The presidency of John Adams serves as a prime illustration of how external circumstances can significantly influence a leader's actions and decisions. Joseph J. Ellis, in his book "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation," posits that history and inherited conditions often dictate the limitations and frameworks within which presidents operate. Rather than presidents defining the course of history on their own, they are often products of their environments, facing challenges that shape their leadership style.

Adams encountered numerous obstacles during his presidency, including political division and international conflicts, which necessitated careful navigation. This suggests that his decisions were constrained by the historical context of his time. Ellis’s assertion emphasizes the notion that understanding a president's effectiveness requires examining the broader historical landscape they are a part of, rather than viewing their presidency as an isolated endeavor.