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Speech

First Annual Message to Congress (State of the Union)

President John Adams transmitted his first annual message to Congress, reviewing the state of the union and urging measures to protect American commerce and strengthen naval defenses in response to French seizures of U.S. shipping.

First Annual Message to Congress (State of the Union)

The message set the administration's policy priorities—especially naval expansion and preparedness—which helped lead to the buildup that precipitated the undeclared Quasi‑War with France.

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