George W. Adams is rated extremely high in most presidential polls due to his expansion of industry during the 1850's and his skillful handling of the slavery crisis despite his personal opposition to slavery. Adams believed that the integrity of the Union was more important than the disagreements of its individuals and is often known as the "Great Conciliator," and is regarded as the spiritual and political successor to Henry Clay, known as the "Great Compromiser." Adams also helped push federal regulation in the settlement of the West, was the first President with a liberal attitude toward Native Americans, and sought a closer relationship with foreign powers in the vein of his father, regarded as one of the country's greatest diplomats. He also served the second-longest of any president