"Wherever the standard of freedom and Independence has been or shall be unfurled, there will her [America's] heart... be. But she goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy. She is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all. She is the champion and vindicator only of her own."- John Quincy Adams 1821

Question

Which of the following options best describes the passage above?
John Quincy Adams was concerned about enemies or monsters abroad.
John Quincy Adams thinks the U.S. should nurture or support freedom abroad.
John Quincy Adams was calling for an American empire.
None of these answers describe the passage.

Answer 1

The option that best describes the passage above is:

None of these answers describe the passage.

In the passage, John Quincy Adams emphasizes that America should not seek to intervene or impose its will on other nations ("goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy") and is primarily focused on being a champion of its own freedom and independence rather than seeking to conquer or meddle in the affairs of others. Therefore, the passage does not support the idea of nurturing or supporting freedom abroad, nor does it advocate for an American empire.