Founding Brothers

Adams argued they should call Washington either “His Majesty” or “His Highness.” Adams was subsequently mocked for this suggestion of monarchy, and this comment is likely what inspired Congress to silence him during proceedings. Though a small matter, this comment touched on the fear of monarchy that would later haunt Washington's second term. Cynics claims Adams planned to succeed Washington, declare himself king, and name his son John Quincy Adams as his heir. Adams's attempts to mitigate the damage were futile. He published a series of essays which argued that all governments were led by a “monarchical principal,” but the essays served as the first breach in his friendship with Jefferson, who intensely and somewhat publicly attacked this defense of strong centralized government.