A Hero's Farewell Essay
From 1775-1783, colonists battled for their freedom. Soldiers at war not only defied Britain, their foremost opponent, but fellow settlers …show more content…
("A Hero 's Farewell." 91; "Farewell" 74). John Adams, however, failed to remain faithful to Washington’s insight. Although a proficient president, is remembered for the lasting disgrace he brought upon his name. From 1797-1801, Adams grew uncertain and unsteady. Constantly second-guessing his judgment and wavering from his promises, he spent his presidency tarnishing his good name. Adams’ uncertainty ultimately led to the capture of more than three hundred United States ships over France’s resentment regarding “Jay’s Treaty” in the XYZ Affair. Soon after, Adams would join an alliance with Britain, who was responsible for the death of fifty thousand American soldiers a short fifteen years prior. Tensions rose throughout his four years as Adams, the Federalist President, resisted his Democratic Republican Vice President, Thomas Jefferson. Losing the election for a second term, Adams furiously left the polls, leaving the country in yet another party’s hands. ("John Adams.",