Compare And Contrast Benjamin Franklin And Adams

Franklin and Adams, two iconic American patriots, two very different men. Both men were chosen as diplomats to represent America in its attempt to gain a much needed alliance with France. Ultimately, they proved successful, but each used a different style of diplomacy, and one was far more Affective than the other.

By the time, Benjamin Franklin, went to France on his mission of diplomacy, he was already an international celebrity. He was well known, “mostly for his scientific work, publishing and his charismatic personality, a favorite among French women.” His charismatic nature made him well liked among the French and great diplomat. Before, Adams, arrived Franklin had already made great strides with the French, “about a week before

Adams left America Franklin had already signed a pact with the French.” By the time Adams even arrived much of the work had already been done, and thanks to Benjamin Franklin, the treaty with France was secure.
Franklin establishing relations with the French before Johns arrive may have been the best thing to happen for America. As Benjamin Franklin said in the clip, “a good diplomat Mr. Adams, observes much and speaks softly.” This does not describe John Adams. Adams was, in fact, described by many as very unlikeable. To make matters worse, John Adams, could not speak French. This was exceptionally exasperating, because at the time French was the international language as diplomacy. John, was also not a man to kneel, that is to say, he was not a butt kisser. He knew America needed France to have any chance to win the war but was not willing to pander to French aristocrats to obtain it. At times Adams was even insulting of the French, especially when it came to his naval request. The French thought Adams over stepped his bounds in his requests.
In truth John Adams was probably a terrible diplomat. This is likely why Franklin was named Minister to France. Adams was rude, ungrateful, and demanding of an ally that was instrumental in America obtaining independence. Franklin was his exact opposite in this. He was charismatic, kind, and unrelentingly grateful to the French. Eventually though, the men established treaty with France and won the war of independency. Maybe, John, wasn’t just an unlikeable highhanded blow hard, but instead, He and Franklin were playing the best came of bad cop, good cop, ever.