Congressman John Quincy Adams as he reminisces on a political life.  A privileged witness to the birth of our nation, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, John Quincy Adams’ influence has shaped America's destiny.   From the annexation of Florida to the Convention of 1818 allowing for joint occupation and settlement of the Oregon Country, (known to the British as the Columbia District of the Hudson's Bay Company) John Quincy Adams in 50 years of public service remains one of America’s greatest unsung heroes.  

 

This is the story of a life filled with privilege, fame and enormous successes, but also a story of depression, pain and defeat.  He had to contend with family alcoholism, suicide, and scandal.   Adams seemed to long for a contemplative scholarly life filled with art and literature, yet he pursued a career in the law, diplomacy and politics. The life of John Quincy Adams is a story of wisdom and folly, nobility and pettiness, courage and cunning, quarrel and consensus. The turmoil that surrounded so much of his life chronicles the heart of the American democracy. 

 

Biography is wonderful tool for education in American history.  It renders the past more human, more vivid, more intimate, more accessible and more connected to ourselves. Biography reminds us that the great personages of history are not super-beings. They are ordinary people, worrying about decisions, attending to wives and children, contending with the winds of fortune, and putting on their pants one leg at a time.  As Emerson stated, "There is properly no history; only biography."

 

 

This presentation is suitable for elementary through adult audiences.