(DOWNLOAD) "John Quincy Adams and American Conservatism (Conservative Minds Revisited)" by Modern Age # Book PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: John Quincy Adams and American Conservatism (Conservative Minds Revisited)
- Author : Modern Age
- Release Date : January 22, 2003
- Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines,Books,Professional & Technical,Education,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 197 KB
Description
IN THE CONSERVATIVE MIND, John Quincy Adams appears as a flawed, failed conservative. Though he "felt the pressing necessity for conservative principle in the conduct of American affairs," Adams "never quite discovered how to fix upon it." This is a serious judgment, given how much of Adams' life and attention was dedicated to conducting American affairs. As ambassador, senator, secretary of state, president, and, finally, congressman (not to mention as minister plenipotentiary for the Treaty of Ghent, and legal counsel in the Amistad case), Adams had considerable influence on American politics during the first half-century of the Constitution. Furthermore, Adams left behind many public addresses, private letters, and notes that not only declare the principles behind his actions, but also assert the principles of American national life. To Kirk, though, these only reveal his flawed conservatism: Although Kirk dissects Adams personally (he faults Adams for turning a rigorous honesty into stern self-righteousness), he focuses on two political causes taken up by Adams--nationalism and anti-slavery--to argue how "certain innovating beliefs" confused and weakened him as a conservative. As president, Adams proposed extensive internal improvements at federal expense, the sale of public land only sparingly and at premium prices, protective tariffs, federal support for scientific advancement, and a national university--all to promote a national republic.