Question

What was John Adams’ foreign policy?

Answer 1

John Adams, a Federalist and America's second president, conducted a foreign policy that was at once cautious, underrated, and paranoid. He sought to maintain Washington's neutral foreign policy stance, but increasingly found himself grappling with France in the so-called "Quasi War."

Years in Office: one term only, 1797-1801.

Foreign Policy Ranking: Good to Poor

Adams, who had significant diplomatic experience as US ambassador to England before the adoption of the Constitution, inherited bad blood with France when he took over the presidency from George Washington. His responses kept the United States out of full-blown war, but fatally hurt the Federalist party.