During the late 18th and early 19th century, the United States wasn’t much like the United States today. It was in its earliest form, undergoing a transformation that is undoubtedly a superior nation of the present time. This change is not possible without the help of its forefathers, the early presidents of America. Among these great men are James Madison, the fourth president of the U. S. ; James Monroe, the fifth president of the U. S. ; and John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the U. S.
I agree that the American nationalists could really take pride in the achievements of Madison/Monroe/Adams. This is because of their recognizable contributions in the formation of the early government of the United States of America. They have brought in essential additions and modifications to the existing policies, laws and regulations of the nation, which has led to what America is now. Highlights and lowlights of the presidents During their reign, the American republic is only at the early stages of development.
The country is literally struggling on its own to find a good footing so that it may not fall. These presidents have guided the country along the way, and have relevantly proven to have done so. They may have some notable mistakes, but they surely have made an important mark on the country. The people can’t expect everything to go well, since it is still too early to expect much from them. But they really do deserve the recognition they are getting now from the citizens of the United States of America.
They have made an impact not only in molding the rules and regulations of the country, but also made the country’s face recognizable all over the world. James Madison, the fourth president of the United States of America is notable for his great contribution in the making of the United States Constitution. He is considered as the “Father of the Constitution” which has been implemented, modified and changed to further suit the American way of life ("Madison, James", 2006). It has also been the basis, the example of other constitutions of other countries, thus showing the world how strong the U. S. influence is.
He may have lacked the leadership qualities of other presidents; he was able to compensate this shortcoming by being able to produce an institution of lawmaking bodies all over the world, which is the American Constitution. This is because of his profound understanding of the government and of the country. James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States, was a notable person of great achievements in his time. He is accountable for his efficacy in foreign affairs.
He was able to make important territorial claims and additions wherein became the basis of the American policy which is national orientation and unity ("Monroe, James ", 2006). He was able to acquire Florida with both hostile and peaceful diplomatic means, proving his ability to deal with other people in order to attain something which is for the interest of the United States of America itself. Even though the country has been shrouded by war at that time, he was able to make both ends meet and still come out victorious in his political endeavors, which all prove worthy of the nation’s appreciation.
John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, was an advocate of freedom. He was the son of the U. S. ’s second president, John Adams. Even though John Quincy Adams’ reign was full of boisterous comments from his oppositions, this didn’t stop him to pursue a fruitful liberty for the people. He wanted the nation to feel that freedom has a more fruitful meaning, wherein he wanted a big change for the country’s infrastructure ("Adams, John Quincy", 2006).
He wanted the construction and improvements of highways, canals, and railways, and also improved education for the people. These may have been far too advanced for the time being, but he has proven to have big dreams for the United States of America. He wanted the people to feel the true meaning of freedom, the liberty that they have been fighting for in all the previous wars. Because of that, the people have a new perspective in democracy; John Quincy Adams may have been dreaming big things, but this big dream of his time has saw realization in the near future.
What he wished for before has been achieved in the present time, proving that he is worthy of being recognized as one of the forefathers of the United States of America, a title that he would never have gained if he didn’t dream big things for the nation. The achievements and the shortcomings of these American presidents prove to be a crucial point in the making of the American history. Their achievements became a guide or a pattern for other presidents as to how they will create the laws and regulations for the nation. These achievements became a guiding principle, a basis on how other presidents should address the needs of the people.
On the other hand, these presidents’ shortcomings were also relevant; they were also the basis on what things they shouldn’t do. This gave the other presidents more room for improvements; the mistakes of the few became a guide for correcting the actions of the successors. As time passes, the people learn more to appreciate what these presidents had done. Their efforts, which are seen as futile before were slowly being recognized, and appreciated by a greater many of the Americans. They deserve such appreciations because they have become precursors of various achievements of the present.
