Chapter 9: John Quincy Adams

The Virginia string is interrupted in 1825 by a second Massachusetts man, JQ Adams, son of the former president, and groomed from birth to devote his life to public service. He wins the controversial 1828 election over Andrew Jackson with help from House Speaker, Henry Clay. JQA avoids war with Napoleon’s France, but is unable to gain support for his many infrastructure projects. Two years after leaving the White House, he will return to Congress and become a heroic voice speaking out against slavery before dying in 1848.