Quick takeaways

• John Quincy Adams proposed visionary ideas and influenced American politics with his proposals for observatories, national infrastructure, and a national university.

• The Civil War and Reconstruction were pivotal eras in American history, marked by the war to save the Union and free the slaves, as well as the efforts to rebuild and secure liberty and justice for all Americans.

• John Quincy Adams's post-presidential career in the House of Representatives distinguished him as a prominent figure in American history, as he successfully brought the issue of slavery to the forefront of national debate and challenged the gag rule on discussing slavery.

Deep dives