There was a lack of general intelligence among the people--a want of an enlarged and enlightened understanding of the principles of rational freedom--which led him to apprehend that their attempts at self-government would for a long season, at least, result in the reign of faction and anarchy, rather than true republican principles.
The subsequent history of these countries--the divisions and contentions, the revolutions and counter-revolutions, which have rent them asunder, and deluged them in blood--clearly show that Mr.Adams but exercised a far-seeing intelligence in entertaining these doubts.

Nevertheless, as they had succeeded in throwing off the Spanish yoke, and had, in fact, achieved their independence, Mr.Adams would not throw any impediment in their way.

Trusting that his fears as to their ability for self-government might be groundless, he gave his influence to the recognizing of their independence by the United States.
In 1821 the Greek revolution broke out.

The people of that classic land, after enduring ages of the most brutal and humiliating oppression from the Turks, nobly resolved to break the chains of the Ottoman power, or perish in the attempt.

The war was long, and sanguinary, but finally resulted in the emancipation of Greece, and the establishment of its independence as a nation.
The inhabitants of the United States could not witness such a struggle with indifference.