1826 State of the Union Address

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1826 State of the Union Address
DateDecember 5, 1826 (1826-12-05)
VenueHouse Chamber, United States Capitol [1]
Location Washington, D.C.
Coordinates 38°53′23″N77°00′32″W / 38.88972°N 77.00889°W / 38.88972; -77.00889
Type State of the Union Address
Participants John Quincy Adams
John C. Calhoun
John W. Taylor
Previous 1825 State of the Union Address
Next 1827 State of the Union Address

The 1826 State of the Union Address was delivered by the 6th president of the United States, John Quincy Adams, on December 5, 1826, to the 19th United States Congress. Adams began by noting the prosperity and peace that the nation enjoyed, emphasizing the increase in population, wealth, and national resources. He expressed gratitude for the nation’s overall well-being, stating that “we continue to be highly favored in all the elements which contribute to individual comfort and national prosperity.” [2]

Adams highlighted several key foreign policy issues, including the United States' relationship with Russia following the death of Emperor Alexander I. He reassured Congress that the new Emperor, Nicholas I of Russia, maintained the same friendly relations toward the U.S. Adams also discussed trade relations with France, particularly improvements in the commerce and navigation agreement with France, while expressing disappointment in the lack of progress regarding compensation claims by U.S. citizens against the French government. [2]

One of the most critical topics Adams addressed was the ongoing trade dispute with Great Britain regarding the American colonies. He lamented the failure of negotiations over the commercial intercourse between the United States and British colonies, and explained that British colonial ports had been reopened under new conditions that did not align with U.S. interests. He recommended that Congress regulate or even restrict trade in response, while reaffirming a desire for amicable relations. [2]

Domestically, Adams discussed the national debt, reporting that $50 million of the debt had been reduced since 1817. He emphasized fiscal responsibility, advocating for vigilance in the management of revenue and public expenditures. Adams also noted the continued progress in infrastructure, including military fortifications, canals, and roads. He underscored the importance of internal improvements and the construction of roads and canals as essential for national growth and defense. [2]

Adams concluded with a reflection on the significance of the nation’s 50th anniversary of independence, particularly noting the deaths of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams on July 4, 1826. He praised their contributions to the nation and their legacies, highlighting the remarkable progress the United States had made since its founding. This celebration of American ideals and achievements was a fitting tribute to the country's continued evolution. [2]

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The 1817 State of the Union Address was delivered by the fifth President of the United States, James Monroe, on December 2, 1817. This was Monroe's first annual message to the Fifteenth United States Congress and reflected on the nation's prosperity following the War of 1812.

The 1820 State of the Union Address was delivered by the 5th president of the United States James Monroe to the 16th United States Congress on November 14, 1820.

The 1821 State of the Union Address was delivered by the 5th president of the United States James Monroe to the 17th United States Congress on December 3, 1821.

The 1822 State of the Union Address was delivered by the 5th president of the United States James Monroe to the 17th United States Congress on December 3, 1822.

The 1831 State of the Union Address was delivered by the 7th president of the United States, Andrew Jackson, on December 6, 1831, to the 22nd United States Congress. In his third annual message, Jackson highlighted the continued prosperity of the United States, focusing on agricultural success, growth in manufacturing, and advancements in internal improvements. He credited these developments to the nation's free institutions and stressed the importance of maintaining the Union.

The 1833 State of the Union Address was delivered by the 7th president of the United States, Andrew Jackson, on December 3, 1833, to the 23rd United States Congress. In this address, Jackson celebrated the nation's prosperity and expressed optimism about the continued peace and health of the country, as well as the flourishing of its commerce and industry.

The 1834 State of the Union Address was delivered by the 7th president of the United States, Andrew Jackson, to the 23rd United States Congress on December 1, 1834. Jackson highlighted the continued prosperity and peaceful conditions in the nation, praising the harvests and the flourishing commerce. He urged Congress to ensure that "virtue and enterprise" remained central to the country's development.

The 1835 State of the Union Address was delivered by the 7th president of the United States, Andrew Jackson, on December 8, 1835, to the 24th United States Congress. This was Jackson's seventh annual message, and he used it to reflect on both domestic successes and challenges as his presidency neared its conclusion. He emphasized the nation's growing prosperity, highlighting the "unexampled growth and prosperity" of the United States, and stressed the importance of unity to avoid the internal conflicts that had disrupted other nations.

The 1853 State of the Union Address was delivered by the 14th president of the United States, Franklin Pierce, to the 33rd United States Congress on December 5, 1853. This address marked Pierce's first annual message to Congress, emphasizing themes of national prosperity, international relations, and the importance of federal restraint in domestic policy. Pierce opened by celebrating the peace and prosperity the United States was experiencing, calling it "a time of remarkable progress" and "unusual blessings." He emphasized the importance of national integrity and suggested that the nation's success was sustained by the favor of Providence.

References

  1. "Joint Meetings, Joint Sessions, & Inaugurations | US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives". history.house.gov. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "John Quincy Adams - State of the Union Address -- 1826". The American Presidency Project. Retrieved 19 October 2024.