John Adams' Approach: War Or Diplomacy?

John Adams was a Founding Father of the United States, serving as the country's second president from 1797 to 1801. Before his presidency, Adams played a leading role in the American Revolution, which led to independence from Great Britain. During the Revolutionary War, Adams served as a senior diplomat in Europe, and his strong diplomatic stance was a key aspect of his presidency. However, Adams also faced calls for war during his time in office, particularly in relation to ongoing issues with France. So, did John Adams fight with war or diplomacy?

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John Adams' diplomatic missions in Europe

John Adams was a Founding Father of the United States and served as a diplomat in France, the Netherlands, and Great Britain between 1778 and 1788.

In 1778, during the Revolutionary War, Adams sailed to France to join Benjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee on a three-man commission to negotiate an alliance with France. However, Franklin had already signed a pact before Adams' arrival, and Adams' role was reduced to that of a tie-breaker in commission business. Adams' independent and unbending temperament was not ideal for diplomacy, and he grew hostile towards Franklin, who was idolized in France.

Adams' second stay in France was also disastrous. He wrote to the French Foreign Minister, Vergennes, that France was not doing enough to win the war, which led to Vergennes severing communication. Adams' colleagues in France and in Congress took France's side, and Congress revoked his commission to negotiate a peace treaty alone. Despite this, Adams travelled to the Netherlands to seek a loan, which the Dutch were hesitant to provide as they did not want to jeopardize their relations with the British. However, after the American victory at Yorktown, Virginia, and Adams' tireless efforts, the Dutch agreed to provide a $2 million loan.

In 1782, Adams returned to Paris to negotiate the peace treaty that would end the Revolutionary War, reuniting with Benjamin Franklin and John Jay. The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, officially recognizing the United States in the eyes of the world.

Adams was then appointed as the United States' first minister to Great Britain, a role in which he was ineffective due to his independent and outspoken nature. He was unable to achieve the opening of British ports to American ships or the removal of British troops from American soil.

As President from 1797 to 1801, Adams continued to face challenges due to the French Revolution and its impact on relations with France. He sought to avoid war and demonstrate American resolve, eventually signing the Treaty of Mortefontaine with Napoleon Bonaparte, which ended the Quasi-War and released the United States from its alliance with France.

Adams' role in the Revolutionary War

John Adams played a significant role in the Revolutionary War, both as a diplomat and through his writings.

During the war, Adams served as a diplomat in France, the Netherlands, and Great Britain between 1778 and 1788. In 1778, he sailed to France to negotiate an alliance with Benjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee. However, Franklin had already signed a pact, and Adams' independent temperament created tension with his colleagues. Despite this setback, Adams persevered in his diplomatic efforts. He travelled to the Netherlands, where he successfully secured a $2 million loan for the American cause, demonstrating his tenacity and skill in international negotiations.

Adams also played a crucial role in negotiating the Treaty of Paris, which officially ended the Revolutionary War. He returned to Paris in 1782, joining Benjamin Franklin and John Jay as delegates. Adams and Jay refused to negotiate until England recognized American independence, and their united front ultimately led to the signing of the treaty on September 3, 1783, marking the official birth of the United States.

In addition to his diplomatic endeavours, Adams made significant contributions through his writings. He anonymously published a series of letters in the Boston Gazette, warning readers about the dangers of British Parliament's actions and encouraging them to prepare for war. Adams also corresponded with his wife, Abigail, during the war, offering assurances that setbacks did not mean the end of the fight for independence.

Adams' influence during this period was significant, and he is often regarded as one of the most learned and penetrating thinkers of his generation. His dedication to the cause of liberty and the construction of a republican government in America is well-recognized.

Adams' stance on the French Revolution

John Adams was an American Founding Father and diplomat who served as the minister to the Kingdom of France and the Dutch Republic, and then as the first minister to the Court of St James's (Great Britain). Adams's presidency was dominated by issues arising from the French Revolution.

Initially, the French Revolution was popular with virtually all Americans. However, after the execution of the King and Queen (Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette), attempts at de-Christianization, the execution of numerous foes of the Revolution, and the move towards social leveling, the Revolution began to arouse concerns among conservatives in the United States. Adams, who had observed the French Revolution while living in France and Great Britain, realized its potential for terror and anarchy. He believed that war would be disastrous and sought a peaceful solution, but also wanted to demonstrate American resolve. He urged a military buildup, which brought France to the bargaining table, and sent another diplomatic commission to Paris. This resulted in the Treaty of Mortefontaine, which ended the Quasi-War and released the United States from its Revolutionary War alliance with France. Adams considered this honorable peace to be the great jewel in his crown after nearly twenty-five years of public service.

Adams's stance on the French Revolution was complex. On the one hand, he sought peace and wanted to avoid war. He even negotiated a commercial treaty with France and urged the negotiation of a similar treaty with Britain. On the other hand, he also urged a military buildup and took a hardline stance against the Revolution's excesses. He believed that men could never be governed but by force and that the French Revolution's move towards social leveling would end in disaster.

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Adams' response to the Quasi-War crisis

John Adams' presidency was marked by issues stemming from the French Revolution. Initially, the revolution was popular with Americans, but as the French monarchy was overthrown and the country descended into anarchy, conservative Americans became concerned. Adams, who had witnessed the revolution while living in France and Britain, was wary of the potential for terror and anarchy.

Adams then asked Congress to appropriate funds for defensive measures, including augmenting the Navy, improving coastal defences, creating a provisional army, and authorising the President to summon up to 80,000 militiamen to active duty. Congress passed the Alien and Sedition Acts to curb dissent, created the Navy Department, organised the Marine Corps, and cancelled the treaties of alliance and commerce with France.

During the fall of 1798 and the winter of 1799, Adams received intelligence indicating a French willingness to talk. He announced his intention to send another diplomatic commission to France, and by the time the commissioners reached Paris, Napoleon Bonaparte had become the head of the French government. After several weeks of negotiation, the American envoys and Napoleon signed the Treaty of Mortefontaine, which ended the Quasi-War and released the United States from its Revolutionary War alliance with France.

Adams considered the honourable peace he had arranged to be the great jewel in his crown after nearly twenty-five years of public service.

Adams' involvement in the Treaty of Paris

John Adams served as a diplomat in France, the Netherlands, and Great Britain between 1778 and 1788. In 1778, during the Revolutionary War, Adams sailed to France to join Benjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee on a three-man commission to negotiate an alliance with France. However, Franklin had already signed a pact before Adams' arrival, and Adams was recalled to America without being assigned a new post.

Adams returned to France in 1780 and wrote to the French Foreign Minister, Vergennes, that France was not doing enough to win the war. This alienated his French colleagues and led to severed communications with Vergennes. Despite this setback, Adams travelled to the Netherlands, where he successfully secured a $2 million loan for America.

In 1782, Adams returned to Paris to negotiate the peace treaty that would end the Revolutionary War. He worked alongside Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, and they refused to negotiate until England recognized American independence. On September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed, officially recognizing the United States as an independent nation. Adams' signature can be found on the treaty alongside those of Benjamin Franklin and John Jay.

Adams played a crucial role in securing the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War and established the United States' independence. Despite his independent temperament, which sometimes led to alienation, Adams' diplomatic efforts contributed significantly to this important treaty.

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