John Adams was a loyal subject of the British Monarch for forty years.

The American Colonies and the British Monarchs

From the time the first British explorers came to America, the relationship between the colonists and their King/Queen was strong, loyal, and even affectionate.

Britannia ruled the waves, and most Americans believed they were fortunate to be under the aegis of the finest and best country in the world. While the Spanish possessions in the western hemisphere were focused on gold, the British focused on commerce. The British provided the tools and the finest luxuries of European civilization. Expensive cloth, household goods, the accoutrements of a good life. And books. The colonies provided a wealth of raw materials: lumber, grain, farmed goods… and their great cash crop, tobacco.

From the time he was born until he was twenty-five, John Adams was a subject of George II. Most American colonists were happy with their King. The colonies were prosperous. It was a good relationship.

But George II died in 1760.

His grandson George III was only three years younger than John Adams. Although he was descended from the German Hanover princes like his grandfather and great-grandfather, he was born and raised in England – not Germany. He spoke English fluently – without an accent. He had an excellent modern education.

It boded well.

The First “World” War

England and France had been traditional enemies for centuries, long before muskets and cannons replaced swords and longbows. The wars were basically endless, punctuated by a truce that occasionally lasted for decades.

In the 1750s, the French, with a small population covering a huge area of North America, allied with several native tribes to fight the British settlers. Within a year or so, the hostilities had spread to several other venues throughout Europe, leading many historians to consider it the first “world war.” It lasted for seven years.

When the American segment of that war ended, huge tracts of land were ceded to the British. But it had been costly. They had sent soldiers and sailors. And horses, and arms, and provisions… Very costly.

They expected the American colonists to help pay for it. Various taxes were imposed on the colonials.

Taxation Without Representation

It is universally accepted that nobody likes paying taxes. Not then, not now.

For the better part of fifteen years, Great Britain imposed a plethora of taxes on its colonies – citing their reasons; the colonists protested, citing their opposition. Many of those taxes were rescinded or ameliorated – and reimposed in other ways.

But the nub of the argument centered on the fact that the American Colonies had absolutely no say in the matter. They had no representation in the British Parliament, and all requests to that end were rebuffed.

It rankled and festered. The cordial relationship was fraying.

Meanwhile John Adams

Attorney John Adams (1735-1826) was enjoying a growing legal practice and reputation under Royal government in Massachusetts. His future was promising, but he had become active in political circles and joined the Sons of Liberty – a group of likeminded citizens who protested the British refusal to permit American representation in Parliament. Named to a Committee of Correspondence, he exchanged political information with the other British colonies in North America, and became a strong advocate for American independence from Great Britain.

But when well-worded and respectful entreaties were sent to the Mother Country from its American dominions, they were rebuffed not only by Parliament, but by King George III himself, the road was implacably paved for complete independence.

Fast Forward A Decade

Once a war was fought and won and a treaty had been signed between the USA and GB, it opened the door to a United States Minister to Great Britain. It was a plum assignment, and the dearest secret wish of John Adams’ heart.

He had grown up under the monarchy, he had been loyal and respectful and grateful to be a part of their growing empire… With Adams already in place on the European continent, he was a logical choice of the American Congress.

The Adamses went to London.

The English Waltz

John Adams’ maiden speech to the King was diligently crafted, memorized, and heartfelt. He had labored over every word. “The appointment of a Minister from the United States to your Majesty’s Court, will form an Epocha in the History of England & of America. I think myself more fortunate than all my fellow Citizens in having the distinguished Honor to be the first to stand in your Majesty’s royal Presence in a diplomatic Character . . .”

He was gratified that the King responded in kind. Interestingly enough, John actually liked the King. George III had many personal qualities akin to Mr. Adams. He was methodical in his personal habits and not lazy. He made his own fire and even shaved himself, virtues agreeable to JA’s standards. He considered [the King] “the most accomplished courtier in the Dominions…”

But he was dismayed that the ever-courteous British politicians deluded themselves that Americans would quickly tire of their so-called independence, and clamor to reunite with their former Mother Country.

Abigail Adams was unimpressed by their Royal Majesties, however. She did not like Queen Charlotte at all. She considered her stiff, and the King stout, and someone who would look better if he didn’t drink so much. The royal family (and it was a large one) did not measure up to anything even remotely complimentary. And both Adamses were convinced that life was much better and happier in America. 

But despite the courtesy, nodding and smiling, JA soon realized nothing was being accomplished. The British ministry generally ignored him, the consensus being the United States would not survive.

They were wrong.

Sources:

Ellis, Joseph J. – Passionate Sage – W.W. Norton Co., 1993

Gelles, Edith B. – Abigail and John: Portrait of a Marriage – Wm. Morrow, 2009

McCullough, David – John Adams – Simon & Schuster, 2001

https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Adams-president-of-United-States

https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/eyewitness/html.php?section=19

https://www.hrp.org.uk/kew-palace/history-and-stories/george-iii/#gs.cjqmfb