John Quincy Adams and American Global Empire

John Quincy Adams, celebrated as a pivotal figure in American diplomacy, played a crucial role in negotiating the Transcontinental Treaty of 1819, which secured Florida and established a western boundary to the Pacific. William Weeks delves into the complex negotiations with Spain, highlighting Adams's diplomatic skills amidst domestic and international challenges. The treaty not only facilitated commercial access to the Orient but also set the stage for the Monroe Doctrine. Despite his achievements, Adams grappled with moral dilemmas and the implications of power, ultimately recognizing the tensions between virtue and authority in governance.