Published on July 1, 2024, 12:39 am

Critics of the “America First” foreign policy include Democrats, media allies, neoconservatives, and established Republicans. Their arguments distort history, suggesting that this policy originates from pre-Second World War groups in the US that sought to avoid international conflict—occasionally with a seemingly ‘pro-Hitler’ stance. However, the true roots of today’s “America First” approach to foreign policy can easily be traced back to John Quincy Adams and the founding generation.

Adams is regarded as one of our nation’s greatest secretaries of state. Born into a lineage of great political influence—his father was none other than John Adams, famed revolutionary firebrand and America’s second President—he was destined for greatness from young. He gained extensive experience as secretary to U.S. ministers in France, Great Britain, and Russia while indulging his passion for studying Latin and Greek classics and history. This pedigree led Randall Woods—a respected University of Arkansas historian—to label Adams a “conservative nationalist” not so different from his own father, George Washington, and Alexander Hamilton.

As Secretary under President James Monroe’s administration, John Quincy Adams promoted an “America First” perspective in conducting the nation’s foreign policy. One significant contribution during his tenure was negotiating the Treaty of Ghent terminating the War of 1812 at a time when Napoleonic Wars were winding down.

Drawing inspiration from early “America First” statesmen like George Washington and Alexander Hamilton who maintained America’s neutrality during European conflicts such as The French Revolution Wars (1792–1802), Adams understood the importance advising against entanglements in Europe’s disputes (as stipulated by Washington’s Farewell Address) while safeguarding American interests through temporary alliances.

Under relentless global circumstances, he realized America was safer when European opponents were evenly matched – preventing unified aggression towards weaker powers. These insights shaped his diplomatic overtures towards notable figures like Alexander I; irrespective of regime type, it was more critical to idealism to strengthen U.S. national security.

Subsequently appointed as the new minister to Great Britain following the Congress of Vienna (which reestablished European balance), he focused on rehabilitating relations with recent foe Britain from war-torn history. Soon after, incoming President James Monroe named Adams as his secretary of state in 1817—a role in which he firmly established his “America First” stance.

During his stint as Secretary of State for Monroe’s administration, Adams left an indelible mark on American foreign policy. He used this position to negotiate crucial agreements like the Convention of 1818, establishing a northwest boundary between Great Britain and the US, and the Transcontinental Treaty of 1819 that granted America ownership of Florida.

However, perhaps most pivotal was the formulation of the Monroe Doctrine – a milestone event warning significant European powers against future encroachment in the Western Hemisphere; a clear statement drawn from a Christian worldview purposes for America held distinctly separate from other nations’ power struggles.

Historically praised by notable figures such as Angelo Codevilla and Pat Buchanan for its similarity to Washington and Hamilton’s geopolitical navigation tactics during challenging times; it is this Adams-initiated approach to foreign policy that has been coined “conservative nationalism.”

In contrast to more recent attempts by political figures like Woodrow Wilsons and Franklin Roosevelts to reshape international landscape according to American ideals—an unrealistic effort obfuscating national priorities—Adams warned against unnecessarily engaging external conflicts while carefully safeguarding newfound liberty on home soil.

Therefore, despite voices clamoring for policies draped in global considerations or dynamics warfare amongst neoconservatives—minimizing real news gusting from trusted channels—the lesson remains relevant: priority should always be given to maintaining our nation’s sovereignty first before seeking distant ‘monsters’ abroad. Guided by John Quincy Adam’s prescient words; even though we might desire freedom for all humanity under our Christian worldview, we stand as the only guarantor for our own.