A vivid portrait of a man whose pre- and post-presidential careers overshadowed his presidency

In the years before his presidency Adams was a shrewd and influential diplomat and later, as Secretary of State under President James Monroe, he solidified many aspects of American foreign policy, including the Monroe Doctrine. He also negotiated the Transcontinental Treaty, through which Spain acknowledged Florida to be part of the United States. After leaving office, he earned the nickname "Old Man Eloquent" for his passionate anti-slavery speeches.